Put a twist on your summer gin cocktails with this lively Rhubarb Ginger Gin Rickey recipe. It’s a classic gin drink that’s amped up with a rosy simple syrup for a pastel cocktail that’s refreshing and beautiful.

 

Here’s something delightfully different. A blushing summer sipper that hits all parts of the tongue. My  rhubarb ginger gin rickey recipe.  If you like classic gin drinks like gin and tonics, Tom Collins and gin martini, you’ll really appreciate this summer gin cocktail. It’s icy, refreshing and a bit tart like most gin rickey recipes are, but the flavored simple syrup adds a tingly ginger note that’s irresistible and if pastel cocktails are your thing, this one fits the bill.

 

 

You would think that a cocktail that starts with a flavored simple syrup might be overly sweet or cloying. Not so here. The rhubarb ginger simple syrup is a 1:2 ratio of sugar to water and it’s steeped with tart rhubarb and a piece of ginger — which adds a zingy spice and gorgeous pink hue.

 

 

The original gin rickey was invented during the late 1800’s (pre air-conditioning) during an especially miserable heat wave in in Washington D.C.  The icy, refreshing blend of gin, simple syrup (sometimes), lime, sparkling water and ice was a tart  refreshing reprieve to the sweltering temperatures and humidity.

 

 

My riff on a classic gin rickey recipe is the flavored simple syrup. This one is ideal for two reasons – appearance and taste.  This rhubarb ginger simple syrup adds a dreamy pastel hue making this summer gin drink feel fun and festive.  The ginger portion of that syrup adds a subtle tingly heat that’s only apparent at the end of a sip. It’s not in your face, but it’s noticeable and welcome — like finding $20 in the back pocket of a pair of  jeans you haven’t worn for 6 months.

 

 

Mix all the ingredients in an ice-laden glass and top with sparkling water.  We usually have some La Croix in our drink fridge, so that’s what I’ve used here, but Pellegrino, Perrier or simple club soda would work just fine too. Give the cocktail a quick stir and garnish (or don’t) with a wedge of lime, slice of ginger or stalk of rhubarb.

 

 

After you try this rhubarb ginger gin rickey recipe, you’re going to want to share it with others… You’re going to want the “oohs and aahs,” the accolade and appreciation for putting this summer gin cocktail on everyone’s radar.

 

 

Therefore, I suggest making this the “signature cocktail” for your next al fresco affair or dinner party is a great way to keep things simple. Here’s how:

Creating A Signature Cocktail Station:

1. Multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you need and make a notation of how many ounces you’ll need of each. I recommend  one of those handy ounce, teaspoon, tablespoon, milliliter measuring cups to keep it simple and accurate.
2. Pre-mix the simple syrup, alcohol and juice in a large pitcher and refrigerate several hours
3. Set up the bar station with the pre-mixed pitcher of gin rickey, an ice bucket and tongs, glasses, cocktail napkins and garnishes as well as a few bottles of sparkling water or club soda to finish off this summer gin drink.
4. Offer your guests a libation as they arrive and show them the bar so they can help themselves later.

You’ll love the ease and simplicity and your guests will appreciate this refreshing and unexpected chiller.

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