Skip to main content
Epicurious

The Shrubarb Cocktail

5.0

(6)

Image may contain Drink Juice Beverage Soda Lipstick and Cosmetics
Photo by Chelsea Kyle

Creating a shrub—a vinegar-based syrup—is a quick way to add sweetness and acid to any cocktail. The one used here uses tangy rhubarb and gets a slight kick from fresh ginger. Want a non-alcoholic version? Just skip the gin.

Do ahead:

The ginger-rhubarb shrub can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The shrub makes enough for 12 cocktails.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 hour

  • Yield

    Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients

For the ginger-rhubarb shrub:

2 pounds rhubarb, cut into 1/4" pieces (about 6 cups)
1 (7-inch) piece ginger, unpeeled, cut into 1/4" coins (about 1/4 cup)
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/4 cups sugar

For each cocktail:

2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
Club soda (for serving)

Preparation

  1. For the ginger-rhubarb shrub:

    Step 1

    Combine rhubarb, ginger, vinegar, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until rhubarb is completely broken down and strands are visible, 10–15 minutes.

    Step 2

    Using a fine-mesh sieve or a colander lined with cheesecloth, strain mixture into a glass container. Let cool to room temperature, then chill.

  2. For each cocktail:

    Step 3

    Combine gin, lime juice, and 1 1/2 ounces reserved ginger-rhubarb shrub in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice and shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled Collins-style glass, filling three-quarters full. Top off with club soda.

TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesGinRhubarbFruitGingerHerbs & SpicesEasySimmer

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Kimchi Bloody Mary
The kimchi brine is the secret hero here; just a splash of it brightens the cocktail while deepening it with a little funky je ne sais quoi.
Violet Vodka Slushy
Crème de violette is an exuberantly floral violet liqueur that gives vibrant color to this fun frozen cocktail.
Sea Breeze
Gourmet’s version of this perfect summer drink mixes the ideal ratio of vodka with cranberry and grapefruit juices, right in the glass.
Paloma Slushy
Frozen into a slushy, the classic tequila and grapefruit cocktail becomes even more refreshing.
Hugo Spritz
With elderflower liqueur, mint, and prosecco, the effervescent Hugo spritz cocktail is a hit year round, but particularly on warm nights.
Spicy Mango Margarita
Blend frozen mango, blanco tequila, and lime juice into these cooling margaritas. A Tajín rim adds a spicy-salty kick.
Saketini
A short list of ingredients comes together in this elegant sake martini.
Wassail
Bring in the cheer with this ruby red drink made with apple brandy, hot cider, cranberry, and plenty of warm spice.