Rhubarb Ginger Gin Rickey

A rhubarb gin rickey with lime garnish.

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.

rhubarb ginger simple syrup in a pitcher with a bottle of gin.

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.

Making Rhubarb Ginger Gin Rickey Recipe

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.

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Adding gin to the Rhubarb Ginger Gin Rickey Recipe

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.

Finishing the Rhubarb Ginger Gin Rickey Recipe with sparkling water.

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.

A rhubarb gin cocktail with a lime garnish.

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.

An overhead picture of the rhubarb cocktail.

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.

More spring cocktails to try:

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A gin rickey with rhubarb ginger simple syrup.
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5 from 7 votes

Rhubarb Ginger Gin Rickey

A twist on the classic this gin cocktail is tart with a note of ginger and gorgeous blush color. Sip on this all Spring and Summer!
Author: Lisa Lotts
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword cocktail, gin, ginger, key lime, rhubarb
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1

INGREDIENTS:

For Each Cocktail:

Garnishes (optional):

  • stalk rhubarb
  • slice lime
  • slice ginger

DIRECTIONS:

  • Fill a cocktail glass with ice. Add the rhubarb ginger simple syrup, gin, lime juice and sparkling water.  Stir to combine and gild with desired garnishes.

NUTRITION:

Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 35mg | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin C: 8.5mg | Iron: 2mg

“Pin It” For Later!

This rosy Rhubarb Ginger Gin Rickey Recipe is a classic gin drink with a twist. A flavored simple syrup adds color and zip to this summer gin cocktail. #classicgindrinks #gin #rhubarb #ginger #cocktails #summercocktails #pinkcocktails #ginrickeyrecipe #summergincocktails #summergindrinks #pastelcocktails #gingercocktails #rhubarbcocktails #beautifulcocktails #alcoholicdrinks #summerdrinks #homemadesimplesyrup #simplesyrup #lime #sparklingwater

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8 Comments

  1. I have lots of rhubarb in my garden. I made some strawberry rhubarb jam, ginger blue berry rhubarb pie. I’ll definitely give this ginger rhubarb drink a try. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

  2. Tara @ Unsophisticook says:

    5 stars
    The rhubarb gives this cocktail such a gorgeous pale pink color!

  3. 5 stars
    Great drink to relax after a busy work day. I like that you added rhubarb syrup. I think it works great in cocktails.

  4. 5 stars
    It looks very refreshing and I love the vibrant color!

  5. 5 stars
    Woohoo! I have everything I need to make this beauty…even the rhubarb 🙂 I’m putting this on the list to make this weekend, Lisa. Yumm! Just pinned and can’t wait. Thanks for the great idea!