Rhubarb Infused Syrup: 1 Amazing Flavor Boost

July 29, 2025

Rhubarb Infused Syrup has a way of bringing me right back to my childhood summers. I remember my grandma’s garden, bursting with vibrant red rhubarb stalks, and the sweet, tangy aroma that filled her kitchen when she made her signature homemade rhubarb syrup. It was the taste of sunshine and pure joy in a glass. This natural rhubarb syrup captures that same bright, delightful essence. If you’ve ever wondered how to make rhubarb infused syrup that’s both beautiful and delicious, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Infused Syrup

This rhubarb syrup is a game-changer for so many reasons:

It boasts a wonderfully bright and tangy flavor that screams spring.
You can whip up this easy rhubarb syrup in under an hour.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the natural goodness of rhubarb.
Making your own is incredibly budget-friendly compared to store-bought options.
It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it family-friendly.
Elevate your drinks with this perfect rhubarb syrup for cocktails.
Add a unique twist to your desserts with this rhubarb syrup for baking.
It’s a versatile ingredient with countless rhubarb syrup uses.

Ingredients for Rhubarb Infused Syrup

Gathering your ingredients for this vibrant rhubarb syrup is simple, and it all starts with fresh produce. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful rhubarb sugar syrup:

3 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped – This is the star, providing that signature tartness.
2 cups water – The base for extracting the rhubarb flavor.
1½ cups granulated sugar – Balances the tartness and creates a lovely syrup consistency. You can adjust this slightly for a sweeter or tarter rhubarb syrup.
1 strip lemon peel (optional) – Adds a subtle citrus brightness that complements the rhubarb.
1 cinnamon stick (optional) – For a hint of warm spice, especially nice for a spiced rhubarb syrup.
1 sprig fresh mint (optional) – Offers a refreshing finish, perfect for a lighter, more summery syrup.

How to Make Rhubarb Infused Syrup

Making this easy rhubarb syrup is a straightforward process that yields a beautiful, flavorful syrup. It’s closer to a rhubarb cordial recipe than you might think, with simple steps that bring out the best in the rhubarb.

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped and 2 cups water. This is where the magic begins, releasing that gorgeous ruby color.
Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rhubarb has completely broken down and looks soft and mushy. The aroma will be wonderfully tangy.
Step 3: Prepare a large bowl by placing a fine-mesh strainer over it. Carefully pour the cooked rhubarb and liquid mixture through the strainer. Resist the urge to press down on the solids; letting it drip naturally will give you a clearer, cleaner syrup.
Step 4: Return the strained liquid back into the saucepan. Add 1½ cups granulated sugar. Bring this new mixture to a boil again, stirring occasionally until all the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 5: Let it boil for about 5 minutes. This step helps to thicken the syrup slightly and ensures the sugar is fully incorporated, creating that perfect smooth texture for your rhubarb sugar syrup.
Step 6: Remove the saucepan from the heat. This is the time to add any optional flavorings like a strip of lemon peel, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of mint.
Step 7: Let these flavorings steep in the syrup for 10 to 30 minutes. The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavor will be. Taste a little to check for your desired strength.
Step 8: Once the flavor is just right, remove and discard the flavorings. Allow the syrup to cool completely. This gradual cooling helps to meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 9: Pour your finished rhubarb cordial recipe into a clean glass jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for immediate use or freeze it for longer storage. Enjoy your homemade rhubarb syrup!

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Pro Tips for the Best Rhubarb Infused Syrup

Want to make the absolute best rhubarb syrup? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make a difference. Follow these tips for a truly outstanding rhubarb infused syrup:

For the clearest syrup, avoid pressing the solids when straining. Let gravity do the work!
Don’t be afraid to adjust the sugar. You can achieve your perfect sweet rhubarb syrup by tasting as you go.
To make the best rhubarb syrup, consider freezing the rhubarb first; this can help break down the cell walls and release more flavor.
Taste your flavorings before adding them to the syrup; this ensures you’re adding quality ingredients to your batch.

What’s the secret to perfect Rhubarb Infused Syrup?

The secret to perfect rhubarb infused syrup lies in not pressing the fruit when straining. This technique ensures a beautifully clear, pure rhubarb simple syrup, allowing the natural rosy hue and tart flavor to shine through without any cloudiness. For more tips on achieving perfect consistency, check out these recipe tips.

