Enforced Rhubarb: Non-Alcoholic Rhubarb and Ginger Martini Recipe

Stylised collage of an Enforced Rhubarb non-alcoholic rhubarb and ginger martini and its ingredients: rhubarb, lime and ginger.

Rarely featured on a drinks menu, it’s time that rhubarb was put in the spotlight.  Its tart sweetness couldn’t be better showcased than in this delicious non-alcoholic rhubarb and ginger martini.

Fresh rhubarb has a lip-puckering sourness that mellows into earthy strawberry and raspberry notes when cooked with a little sugar.  Paired with the warm and fiery spice of ginger, it is a match made in heaven.

Rhubarb is a fantastic mocktail ingredient not only for its unique flavor but for its eye catching color: bright pink.  Garnished with a slice of green lime, this drink has a real visual impact.

Ingredients

  • 3 oz. (90 ml) rhubarb juice (see below)
  • ½ oz. (15 ml) ginger syrup (see here)
  • ½ oz. (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately half a lime)

For the rhubarb juice:

  • 7 oz. (200 g) rhubarb approximately 3 long stalks)
  • 14 oz. (400 ml) water
  • 1 oz. (25 g) sugar

Photo collage of an Enforced Rhubarb non-alcoholic rhubarb and ginger martini and its ingredients: rhubarb, lime and ginger.

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Citrus juicer
  • Jigger or measuring spoons
  • Martini glass

Instructions

  1. First, make the rhubarb juice.
  2. Thoroughly wash and cut the rhubarb stalks into 1 inch chunks.
  3. Add the rhubarb, water, and sugar into the saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Stir frequently until the sugar has dissolved. 
  5. Bring to a boil before reducing the heat to low.
  6. Allow the rhubarb to simmer with the saucepan lid on for 30 minutes.
  7. Take the mixture off the heat and allow it to return to room temperature.
  8. Pour the liquid through a sieve to separate the juice from the solids. Use a spoon to press the rhubarb against the mesh to extract as much flavor as possible.
  9. Store the rhubarb juice in a glass bottle or airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.  
  10. Next, assemble the mocktail.
  11. Add the rhubarb, ginger syrup and lime to the cocktail shaker.
  12. Throw in a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
  13. Strain into a martini glass.
  14. Garnish with a slice of lime.

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Stylised collage of the ingredients of an Enforced Rhubarb non-alcoholic rhubarb and ginger martini: rhubarb, lime and ginger.

Non-Alcoholic Rhubarb and Ginger Martini FAQ

Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb for this recipe.  There is no need to defrost before cooking.  Simply throw the rhubarb chunks into the saucepan with the water and sugar, and follow the instructions as usual.

Can I use a sweetener substitute instead of sugar?
Yes, you can replace the sugar with your sweetener of choice.  Agave syrup or honey are good alternatives.  Due to their high fructose content, you’ll need less syrup or honey to achieve the same sweetness as the sugar.  I’d recommend starting with ½ oz. (15 ml) to start and adjust the sweetness to your taste.

How long does it take to make the rhubarb juice?
It takes about 5 minutes to prepare the rhubarb stalks and 35 minutes to cook.  You’ll need to wait until the rhubarb juice returns to room temperature before adding to the cocktail shaker too.

How should I store the rhubarb juice?
You can store the rhubarb juice in a glass bottle or airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.  Alternatively, if you freeze the juice, it will keep for approximately 3 months.

Can I make the rhubarb juice ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the rhubarb juice ahead of time up to 3 days in advance if you are store the juice in the fridge.,

Can I make this recipe without a cocktail shaker?
Yes, you can make this recipe without a cocktail shaker.  Simply add the ingredients to a large glass topped with ice and stir until the mixture is extremely cold.  It will take longer without a shaker to chill the liquid down to the desired temperature, but the mocktail will taste just as delicious.

Can I make this recipe into a larger batch for a party?
Yes, you can make this recipe into a larger batch for a party.  It is recommended to prepare the rhubarb juice, ginger syrup and lime juice in advance.  Scale up the volume as required and keep the ingredients separate until you are ready to shake and serve.

How can I adjust the sweetness or tartness of the drink?
You can adjust the sweetness or tartness of the drink by adding more or less sugar to the rhubarb juice.  You can also add more or less lime to the final mocktail.

Did you make this?  Tag me @mightymocktail or use the hashtag #mightymocktail!

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