Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned: A Seasonal Twist on a Classic Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail experience with a vibrant Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned, a delightful and simple update to a timeless classic. This exquisite drink features a homemade strawberry rhubarb simple syrup that perfectly balances sweet and tart notes, beautifully complementing the sharp character of rye whiskey and the aromatic zest of orange bitters. The result is an incredibly smooth cocktail that whispers of summer, offering an elegant and refreshing sip that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to prepare.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission. Your support helps me create more delicious recipes!
There are moments in life that call for celebration, reflection, and a truly exceptional drink. For me, that recently culminated in an absolutely magical holiday weekend, filled with joy, connection, and the beginning of a beautiful new chapter. Saying “I do” to my partner and best friend amidst a breathtaking mountain backdrop was an unforgettable experience. Throughout the festivities, one particular libation played a special role: whiskey.
Whiskey holds a sentimental place in our hearts; it was the drink we shared the night we first met. Naturally, it became the perfect choice to enjoy throughout our wedding weekend, especially in the form of an Old Fashioned – a perennial favorite of ours. There’s something inherently comforting and timeless about this classic cocktail, a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to adapt gracefully to new, exciting flavors.
The beauty of classic cocktails lies in their versatility. They offer a foundation that can be subtly enhanced with seasonal ingredients, transforming them into something fresh and exciting without losing their sophisticated essence. This Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned is a prime example, offering a simple yet profound upgrade that captures the essence of spring and early summer in a glass.
The star of this particular old fashioned recipe is, without a doubt, the homemade strawberry rhubarb simple syrup. This syrup is where the magic truly happens. By infusing the sugar syrup with fresh strawberries and tart rhubarb, you create a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy. This vibrant fruitiness provides a brilliant counterpoint to the robust, spicy notes of rye whiskey, creating a harmonious and incredibly palatable drink.
Why This Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned is a Must-Try
Beyond its delicious taste, this cocktail stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it leverages the peak seasonality of strawberries and rhubarb, ensuring the freshest, most vibrant flavors. Secondly, it demonstrates how easy it is to customize a classic. The traditional Old Fashioned is a simple trinity of whiskey, sugar, and bitters, allowing for endless creative interpretations with simple syrups and different bitter varieties.
The tart sweetness of the strawberry rhubarb simple syrup pairs exceptionally well with the sharp, peppery characteristics of a good rye whiskey. Unlike bourbon, which can be sweeter and mellower, rye brings a drier, spicier edge that beautifully cuts through the fruit, preventing the cocktail from becoming overly sweet. To complete this symphony of flavors, a few dashes of orange bitters add a bright, citrusy aroma and a subtle depth that ties everything together. While orange bitters are highly recommended for their complementary citrus profile, don’t hesitate to use aromatic bitters if that’s what you have on hand. If using aromatic bitters, I suggest a fresh twist of orange peel as a garnish to ensure you get that delightful orange essence in your drink.
The Essentials for a Perfect Old Fashioned
Selecting Your Whiskey
While this recipe specifically calls for rye whiskey, the choice of whiskey is crucial to the overall flavor profile. Rye whiskey typically offers spicier, fruitier, and drier notes compared to bourbon’s sweeter, richer, and more caramel-forward characteristics. For this strawberry rhubarb blend, the sharpness of rye truly elevates the fruit, preventing it from tasting cloyingly sweet. However, if you prefer a slightly softer, sweeter cocktail, a good quality bourbon can also be a delicious alternative. Experiment with what you enjoy!
Crafting Homemade Simple Syrup
The homemade strawberry rhubarb simple syrup is the heart of this cocktail. Making your own simple syrup is incredibly rewarding and allows you to control the quality and intensity of the flavor. It involves gently simmering sliced rhubarb and strawberries with sugar and water until the fruits break down and infuse the liquid. A dedicated recipe for this syrup can be found here, but the basic principle is simple: equal parts sugar and water, infused with fresh seasonal fruit. This not only adds a beautiful color but also a depth of flavor that store-bought syrups simply can’t match.
