Happy Fourth of July, all! Question…what are you bringing to your neighborhood barbecue or fireworks celebration? If you’re not sure yet, I have the answer. This refreshing, simple, and utterly unique summer cocktail is a crowd pleaser. I LOVE these for big social gatherings because everyone can enjoy them – and honestly, the non-alcoholic spritzer version is every bit as yummy as its ginned up cousin. Tart, sweet rhubarb-lemon simple syrup brings a flavor punch as well as visual payoff with its festive Nantucket red hue, while the sparkly club soda refreshes and hydrates. If you can’t find rhubarb, substitute raspberries for an equally beautiful and delicious simple syrup.

Rhubarb Gin Fizz
makes one
2 ounces Rhubarb Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
2 ounces gin (Leopold’s and Koval are personal favorites)
lemon slices
club soda or seltzer

Pour rhubarb simple syrup and gin into a glass measuring cup, squeeze in a splash of fresh lemon juice, then stir. Fill a rocks glass half way with ice. Pour gin mixture into glass and top with an ounce or two of club soda or seltzer. Garnish with a quartered lemon slice.

Lemon Rhubarb Spritzer
makes one
2 to 3 ounces Rhubarb Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
lemon slices
club soda or seltzer

Fill a rocks glass half-way with ice. Add rhubarb syrup, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice,  then top with club soda or seltzer. Add more syrup to taste, if needed. Garnish with a quartered lemon slice.

Rhubarb Simple Syrup
makes about 2 cups
4 cups (about five medium stalks) chopped rhubarb
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Zest and juice of a lemon

Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer until rhubarb softens and breaks down, 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool.

Place a fine sieve over a bowl and strain mixture. Discard solids or save for another use (the leftover rhubarb is delicious stirred into yogurt or served over ice cream). Cover and chill syrup in refrigerator until ready to use.

click here for a printer friendly PDF version of this recipe