Grandma's Secret Recipe: The Easiest, Most Refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade
This rhubarb lemonade recipe is incredibly easy, unbelievably refreshing, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Get ready to make some seriously happy memories (and happy taste buds!).
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Bowl
- Pitcher
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb Look for vibrant pink stalks for the best flavor and color. If you can't find fresh, frozen works too, just be sure to thaw it completely before using.
- 1 cup granulated sugar You can adjust this to your liking – I sometimes use a bit less, depending on the sweetness of the rhubarb.
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Freshly squeezed is key here! Bottled juice just won't give you the same vibrant flavor.
- 4 cups water Filtered water is best to avoid any off-flavors.
- Lemon slices optional, A beautiful and tart garnish.
- Fresh mint sprigs optional, Adds a lovely herbal note – I love muddling a few sprigs before adding to the pitcher!
Instructions
- Combine the rhubarb, sugar, and 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rhubarb is completely soft and easily breaks down with a spoon.
- Carefully pour the rhubarb mixture through the strainer, pressing gently on the solids to extract every last drop of that delicious juice. Don't worry about the solids; we're discarding those.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining 2 cups of water to the strained rhubarb mixture. Give it a good stir. Taste it – you can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or the tartness with a little extra lemon juice, depending on your preference.
- Pop the pitcher into the refrigerator for at least an hour to let those flavors really meld. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh lemon slices and/or mint sprigs.
Notes
Try using agave nectar, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia for a healthier option. Add a cup of your favorite berries to the saucepan with the rhubarb for an extra layer of fruity flavor. A pinch of ginger or a few slices of jalapeño added during simmering will give your lemonade a surprising zing!