The Ultimate Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned: A Sweet & Tangy Summer Cocktail
A Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned is such a simple update to a favorite classic cocktail of mine. Made with homemade strawberry rhubarb simple syrup, the fruitiness pairs with the sharp rye whiskey and orange bitters for a smooth cocktail with a hint of summer in it! Simple, elegant, and oh-so gorgeous.
There’s something inherently charming about a classic cocktail. Its timeless appeal lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of core ingredients. But what happens when you infuse that cherished tradition with the vibrant, fleeting flavors of summer? You get a masterpiece like the Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned – a drink that marries sophistication with playful seasonal sweetness. This isn’t just a cocktail; it’s an experience, a sip of sunshine perfectly captured in a glass.
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A Celebration of New Beginnings & Classic Tastes
As I sit here, reflecting on life’s incredible journey, I’m feeling a whirlwind of emotions. This past holiday weekend was absolutely magical, culminating in one of the most significant moments of my life: I am officially MARRIED! The experience was everything I could have dreamed of, from spending invaluable time with close friends and family, to exchanging vows against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, to saying “I do” to my partner and best friend. It was truly epic, a weekend overflowing with pure happiness and joy.
Amidst all the joy and celebration, the Man and I found ourselves indulging in plenty of delicious food and drink. Our wedding toast, shared during our intimate first look, was fittingly made with our absolute favorite: WHISKEY. Whiskey neat holds a special place in our hearts; it’s what we were enjoying the night we met, making it the perfect beverage to celebrate our union all weekend long. Naturally, our celebration extended to enjoying this spirit in our usual drink of choice: the Old Fashioned.
Why a Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned? The Perfect Seasonal Twist
To me, classic cocktails are never “overdone.” Their enduring popularity stems from their delicious taste and ability to satisfy diverse palates, but also from their remarkable versatility. They serve as a fantastic canvas for simple, elegant updates that allow seasonal flavors to shine. This particular version of the Old Fashioned cocktail is a testament to that, introducing a delightful hint of fruit that transforms the traditional experience.
Embracing Seasonal Flavors: The Magic of Strawberry & Rhubarb
The combination of strawberry and rhubarb is a match made in culinary heaven. Strawberries bring a juicy, sweet burst, while rhubarb offers a distinctive tartness that prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying. This dynamic duo creates a wonderfully balanced flavor profile that evokes the very essence of spring and early summer. When incorporated into a simple syrup, these flavors become concentrated, ready to infuse any drink with their vibrant character.
Elevating a Timeless Classic with Fresh Fruit
The beauty of the Old Fashioned lies in its fundamental structure: spirit, sweetener, bitters, and water (from the ice). This minimalist approach makes it incredibly adaptable. By swapping out traditional sugar or plain simple syrup for a homemade strawberry rhubarb simple syrup, you introduce a fresh, seasonal dimension without altering the drink’s core integrity. The tart sweetness of the fruit pairs exceptionally well with the sharp, spicy notes of rye whiskey and the bright citrus of orange bitters, resulting in a smooth, complex, and incredibly refreshing cocktail.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned
Crafting this delightful cocktail requires attention to its core components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors that make the Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned so irresistible.
The Star Ingredient: Strawberry Rhubarb Simple Syrup
This homemade syrup is the heart of our seasonal twist. Making your own simple syrup allows you to control the quality of ingredients and achieve the freshest, most vibrant flavor. The process typically involves simmering fresh strawberries and rhubarb with sugar and water until the fruit breaks down and its essences infuse the liquid. Straining and cooling the syrup leaves you with a beautifully colored, aromatic sweetener that’s miles ahead of any store-bought alternative. It’s the key to transforming a classic into a summer sensation, providing both sweetness and a complex fruity tang.
Choosing Your Whiskey: Rye vs. Bourbon
While an Old Fashioned can be made with various whiskeys, rye is particularly well-suited for this fruity rendition. Rye whiskey, known for its spicy, peppery, and sometimes herbaceous notes, stands up beautifully to the sweet and tart fruit flavors without being overwhelmed. Its robust character provides a fantastic counterpoint to the syrup, ensuring a balanced drink. If you prefer a slightly sweeter, smoother profile, bourbon can also work wonderfully, bringing notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak that will complement the fruit in a different, equally delicious way. Experiment with your favorite to find your perfect balance!
