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Why I Love This Rhubarb Margarita
Growing up in Iowa, pretty much every farm I knew of had a patch of rhubarb. And most of these patches were never planted by the current resident. Instead, it was a previous generation that first cultivated the rhubarb, and it has been alive to this day.
This means I’ll typically have an abundance of rhubarb during the spring, and there are only so many ways you can enjoy this tart vegetable. If you know me, you know that I love a good spicy margarita, so there was no question that I’d develop my own rhubarb margarita, partly as a way to use up the excess produce, and partly as a way to enjoy a different flavor of margarita.
With a delicious sweetness from a rhubarb-infused simple syrup and some tartness from the rhubarb itself (and the tequila!), this spring-time drink can be made whenever rhubarb is in season, and the mood is right for a margarita!
Rhubarb Margarita Ingredients
The ingredients for this rhubarb margarita are pretty simple, and they’re all things that I have in my personal pantry (or bar cabinet) at all times!
- Rhubarb simple syrup is made by cooking together stalks of rhubarb with water, sugar, and citrus. Once it simmers and cooks down, the sugary syrup that’s left behind is so delicious and packed with the flavor of rhubarb. I’ve included the full recipe for making the simple syrup in the recipe card below.
- Tequila blanco is hands-down my favorite liquor of choice. There’s just something that’s so delicious about the flavor of tequila, and it’s mandatory in a margarita recipe. Lately, I’ve been on a kick for Lalo tequila for its clean, smooth flavor, which allows the flavor of the rhubarb to really shine.
- Orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec, adds a bit of citrus to the margarita.
- Fresh lime juice is a must in a margarita! Plus, it pairs well with the sweetness of the rhubarb simple syrup.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make a Rhubarb Margarita
The best part about a margarita is that they’re usually super simple to prepare. This one does require the preparation of the rhubarb simple syrup, but it’s also really easy to make.
Step 1: Prepare the simple syrup. In a saucepan, add the chopped rhubarb, water, lime peel, and orange peel. Let it come to a boil, then turn down to a simmer for 15 minutes. Add the sugar and let it dissolve. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare each margarita. In a shaker with ice, add some of the simple syrup, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Shake then pour over ice. Serve immediately.
Follow These Tips
Serving & Storage
To serve: Once prepared, the margarita should be served immediately. The ice will begin to melt, diluting the flavor of the drink. If desired, you can mix up the simple syrup, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice, and have it in a pitcher in the fridge for quick access. But leave the ice out so that it does not dilute the drink.
To store: The components of the margarita should be stored separately and should be combined only when ready to serve. The simple syrup should be placed in the refrigerator to be kept cold for 1 to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The simple syrup that’s prepared for this rhubarb margarita will make about 8 margaritas. If you only want to enjoy a few margaritas, you can store the rest of the syrup in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. You could also use the simple syrup to make a rhubarb lemonade, pour it into your favorite iced tea for a little extra zing, or use it to make a different rhubarb cocktail, such as a rhubarb gin and tonic or rhubarb old-fashioned.
Of course! I love a tequila blanco because of its clean, unaged flavor and color, but it’s all personal preference.
More Ways to Enjoy Rhubarb
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
Rhubarb Margarita
Ingredients
For the simple syrup (makes about 2 cups)
- 3 cups chopped rhubarb
- 2 cups water
- 2 4-inch slices orange peel
- 2 4-inch slices lime peel
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
For each margarita
- 2 oz rhubarb simple syrup (ingredients above)
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- ½ oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ice
To garnish
- 1 tbsp flaky salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- orange zest from 1 orange
Instructions
- For the rhubarb simple syrup: In a large saucepan, combine the rhubarb, orange peel, lime peel, and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the sugar and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat. Strain and decant into a jar. Store in the refrigerator.3 cups chopped rhubarb, 2 cups water, 2 4-inch slices orange peel, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 2 4-inch slices lime peel
- For each margarita: In a shaker filled with ice, combine the rhubarb simple syrup, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. If you'd like a salted rim, rub the edge of a glass with an orange wedge (or a bit of water), then dip it into a mixture of flaky salt, sugar, and orange zest. Strain the shaken liquid into a glass of ice and serve.2 oz rhubarb simple syrup (ingredients above), 2 oz tequila blanco, ½ oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau), ¾ oz fresh lime juice, ice, 1 tbsp flaky salt, orange zest from 1 orange, 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Dera Burreson
This has been an absolute HIT i. My house. I add a little cinnamon to the “sauce” and blend instead of straining. Whole new level! And I tried it as a lemon/lime drop and let me tell you, worth it!!! Thanks for the recipe share!
This recipe is SO ridiculously delicious! The simple syrup is very easy to make and can be used in others ways too. My mother-in-law shared this recipe a few weeks ago and I’ve made it multiple times since then and shared the recipe with others as well. 10/10, definitely recommend!
I’m really excited to try this… Curious How long does the rhubarb syrup last in the fridge?
I have made 3 batches of the simple syrup and everyone loves these margaritas. Question is do you have a recipe to use the drained rhubarb? Muffins, bread and such?
Delicious syrup! Margaritas were a hit! Kept the rhubarb after and put it on toast it was so good too! Love the citrus in it!
Any idea why tequila gives me a headache (I only drink one) ? I want to love it and have it love me back haha!
Bye, these are delish! I made a few last year but did get the headache. Was it worth it? Yes!
Hi! Love rhubarb and would love to know where you got your cocktail shaker from? You didn’t spill a drop!!
Hi Cathy! The cocktail shaker is by Rabbit and you can find it here on Amazon. I hope that helps!