Description

Craving a vibrant, tart twist on a classic cocktail? The Refreshing Rhubarb Margarita combines the tangy zing of rhubarb simple syrup with fresh citrus juices and silver tequila for a perfectly balanced, summery drink

Ingredients

This Rhubarb Margarita uses a short list of ingredients for a bold, refreshing drink. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:

Rhubarb Simple Syrup (4 ounces): Adds a tart-sweet flavor unique to rhubarb; homemade (like the Easy Rhubarb Syrup recipe) or store-bought works.
Fresh Orange Juice (4 ounces): Provides sweet, citrusy brightness; freshly squeezed enhances flavor (~2-3 oranges).
Fresh Lime Juice (2 ounces): Brings tart acidity to balance sweetness (~2 limes).
Silver Tequila (4 ounces): Delivers a clean, agave-forward kick; silver (blanco) keeps the cocktail crisp.
Coarse Salt (for rim): Enhances flavors with a savory contrast; kosher or sea salt works best.

Substitutions and Variations

Rhubarb Simple Syrup: Use the Easy Rhubarb Syrup recipe (10 ounces rhubarb, 2 cups water, 1 cup sugar, vanilla, cardamom, lemon juice) or a store-bought fruit syrup (e.g., strawberry or raspberry); adjust sweetness with 1 teaspoon agave if needed.
Orange Juice: Swap with fresh grapefruit juice for a tarter drink or store-bought orange juice (pulp-free for smoothness).
Lime Juice: Replace with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus profile; fresh is best.
Silver Tequila: Use gold tequila for a warmer flavor, mezcal for smokiness, or a non-alcoholic tequila alternative for a mocktail.
Coarse Salt: Use Tajín or chili-lime salt for a spicy rim; omit for a plain rim or sugar rim for sweeter preference.
Add-Ins: Muddle 2-3 fresh basil or mint leaves in the shaker for an herbal twist; add a splash of sparkling water for a lighter, fizzy drink.

Pro Tip: Squeeze citrus juices fresh for the brightest flavor; strain to remove pulp for a smooth cocktail. Use a high-quality silver tequila (e.g., Patrón, Casamigos) for a cleaner taste. If using homemade rhubarb syrup, ensure it’s chilled for the best results.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Shaker:
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Tip: Use plenty of ice to chill the drink thoroughly during shaking.
Mix the Cocktail:
- Add 4 ounces rhubarb simple syrup, 4 ounces fresh orange juice, 2 ounces fresh lime juice, and 4 ounces silver tequila to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds to chill and combine flavors.
- Tip: Shake hard to aerate and blend; the shaker should feel frosty when done.
Prepare the Glass:
- Cut a lime wedge and rub it around the rim of two lowball or margarita glasses to moisten.
- Pour coarse salt onto a small plate. Invert each glass into the salt and rotate gently to coat the rim evenly.
- Add fresh ice cubes to each glass.
- Tip: Apply salt to only half the rim for guests who prefer less; tap off excess salt to avoid over-salting.
Serve:
- Strain the margarita mixture evenly over the ice-filled glasses (about 5-6 ounces per glass).
- Garnish with a lime wedge or orange slice, if desired, and serve immediately.
- Tip: Pour through the shaker’s strainer or a fine mesh strainer for a smoother drink without ice shards.

Mixing Tips:

Vigorous Shake: Shake long enough to dilute slightly and chill thoroughly; 20-30 seconds ensures a balanced drink.
Taste Balance: If too tart, add ½ teaspoon agave or simple syrup; if too sweet, add a splash of lime juice. Adjust before pouring.
Scaling Up: For a pitcher (8 servings), multiply ingredients by 4 (16 ounces each syrup, orange juice, tequila; 8 ounces lime juice) and stir in a large pitcher with ice; serve over ice-filled glasses.