Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita, Easy Rhubarb Drink

Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita

A Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita is a vibrant twist on the classic margarita that delivers a balance of sweet, tart, and bubbly flavors. This cocktail features rhubarb, a unique ingredient that adds a tangy brightness, making it the perfect spring and summer drink. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening, the Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita is refreshing, eye-catching, and incredibly easy to make.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, their roles, how to make this cocktail from scratch, and expert tips for mastering it. You’ll also discover fun variations and customization ideas to suit your taste and style.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Rhubarb
Rhubarb is the star of this drink. Its tart flavor and vibrant pink color make it perfect for cocktails. Rhubarb pairs well with citrus and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Tequila
The base spirit in a margarita. Silver tequila (also known as blanco tequila) is preferred for its clean, crisp flavor that doesn’t overpower the rhubarb.

Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur
Triple sec adds a sweet, citrusy depth and enhances the tartness of the rhubarb. Alternatives include Cointreau or Grand Marnier, depending on your preference.

Fresh Lime Juice
Lime juice brings acidity and brightness to the margarita, essential for balancing the sweetness and making the drink feel refreshing.

Simple Syrup (Rhubarb or Plain)
Rhubarb simple syrup is ideal, but plain simple syrup also works. It sweetens the drink while blending smoothly with the other ingredients.

Sparkling Water or Club Soda
Adding bubbles turns a traditional margarita into a sparkling one. Sparkling water or club soda provides a refreshing fizz that lightens the cocktail.

Ice
Ice chills the drink and gives it a smooth, drinkable texture. Crushed ice is preferred for presentation, but cubed works just as well.

Salt or Sugar for Rim (Optional)
A salted rim is traditional for margaritas, but a sugar rim works well with the fruity rhubarb flavor. Choose according to your preference.

Fresh Rhubarb, Lime Wheels, or Mint (Optional Garnish)
Garnishes enhance the appearance and aroma of your cocktail. A rhubarb ribbon or lime wheel adds a touch of sophistication.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time (for syrup): 15 minutes
Assembly Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

For the Rhubarb Simple Syrup:

1 cup chopped fresh rhubarb (about 2 stalks)
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar

For the Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita:

3 oz silver tequila
2 oz triple sec or other orange liqueur
2 oz fresh lime juice
2 oz rhubarb simple syrup
Sparkling water or club soda, to top off
Ice
Lime wedges (for garnish)
Sugar or salt for rimming glass (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions with Expert Tips

Step 1: Make the Rhubarb Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine chopped rhubarb, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, until the rhubarb is soft and the syrup is pink.

Expert Tip: Stir occasionally and mash the rhubarb slightly with the back of a spoon to release more color and flavor.

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a glass container. Discard the solids and let the syrup cool completely.

Expert Tip: You can make the syrup ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Step 2: Prepare Your Glasses

If rimming the glasses, rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip the rim into sugar or salt, depending on your preference. Set the glasses aside.

Expert Tip: For a twist, use a mixture of sugar and lime zest to rim your glasses.

Step 3: Mix the Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and rhubarb syrup. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until chilled.

Expert Tip: Shaking is important to properly blend the ingredients and create a slightly frothy texture.

Step 4: Pour and Top with Sparkle

Fill your prepared glasses with fresh ice. Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses. Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda.

Expert Tip: Add the sparkling water last to preserve the bubbles and keep the drink light.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with a lime wheel, a rhubarb ribbon, or a sprig of mint for a colorful and fragrant touch. Serve immediately.

Presentation Tips

Use a clear glass to showcase the beautiful pink hue of the Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita.
Rim the glass with pink salt or colored sugar for an added visual element.
Add a reusable straw or decorative stirrer to match the drink’s vibrant look.
Serve with a small rhubarb stick or curled ribbon as garnish for extra flair.
Use chilled glasses to keep the drink cool longer and enhance the experience.

Creative Twists

Frozen Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita
Blend all the ingredients (except sparkling water) with crushed ice for a slushy version. Pour into a glass and top with sparkling water.

Spicy Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita
Muddle a few slices of jalapeño with the lime juice before adding the other ingredients for a spicy kick.

Rhubarb and Strawberry Margarita
Add 2–3 strawberries to the rhubarb syrup while cooking for a fruity combination that boosts the pink color and sweetness.

Herbal Infusion
Infuse your rhubarb syrup with basil, mint, or rosemary for a fresh herbal layer to the drink.

Mocktail Version
Skip the alcohol and increase the rhubarb syrup and sparkling water. Add a splash of orange juice for depth and a non-alcoholic celebration.

Pro Tip for Customization

The Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita is easy to adapt based on your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few tips:

Make it lighter: Use less tequila and more sparkling water for a lower-alcohol version.
Make it sweeter: Adjust the rhubarb syrup to your preferred level of sweetness.
Make it keto-friendly: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit to create a low-carb syrup.
Use flavored sparkling water: Try lime or berry-flavored sparkling water to complement the rhubarb.
Try mezcal instead of tequila: For a smoky twist, swap in mezcal to change the flavor profile dramatically.

FAQs

What does rhubarb taste like in a cocktail?
Rhubarb has a tart, tangy flavor that adds complexity to drinks. When sweetened and paired with citrus, it creates a balanced and refreshing taste.

Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch. Choose a brand with no added sugar or preservatives for the cleanest taste.

Can I make this drink in advance?
You can prepare the rhubarb syrup and mix the margarita base ahead of time. Add the sparkling water just before serving to keep the fizz fresh.

Is this drink gluten-free?
Yes, the Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita is naturally gluten-free if all your ingredients, including the tequila and triple sec, are certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have triple sec?
You can use another orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Even a splash of fresh orange juice can work in a pinch.

How can I make a large batch?
Multiply the ingredients by 4 or 6 and mix in a pitcher. Add sparkling water just before serving and stir gently to preserve the bubbles.

Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes, frozen rhubarb works well for the syrup. No need to thaw it first, but you may need to simmer it a few extra minutes.

What’s the best tequila for this drink?
Blanco or silver tequila is the best choice for its clean, bright taste. Avoid aged tequilas, which can overpower the delicate flavor of rhubarb.

How do I store leftover syrup?
Store rhubarb syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use it in cocktails, mocktails, or over desserts like ice cream and yogurt.

Is there a way to make it more tart?
If you like more tartness, increase the lime juice or reduce the amount of syrup slightly. Taste as you go to get the perfect balance.

The Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita is a playful, elegant drink that brings something unique to any gathering. With its bold color, vibrant flavor, and fizzy finish, it’s a delightful cocktail that’s simple to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a party or just to treat yourself, this recipe offers endless opportunities for creativity and customization.