The Bitters’ Role: Orange vs. Aromatic
Bitters are often considered the “spice rack” of cocktails, adding depth and complexity with just a few dashes. For this Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned, I highly recommend using orange bitters. Their bright, zesty citrus notes enhance the fruitiness of the syrup and the warmth of the whiskey, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. However, if orange bitters aren’t available, traditional aromatic bitters (like Angostura) will still provide a lovely, spicy backbone. To achieve an added citrus note with aromatic bitters, consider garnishing your cocktail with a twist of orange peel alongside the strawberry.
The Ice & Garnish: More Than Just Decoration
Large ice cubes are essential for an Old Fashioned. They melt slower than smaller cubes, providing gradual dilution that chills the drink without watering it down too quickly. This ensures your cocktail remains perfectly balanced from the first sip to the last. As for the garnish, a fresh strawberry, perhaps fanned out for an elegant presentation, not only adds visual appeal but also contributes to the aroma and overall sensory experience of the drink. A twist of orange peel, as mentioned, can further elevate the citrus notes.
Crafting Your Old Fashioned: Tips for Success
Making a great Old Fashioned is all about technique and using quality ingredients. Here are a few tips to ensure your Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned is always perfect:
- Prepare Your Syrup in Advance: The strawberry rhubarb simple syrup can be made days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making cocktail assembly quick and effortless. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Chill Your Glassware: A chilled glass will keep your drink colder for longer, enhancing the overall enjoyment. Place your old fashioned glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before mixing.
- Use Quality Ice: As mentioned, large, dense ice cubes are key. Clear ice not only looks more professional but also melts slower, leading to less dilution and a purer taste.
- Stir, Don’t Shake: Old Fashioneds are stirred, not shaken. Stirring gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to a minute allows for controlled dilution and chilling without aerating the drink too much, which would cloud its clarity.
- Taste and Adjust: Like any good recipe, taste as you go. You might prefer a little more syrup for sweetness or an extra dash of bitters for complexity. Don’t be afraid to adjust to your personal preference.
More Than Just a Drink: Occasions & Pairings
The Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Summer Gatherings: Its refreshing, fruity notes make it an ideal choice for backyard BBQs, patio parties, or lakeside picnics.
- Special Celebrations: Elevate a birthday, anniversary, or, indeed, a wedding celebration with this sophisticated yet fun cocktail.
- Relaxing Evenings: Sometimes, the best occasion is simply unwinding after a long day. This cocktail offers a moment of calm and indulgence.
- Brunch: While often considered an evening drink, its fruity profile could even make it a unique addition to a boozy brunch menu.
Pair this cocktail with light appetizers like bruschetta, goat cheese tarts, or fresh fruit platters. For something more substantial, it complements grilled chicken or pork, where its sweetness can cut through richer flavors.
Life Is Good: Savoring Every Moment
As I sit here, writing this post and wishing I was sipping an old fashioned (hey, it’s been a hard week, okay?), I am just shocked that I’m now married… MARRIED. It feels a bit surreal, not just because the wedding weekend was truly EPIC, but also because we still have the reception for our families coming up, and an epic trip to ALASKA just around the corner. Every day feels like a new adventure, a new reason to celebrate.
Life. Is. GOOD. And sometimes, the simplest things, like a perfectly crafted cocktail that reminds you of joy, celebration, and new beginnings, can make it even better. I encourage you to try this delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a taste of happiness, a testament to the fact that even classic traditions can be beautifully refreshed with a touch of seasonal magic. Cheers to good company, good times, and exceptionally good drinks!
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This Recipe’s Must Haves
- Marquis by Waterford Markham Double Old Fashioned Glasses are a gorgeous set of cocktail glasses that you will adore to have in your bar!
- A Hiware 12 Inches Stainless Steel Mixing Spoon is a must for making all the cocktails!
- mockins 6 Pack 16.9 Oz Glass Bottle Set With Swing Top Stoppers are my favorite set of bottles to store simple syrups in. I always have a couple in my fridge because they are stylish and oh-so easy to clean!
Pin this Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned recipe for later!
Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned
ingredients
- 1 oz strawberry rhubarb simple syrup
- 4 oz your favorite rye whiskey
- 4 dashes orange bitters
- 2 large ice cubes
- Garnish: 2 whole strawberries
instructions
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Divide strawberry rhubarb simple syrup equally between two double old fashioned glasses.
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Add 2 oz whiskey and 2 dashes orange bitters to each cocktail glass.
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Stir to combine.
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Add one large ice cube to each cocktail glass.
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Garnish with a fanned out strawberry.