Romancing the Rhubarb

I've been playing around with rhubarb again, mostly because its one of the few local produce items I can find around these parts. In time for the weekend (fingers crossed for good weather), here's a tasty cocktail that I've been working on.

Strawberry Rhubarb Fizz
2 oz Gin (I'm using #6)
½-¾ oz Rhubarb-infused Syrup (see below)
2 ripe strawberries
Club Soda

Cut up one of the strawberries, put in bottom of glass with the syrup and muddle. Add ice, then gin and top up with soda. Stir, then garnish with other berry on the rim.

Rhubarb Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
20-24" fresh rhubarb stalks, cut into 1/2" wide pieces
Simmer, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Rhubarb should be very soft, and have broken down. Press rhubarb with potato masher or similar gadget to release additional flavor into syrup. Cool, and press again. Strain out rhubarb.

We served this one at an event last night, and it was quite popular. It's certainly not the most original drink ever invented, but it was very tasty indeed.

Cheers!