Sunday, June 01, 2008

Hunting the summer cocktail: Yes, I'm on a rhubarb bender

The Rhujito: Rhubarb Mojito
I've fallen in love and I can't get up. It's this again: rhubarb. And now, I'm drinking it. Why not? It's beautiful, it's pink and it's refreshing. Certainly it qualifies for a summer cocktail. And now that I've collected and potted up flavored mint on the steps out back (orange mint, chocolate mint, mint julep mint, apple mint) it's time to explore.

The Rhujito: A Rhubarb Mojito.
First make a simple syrup with the rhubarb. I found this recipe and gave it a whirl. Look how pretty that syrup is.
rhubarb syrup
Next, muddle a sprig or two of mint. I tried the Apple Mint. Fill the glass with ice, pour a shot or two of light rum, 1/4-1/3 cup of the rhubarb syrup, and top with mineral water.
rhujito with ice
Outcome? Refreshing, pretty, not overpowering or heavy or coy. Not tons of flavor, but perfect on a really hot day.
...
Welcome to the first of a series, Hunting the Summer Cocktail. I like to have a signature seasonal drink when it comes to summertime. Summer is a season to celebrate here in the Northwest. It's what gets us through the rest of the year and the nonstop parade of grey, grey and more grey...followed by rain. That glowing orb in the sky deserves a special sip, and every summer I seek to find it. Past years have uncovered the caipirinha, and various mixology. Who knows what we'll find in '08. Next up? The Summer Slushie.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

*Now* I know why I felt compelled to buy rhubarb at the farmer's market and now have strawberry-rhubarb bread in the oven even now. You've been sending me rhubarb vibes!

If you're going to do the summer slushie, you really do need to get a Magic Bullet or Bella Cucina rocket. Slushies are super-easy with a mini-blender, you see...

A Lewis said...

oh dear lord, why don't you just turn me into a pile of jelly on the floor....THIS SOUNDS FANTASTIC. And the best part? That you're only a few miles away and it wouldn't be such a bad idea to have one with you sometime!

Rozanne said...

Gorgeous color!

Lizzy Caston said...

That is just genius. I can't wait to try one.

Anonymous said...

My mouth is watering--no joke.