The Role of Bitters
Bitters are often considered the “salt and pepper” of cocktails, adding complexity and depth. In an Old Fashioned, they balance the sweetness and whiskey, tying all the flavors together. Orange bitters, with their bright citrus aroma and a hint of spice, are a natural fit for the strawberry rhubarb profile. They enhance the fruit without overpowering it, providing a beautiful aromatic lift. Angostura bitters, a more classic choice, would lend a warmer, spicier, and slightly more herbaceous note, which could also be interesting if you prefer that complexity.
Ice Matters
Don’t underestimate the importance of good ice. A large, clear ice cube (or sphere) is ideal for an Old Fashioned. It melts slower, chilling the drink without diluting it too quickly, preserving the integrity of its flavors from the first sip to the last. While regular ice works, investing in large ice molds can significantly enhance your cocktail experience.
Beyond the Glass: Celebrating Life’s Moments
As I reflect on the recent whirlwind of emotions, sitting here and writing about this delicious cocktail, I’m still reeling from the joy of being newly married. It truly feels surreal, especially with our family reception just around the corner and an epic adventure to Alaska on the horizon. These big life moments are precisely why we cherish these small, perfect pleasures – like a perfectly crafted Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned. It’s a moment to pause, savor, and appreciate the good things life brings.
Life, indeed, is good. And it’s even better with a fantastic cocktail in hand, shared with those you love.
Table of Contents
Toggle
This Recipe’s Must-Have Bar Tools
To truly enjoy the art of cocktail making, having the right tools makes all the difference. These essentials will not only make preparing your Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned easier but also elevate your entire home bar experience:
- Marquis by Waterford Markham Double Old Fashioned Glasses: A truly elegant cocktail deserves an equally beautiful glass. These double old fashioned glasses provide the perfect weight and feel, making every sip a luxurious experience. Their classic design is timeless and will be a cherished addition to your barware collection.
- A Hiware 12 Inches Stainless Steel Mixing Spoon: A long mixing spoon is indispensable for properly stirring and chilling your cocktails without over-dilution. Its length ensures you can reach the bottom of your mixing glass, creating a perfectly blended and smooth drink every time.
- mockins 6 Pack 16.9 Oz Glass Bottle Set With Swing Top Stoppers: These stylish and practical glass bottles are ideal for storing your homemade simple syrups. Keeping syrups in attractive, airtight containers in the fridge ensures they stay fresh and ready for your next cocktail creation. They’re also incredibly easy to clean and look fantastic on any bar cart.
Pin this Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned Recipe for Later!
Don’t let this incredible seasonal cocktail recipe slip away! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever you’re ready to mix up a taste of summer. Share the love of delicious, handcrafted drinks!
Strawberry Rhubarb Old Fashioned Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Simple Syrup (recipe link for detailed instructions)
- 4 oz Your favorite rye whiskey (or a good quality bourbon for a slightly sweeter profile)
- 4 dashes orange bitters (or aromatic bitters, with an orange peel garnish)
- 2 large ice cubes (or ice spheres, for slow dilution)
- Garnish: 2 whole strawberries (fanned out, or an orange peel twist)
Instructions
-
Prepare Glasses: Divide the homemade strawberry rhubarb simple syrup equally between two double old fashioned glasses.
-
Add Liquids: To each cocktail glass, add 2 oz of your chosen rye whiskey and 2 dashes of orange bitters.
-
Stir to Combine: Using a long bar spoon, gently stir the ingredients in each glass for about 15-20 seconds. This chills the mixture slightly and ensures all flavors are well-integrated.
-
Add Ice: Place one large ice cube (or sphere) into each cocktail glass. The larger ice will melt slower, providing sustained chill without over-diluting your drink.
-
Garnish and Serve: Garnish each cocktail with a fanned-out fresh strawberry. For an extra touch, you can also add a twist of orange peel. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing seasonal twist on a classic!