Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade

Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade Recipe - Make this Sweet and Tangy Summer Drink

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade is a refreshing and tangy drink that is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries and the zing of fresh lemon juice to create a delicious and unique beverage.

History

The combination of strawberries and rhubarb is a classic pairing in the culinary world, often used in pies, jams, and other desserts. This recipe takes that classic flavor combination and transforms it into a refreshing and thirst-quenching drink that is perfect for enjoying on a warm day.

Ingredients

3.5 cups water
0.5 lb (227 g) rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
0.75 cup sugar, or to taste
2 strips of lemon zest (each measuring 3 inches), removed with a vegetable peeler, plus additional for garnish
0.5 tsp vanilla
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup fresh lemon juice

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine the water, rhubarb, sugar, 2 strips of zest, and vanilla. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Cover and simmer for 8 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup of strawberries and continue boiling, covered, for 2 minutes.
Allow the mixture to cool, then strain it through a coarse sieve placed over a pitcher. Press firmly on the solids to extract all the liquid.
Stir in the remaining 1 cup of strawberries and lemon juice. Divide the lemonade among stemmed glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish each glass with some additional zest.

Variations

For a sweeter version, increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Add a splash of sparkling water or soda water for a fizzy twist.
Experiment with different fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a unique flavor combination.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to trim and cut the rhubarb into small pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly and releases its flavor into the lemonade.

- Adjust the amount of sugar to taste, depending on the sweetness of the strawberries and your personal preference.

- For a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more lemon juice to the mixture.

- Garnish each glass with a strip of lemon zest for a decorative touch and an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade chilled over ice for a refreshing and thirst-quenching drink. Pair it with a light and fresh salad or sandwich for a perfect summer meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include simmering the rhubarb and strawberries to extract their flavors, straining the mixture to remove solids, and combining the liquid with lemon juice for a refreshing finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If rhubarb is not available, you can substitute it with additional strawberries or another tart fruit, such as raspberries or cranberries. You can also use frozen fruit if fresh is not in season.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rhubarb and strawberry mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Add the lemon juice and additional strawberries just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade in elegant stemmed glasses garnished with a strip of lemon zest for a beautiful presentation. You can also add a few fresh strawberries to each glass for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade pairs well with light and fresh dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and grilled seafood. It also complements desserts like fruit tarts or sorbets.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This recipe is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

There is minimal protein in this recipe, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. Rhubarb is rich in vitamin K, calcium, and potassium. Lemon juice provides vitamin C and antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, individuals with allergies to strawberries, rhubarb, or citrus fruits should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, this Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade is a refreshing and relatively low-calorie beverage that provides a good amount of vitamin C and other nutrients.

Summary

Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade is a delicious and refreshing drink that combines the flavors of tart rhubarb, sweet strawberries, and zesty lemon juice. This recipe is perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Margie at her farmhouse. Margie was known for her delicious homemade recipes, and I always looked forward to trying something new whenever I visited her.

On that particular day, as we sat on her porch sipping iced tea and catching up, Margie suddenly jumped up and exclaimed, "I have the perfect drink for us to try today!" She disappeared into her kitchen and returned with a pitcher of the most beautiful pink-hued lemonade I had ever seen.

"This is my Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade," Margie said with a smile. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. I think you'll love it."

I took a sip of the refreshing drink, and instantly fell in love with the sweet and tangy flavors. The combination of fresh strawberries and tart rhubarb was a match made in heaven, and the added touch of lemon gave it just the right amount of brightness.

As I savored each sip, Margie shared with me the story of how she had learned to make the Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been a staple at family gatherings and summertime picnics for as long as Margie could remember.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this delicious drink for myself. Margie graciously agreed to teach me her family's recipe, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping strawberries, slicing rhubarb, and squeezing lemons.

The process was simple but satisfying, and as the Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade came together in the pitcher, the colors swirled together in a beautiful dance of pink and green. I couldn't wait to share this delightful drink with my own family and friends.

Over the years, I have continued to make Margie's Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. Sometimes I add a sprig of fresh mint or a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist. Other times, I experiment with different sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.

No matter how I choose to make it, the Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade always brings me back to that sunny day at Margie's farmhouse, sipping a cool glass of lemonade and feeling grateful for the simple joys of friendship and good food. It's a recipe that has become a beloved tradition in my own family, and I hope to pass it down to future generations just as Margie did for me.

As I sit here now, enjoying a tall glass of Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade on a warm summer afternoon, I can't help but smile and think of all the memories and stories that this simple drink holds. It's a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to nourish our bodies and our souls, and to bring us together in moments of joy and celebration.

And so, I raise my glass to Margie, to her grandmother, and to all the wonderful cooks and storytellers who have shared their recipes and their love with me over the years. May their legacy live on in every sip and every bite, bringing a little bit of sweetness and sunshine to all who taste it. Cheers!