At Saskatoon’s POP Wine Bar, rhubarb season arrives in cocktail form with this tart, citrusy margarita finished with a pink salt rim.
Executive chef and owner Christie Peters says Saskatchewan-grown rhubarb is perfect in a margarita because of its tart, mineral-forward flavour. Her team harvests and preserves as much of the perennial as they can to keep this colourful cocktail on the menu year-round.
Rhubarb Margarita
Equipment
- Juicer
- blender
Ingredients
Rhubarb Juice
- 6-8 stems rhubarb washed and chopped into 1-in (2.5-cm) pieces
Rhubarb Syrup
- Rhubarb pulp
- Water
- Sugar
Cocktail
- Himalayan pink salt
- ½ oz Espolòn Tequila Reposado
- ¾ oz Rhubarb Juice
- ¾ oz Rhubarb Syrup
- ¼ oz fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Rhubarb twirl for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Rhubarb Juice:
- Using juicer or blender, juice rhubarb. Strain liquid and reserve pulp.
Rhubarb Syrup:
- Weigh rhubarb pulp in pot and add equal part water and double the amount of sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to avoid burning. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes. Let cool and strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Press with a spoon to get all the liquid out.
Cocktail:
- Half-rim a rocks glass with Himalayan pink salt.
- In cocktail shaker, add Espolòn Tequila Reposado, Rhubarb Juice, Rhubarb Syrup and lime juice. Shake well. Strain liquid into prepared glass and top with ice. Garnish with rhubarb twirl (if desired).
FAQs
What does rhubarb taste like in cocktails?
Rhubarb adds a tart, slightly fruity flavour that pairs beautifully with tequila and citrus.
Where can you buy fresh rhubarb?
Fresh rhubarb is typically available in spring at farmers’ markets, grocery stores and specialty produce shops across Canada. It’s in season from late spring to early summer.
Can you buy rhubarb year-round?
Fresh rhubarb is seasonal, but frozen rhubarb is often available year-round in grocery stores.
Can I make rhubarb syrup ahead of time?
Yes, homemade rhubarb syrup can be refrigerated for up to one week.
What tequila is best for margaritas?
Reposado tequila adds warmth and depth, but blanco tequila also works well.
Rhubarb season is short – make the most of it with our best rhubarb recipes, from crisps and cakes to refreshing cocktail, including Rhubarb Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Rhubarb Custard Bars and Rhubarb Frangipane Tart.
