Rhubarb Gin Spritz

Jul 10, 2026 | Beverages, Recipes

A rhubarb gin spritz cocktail sits on a wood board in front of a window. A summery scene of trees and a lake can be seen through the window. The drink is surrounded by bouquets of wildflowers. A red gingham tablecloth is seen in the background.
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Rhubarb Gin Spritz is a delicious way to make the most of fresh rhubarb while it’s in season.  Bright, tart, and beautifully refreshing, it combines homemade rhubarb syrup with crisp gin, fresh lemon, sparkling wine and plenty of ice for an easy cocktail recipe that’s perfect for warm afternoons and summer entertaining.  Light enough for an aperitif yet special enough to serve at a celebration, this seasonal gin cocktail is as beautiful to look at as it is to drink – and one you’ll find yourself making throughout rhubarb season.

Four Rhubarb Gin Spritz cocktails are being made on a white marble bar. A blue bottle of gin is seen in the background, along with a jar of ruby red rhubarb syrup.

Are you hosting this summer and looking for an easy cocktail that is both refreshing, stunning and a little unexpected?  While the Aperol Spritz and the Hugo Spritz have become go-to summer cocktails, those two types of spritz are only the beginning of what is possible when you mix prosecco or sparkling wine with liqueurs, fruit flavours, citrus and lots of ice.  Spritz cocktails are endlessly adaptable, and seasonal ingredients like fresh rhubarb bring a vibrant new twist to this classic style of drink.  Light, bubbly, and served over plenty of ice, this Rhubarb Gin Spritz is perfect for entertaining, and is just as at home on a city patio, as it is at dockside happy hours, backyard barbecues, brunch with friends, garden parties, or slow summer evenings spent outdoors.

What goes in a Rhubarb Gin Spritz?

 

This Rhubarb Gin Spritz comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, each one adding to its bright, refreshing flavour and beautiful blush-pink colour.

 

  • Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb is one of the first signs that warmer days have arrived.  Look for firm, crisp stalks at farmers’ markets, local farm stands, and good grocery stores from late spring though early summer.  The brighter the colour of the stalks, the more striking the colour of your rhubarb syrup and cocktail.
  • Granulated Sugar:  The first step in this recipe is making a rhubarb syrup, which involves nothing more than simmering fresh rhubarb with sugar and water until the rhubarb releases both its delicious flavour and gorgeous colour.  Rhubarb is notoriously tart, so sugar lends necessary sweetness and creates the perfect sweet-tart, sour candy, flavour.
  • Gin: The crisp, botanical character of gin makes it a perfect match for rhubarb, with bright juniper and citrus notes adding balance and depth to the sweet-tart flavour of the rhubarb syrup.
  • Lemon Juice:  Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness to this cocktail, perfectly balancing the sweetness and complimenting the citrus flavours of the gin.
  • Prosecco or Sparkling Wine:  Prosecco is the traditional sparkling wine used in many classic spritz cocktails, a refreshing style of drink that originated in Italy.  Its crisp bubbles and light, fruity character make it a natural choice for a Rhubarb Gin Spritz, adding brightness and balance to the tart flavour of the rhubarb.  If Prosecco isn’t available, any dry sparkling white wine can be used in its place to create a light, bubbly cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather sipping.
  • Candied Rhubarb Ribbons for Garnish (optional): A garnish of candied rhubbarb ribbons is completely optional, but it adds a stunning finishing touch to this Rhubarb Gin Spritz.  Delicate, colourful, delicious and suprisingly simple to make, these sweet-tart ribbons look impressive draped over the glass and are an easy way to elevate your cocktail presentation.
A cocktail glass is seen from above, filled with an ice cold pink drink and garnished lavishly with candied rhubarb ribbons. The glass sits on a wood board, surrounded by flowers. A red gingham tablecloth completes the image.

Serving suggestion iconSERVING SUGGESTIONS

A Rhubarb Gin Spritz is a wonderfully versatile cocktail that fits beautifully into any occasion, from a relaxed aperitivo to a leisurely brunch.  For an Italian-inspired aperitivo, serve it alongside light, savoury bites such as marinated olives, cheese, cured meats, crostini, bruschetta, or a lovely charcuterie board.  The cocktail’s bright, tart rhubarb flavour and crisp bubbles pair especially well with salty and creamy flavours.  For brunch, this seasonal gin cocktail is a refreshing alternative to a mimosa and pairs beautifully with dishes like smoked salmon, soft cheeses, fresh fruit, pastries, quiche or a spring vegetable frittata.  I’ve been enjoying this drink as an ice-cold summer sipper at The Lakehouse, but I will definitly be adding it to my Easter brunch menu next spring!  Whether enjoyed before a meal or alongside one, a Rhubarb Gin Spritz brings a fresh, elegant touch to any gathering.

A large stemmed glass is filled with an ice-cold, blush pink, Rhubarb Gin Spritz cocktail. The drink rests on a wood railing, overlooking a sparkling lake.
A rhubarb gin spritz cocktail sits on a wood board in front of a window. A summery scene of trees and a lake can be seen through the window. The drink is surrounded by bouquets of wildflowers. A red gingham tablecloth is seen in the background.

Rhubarb Gin Spritz

Style and Grace
Sarah Gallienne
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine European, North American
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

Rhubarb Syrup

  • 4 cups chopped rhubarb
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups water

Rhubarb Gin Spritz

Instructions
 

Rhubarb Syrup

  • Add the chopped rhubarb, sugar and water to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, or until the rhubarb is very soft and jam-like. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing down on the rhubarb to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids or save for another use.
    Make ahead: Store the rhubarb syrup in a jar with a tight fitting lid for up to 5 days.

Rhubarb Gin Spritz

  • Fill a large glass with ice. Add 1 oz rhubarb syrup, 1 oz gin and 1/2 oz lemon juice. Top with 3-4 oz of prosecco and stir gently. Garnish with candied rhubarb ribbons, if using. Serve immediately.
Secret Link