The Rhubarb Lemon Fizz is a bright, refreshing cocktail that combines the tartness of lemon with the unique tang of rhubarb. Vodka provides a clean base, while club soda adds just the right amount of sparkle. It’s crisp, citrusy, and ideal for warm-weather sipping.
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Tasting Notes
The Rhubarb Lemon Fizz opens with citrus brightness from fresh lemon juice, followed by a tart-sweet note from rhubarb syrup that gives the drink its character and color. Vodka offers a clean, neutral base, keeping the focus on the fruit without overpowering. The addition of club soda creates a crisp, bubbly texture that keeps the cocktail refreshing and light. Each sip finishes dry and sharp, with a clean mouthfeel and just a hint of natural sweetness. The lemon wheel and rhubarb slice not only decorate the glass but also reinforce the drink’s focus on seasonal, fruit-forward flavors.
Equipment and Glassware
To prepare a Rhubarb Lemon Fizz, you’ll need basic bar tools and a tall glass to highlight the drink’s color and carbonation. A cocktail shaker is essential for chilling and combining the ingredients. A jigger ensures precise measurements, while a citrus juicer helps extract fresh lemon juice. A fine mesh strainer is useful if your rhubarb syrup has pulp. A bar spoon may be used to stir in the soda gently. Serve in a stemless wine glass filled with fresh ice. The stemless wine glass maintains carbonation and allows room for garnish while enhancing the visual presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz rhubarb simple syrup
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 3 oz club soda
- Sugar for rimming
- Lemon wheel and rhubarb slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into sugar to coat it.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, rhubarb syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into the prepared sugar-rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a slice of rhubarb.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly made rhubarb syrup for best color and flavor
- Shake vigorously to properly chill and dilute before topping with soda
- Try sparkling wine instead of soda for a drier finish
- Chill your glassware beforehand to help the cocktail stay cold
- Use a channel knife to curl rhubarb peel for garnish
- Add a pinch of salt to the syrup during cooking to balance tartness
- Double-strain after shaking to remove pulp or ice shards
- Batch the syrup ahead of time for faster drink assembly
- Avoid over-stirring after topping with soda to preserve bubbles
- Adjust syrup-to-lemon ratio to your preferred level of tartness
When to Serve
The Rhubarb Lemon Fizz is well-suited for spring and summer gatherings, when bright citrus and crisp textures are most appreciated. Serve it during brunches, garden parties, bridal showers, or outdoor dinners. It’s also a good choice for anyone looking for a refreshing pre-dinner drink that won’t overpower the palate. Its light, carbonated finish pairs well with warm weather and daytime events, and its visual appeal makes it an eye-catching option for more polished occasions. For casual entertaining, it offers an easy way to highlight seasonal flavors without requiring complex ingredients or extensive preparation.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Vodka:
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Reyka Vodka
- Ketel One
- Club Soda (or Sparkling Wine):
- Fever-Tree Club Soda
- Topo Chico
- La Marca Prosecco
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
- Stemless wine glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz rhubarb simple syrup
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 3 oz club soda
- Sugar for rimming
- Lemon wheel and rhubarb slice for garnish
Instructions
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into sugar to coat it.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, rhubarb syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into the prepared sugar-rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a slice of rhubarb.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use homemade rhubarb syrup for a deeper, more vibrant flavor.
- For a fruitier finish, top with sparkling wine instead of club soda.
- Add a dash of bitters for extra complexity if you enjoy a slightly more herbal edge.