Strawberry-Rhubarb Gin Fizz: A Sparkling Sensation

Looking for a cocktail that’s both refreshing and visually stunning? This Strawberry-Rhubarb Gin Fizz is the perfect choice for celebrations or simply a warm evening spent with loved ones. Its vibrant colors and delightful flavors are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Cocktail:

• 1 ½ cups of your favorite gin
• 1 ½ cups chilled strawberry-rhubarb syrup (ingredients and recipe below)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice (about the juice of half a large lemon)
• 1 bottle (750ml) chilled rosé sparkling wine – any kind will do, but rosé adds a beautiful hue
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
• Thin rhubarb stalks or small strawberries, for garnish

For the Strawberry-Rhubarb Syrup:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
• 2–3 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen), hulled and halved or quartered if large

Instructions:

Making the Strawberry-Rhubarb Syrup:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all the syrup ingredients. Stir well to help the sugar begin to dissolve in the water.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cook for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should become fragrant, and the berries and rhubarb will soften significantly.
4. Strain the finished syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar (preferably one with a lid). Gently press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Allow the syrup to cool completely, then seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator. This syrup will keep for about a week.

Mixing the Cocktail:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the gin, chilled strawberry-rhubarb syrup, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
2. Carefully pour in the chilled sparkling rosé wine. For the best results and to minimize excessive fizzing, tilt the pitcher slightly and pour the wine down the side.
3. Add the lemon slices to the pitcher and stir gently to combine the flavors.
4. Serve immediately while the cocktail is still bubbly and fresh.
5. Garnish each glass with a thin stalk of rhubarb or a halved small strawberry for an elegant touch.

Your Strawberry-Rhubarb Gin Fizz is ready to be enjoyed! Cheers!

Tip: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the gin with tonic water or elderflower cordial, and replace the sparkling wine with sparkling water or non-alcoholic champagne. It will still be a delightfully fruity and refreshing drink!