Rhubarb honey cocktail in a coupe glass with ice, citrus slice, and floral garnish

Rhubarb honey cocktail is a fresh and vibrant drink made with vodka, orange liqueur, and a homemade rhubarb-honey concentrate. This cocktail combines sweet, tart, and citrusy notes for a refreshing and well-balanced flavour.

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Hey folks, today I’m sharing a bright and slightly tangy cocktail that feels just right for late spring and summer. It’s simple yet elegant, with a beautiful balance of sweetness and acidity and a lovely natural colour. So, let’s dive into this Rhubarb Honey Cocktail.

Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Honey Cocktail

Sweet and tart: A perfect balance of honey and rhubarb.
Fresh and vibrant: Light, citrusy, and refreshing.
Versatile: Works with vodka, gin, or white rum.
Make-ahead friendly: The concentrate can be prepared in advance.
Elegant and unique: A less common but memorable flavour combination.

Flavour Profile

This rhubarb honey cocktail is bright, slightly tangy, and gently sweet. The rhubarb provides a natural tartness, while honey softens and rounds out the flavour.

The addition of orange liqueur brings subtle citrus notes that tie everything together, creating a smooth and refreshing finish.

What Makes This Cocktail Special?

Rhubarb: Naturally tart and slightly fruity.
Honey: Adds depth and mellow sweetness.
Citrus notes: Enhance freshness and balance.

Together, these elements create a drink that feels both refreshing and refined.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Rhubarb Honey Cocktail

This Rhubarb Honey Cocktail is easy to make and a lot of fun to enjoy. However, it requires some planning and prep time as you need to make and cool down rhubarb syrup (concentrate) first. To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Rhubarb – a few stalks to make rhubarb syrup. I used fresh rhubarb, but frozen will work, too.
Honey – for the syrup / concentrate. Honey goes so wonderfully together with rhubarb, balancing out its acidity. Be sure to add honey at the end; the boiling could damage its nutritional and medicinal properties of honey.
- You can use granulated sugar instead of honey. If using sugar, combine it with rhubarb and water and simmer together.
Lemon– for added freshness and tartness. Although rhubarb is already quite tart, the citrus element goes a long way and creates a more complex flavour profile. Feel free to add less or more, to your taste. And you can use limes, too.
Water – for making rhubarb syrup (concentrate).
Vodka – the base spirit of the cocktail. Any good-quality neutral vodka will do. You can also use vanilla-infused vodka for a smooth and warm finish. If you don’t have or don’t like vodka, gin or white rum will work just fine. If opting for gin, choose the one that is a more neutral and less juniper-forward flavour.
Orange Liqueur – such as Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier – works both as a modifier and a sweetener.
Ice cubes – for chilling and serving.

If you have any leftovers of rhubarb syrup, you can make this Rhubarb Lemonade.

Rhubarb cocktail with honey, citrus slice, and flowers served in a coupe glass over ice

Possible Additions and Variations

Although this recipe is already delicious, you can customize it easily:

Use gin: For a more aromatic version. Light rum also works well.
Add sparkling water: For a lighter, spritz-style drink.
Increase citrus: Add a splash of lemon juice.
Make it stronger: Slightly increase vodka.
Non-alcoholic: Skip alcohol and top with soda.

How to Make Rhubarb-Honey Concentrate

To make the rhubarb honey concentrate, combine chopped rhubarb, water, and honey in a saucepan. Simmer until the rhubarb softens and releases its colour and flavour, then strain and stir in lemon juice. Let it cool completely before using.

How to Make Rhubarb Honey Cocktail

Combine vodka, orange liqueur, and rhubarb-honey concentrate in a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with citrus zest and serve immediatel.

More Fun Light and Fruity Cocktails for Summer Celebrations

Be sure to check more light and fruity cocktail ideas to enjoy this summer:

I’d love for you to try this Rhubarb Honey Cocktail. If you give this recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!