Can I make Rhubarb Infused Syrup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead recipe. You can prepare the syrup days or even weeks in advance and store it properly. It’s perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have this delicious rhubarb syrup on hand whenever inspiration strikes for a cocktail or dessert. Many of our other recipes, like our Indian Butter Chicken, are also great for making ahead.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Rhubarb Infused Syrup?

The most common pitfall is pressing the rhubarb solids, which makes the syrup cloudy. Another mistake is adding too much sugar initially; it’s better to start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste. Also, make sure your optional flavorings aren’t overpowering the delicate rhubarb flavor. For more insights into cooking techniques, you might find resources on how to cook rhubarb helpful.

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Best Ways to Serve Rhubarb Infused Syrup

This versatile rhubarb infused syrup has so many wonderful rhubarb syrup uses, it’s hard to pick just a few! I love drizzling it over my morning yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of tangy sweetness. It’s also incredible as a glaze for roasted pork or chicken, adding a unique fruity depth. For a truly special treat, use it in your favorite cocktails or mocktails, like a refreshing rhubarb spritzer or a classic gin fizz. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or pound cake for a simple yet elegant dessert. If you enjoy unique flavor pairings, you might also like our Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry.

Rhubarb Infused Syrup Nutrition Facts

Let’s take a look at the nutritional breakdown for this delightful rhubarb infused syrup. When you make this homemade rhubarb syrup, you’re adding bright flavor without a lot of extra calories. Remember, these values are for a standard serving size, making it a great choice for adding a natural rhubarb syrup touch to your recipes.

Serving Size: 1 oz
Calories: 50 kcal
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and the exact amount of sugar you choose for your rhubarb sugar syrup.

How to Store and Reheat Rhubarb Infused Syrup

Once your delicious rhubarb infused syrup has cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing it properly. I always let mine cool down to room temperature on the counter before transferring it. For the best results and to maintain that lovely sweet rhubarb syrup quality, pour it into clean glass jars or airtight bottles. This helps preserve its freshness and prevents any unwanted flavors from being absorbed. In the refrigerator, this homemade rhubarb syrup will keep well for about 1 week. If you want to enjoy it for longer, freezing is your best bet! You can freeze it for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or even in ice cube trays for convenient, pre-portioned amounts. To reheat, simply thaw frozen syrup in the refrigerator overnight or gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. For more storage tips, you can refer to our about me page for general food handling advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhubarb Infused Syrup

What is rhubarb infused syrup?

Rhubarb infused syrup is essentially a liquid sweetener made by simmering rhubarb with water and sugar, then straining out the solids. It captures the unique tart, slightly fruity flavor of rhubarb in a concentrated form. Think of it as a natural sweetener with a vibrant taste.

Why use rhubarb syrup?

You’ll want to use rhubarb syrup because it adds a beautiful color and a delightful tangy-sweet flavor to almost anything! It’s fantastic in cocktails, mocktails, drizzled over pancakes, or even used in baking to give desserts a special twist. It’s a simple way to elevate everyday treats. For more ideas on elevating dishes, explore our recipes section.

Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you don’t have fresh rhubarb, frozen rhubarb works just as well for making this syrup. You might need to simmer it for a few extra minutes to break it down completely. The flavor will be just as delicious.

How long does rhubarb infused syrup last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade rhubarb syrup should last for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option, keeping it good for up to three months. It’s a great way to preserve that fresh rhubarb flavor.

Variations of Rhubarb Infused Syrup You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic rhubarb infused syrup, you’ll want to experiment with different flavors and methods. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch:

Rhubarb and Ginger Infused Syrup: Add a few slices of fresh ginger along with the rhubarb in Step 1. This creates a delightful warmth and a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the tart rhubarb.
Spiced Rhubarb Syrup Recipe: Enhance the basic syrup by adding a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a star anise pod during the steeping phase (Step 7). This turns it into a comforting spiced rhubarb syrup, perfect for fall baking or warm drinks.
Lower Sugar Rhubarb Syrup: If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the granulated sugar to 1 cup. You can also explore natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, though these may alter the color and flavor profile slightly.
Rhubarb Extract Syrup: For a more concentrated flavor, you can reduce the water by half and simmer longer to achieve a thicker, more potent rhubarb extract syrup. Use this sparingly as it’s quite intense.