Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade

this time of the year calls for making rhubarb recipes. when the gardens and shops are filled with ripe rhubarb plants ready to be used-it’s rhubarb season and no doubt everyone is making pie! but there are many other things you can do with rhubarb: compotes or jams, ice cream, sauces and many more as an example. this time I wanted to make something else and figured I could make some rhubarb simple syrup. I added a couple of frozen strawberries I´ve found in my freezer for some color and an additional taste. this simple syrup combined with sparkling water is my new favorite summer drink- perfect for hosting a spring or summer parties with homemade drinks. homemade drinks are really special to me and a reason for throwing a party!

this is what you will need for the simple syrup

5 cups of rhubarb (pealed and cut into pieces)
a handful strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup of water
vanilla pulp from one vanilla bean

combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. reduce temperature to simmer, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes stirring constantly. set a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl. pour the rhubarb & strawberry through the strainer until all of the liquid is in the bowl. the leftover fruit solids make a delicious ingredient for natural yoghurt, so don´t throw it away.

pour rhubarb and strawberry syrup into a clean bottle and keep it stored in fridge for up to a couple of weeks.

serving suggestion: when using combine a couple of tablespoons of the syrup with sparkling water and serve with ice cubes, mint and lime.

voila-here´s your perfect spring/ summer drink!

enjoy,

nadja