Refreshing Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz: Your Ultimate Summer Cocktail Recipe

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s nothing quite like a crisp, invigorating cocktail to elevate those warm summer evenings. The Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz is not just any drink; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors, perfectly balanced for delightful backyard sipping and memorable summer gatherings. This vibrant concoction masterfully blends a homemade strawberry rhubarb simple syrup with the botanical notes of gin, the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice, and the effervescent sweetness of sparkling pink moscato. Prepare to impress your guests—or simply treat yourself—by making a pitcher of this exquisite fizz for your next al fresco occasion!

This delightful recipe is shared as part of my comprehensive review of ‘The Prairie Table’ cookbook. I was graciously provided with a complimentary review copy by Appetite by Random House, and all opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Cookbook Spotlight: The Prairie Table by Karlynn Johnston

At the heart of today’s featured cocktail is a recipe inspired by The Prairie Table, a fantastic cookbook crafted by Karlynn Johnston, the creative force behind the popular food blog, The Kitchen Magpie. Karlynn’s cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s an homage to comfort, community, and the timeless tradition of bringing people together through food. It’s dedicated to those cherished suppers, potlucks, socials, and crowd-pleasing dishes that foster connection and create lasting memories.

The recipes within The Prairie Table are a true reflection of Karlynn’s culinary journey and her family’s favorites, encompassing everything from everyday meals to impressive dishes served to guests and brought to festive gatherings. What truly sets this cookbook apart is its emphasis on practicality. These aren’t just recipes for grand, special occasions; they are designed for everyday use, aiming to simplify life in the kitchen while delivering exceptional flavor. Published in May 2019, the book boasts an impressive array of dishes organized into thoughtfully curated chapters:

• Ukrainian Dishes
• Breads, Buns, and Baked Goods
• Small Bites and Nibbles
• Salads and Vegetable Sides
• Main Dishes
• Dainties and Cookies
• Portable Desserts
• Libations

It’s within the enticing “Libations” chapter that we discovered the inspiration for our exquisite Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz, a testament to the cookbook’s diverse offerings and Karlynn’s ability to infuse joy into every recipe.

The Irresistible Allure of Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz

With the arrival of warmer weather, our thoughts naturally turn to light, refreshing drinks that capture the essence of the season. Flipping through The Prairie Table, the “Libations” chapter immediately caught my eye, promising a treasure trove of syrups, mocktails, and cocktails. Among them, the Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz shone brightest, beckoning with its promise of a perfect summer sip. This recipe isn’t just one; it’s a dynamic duo: a fantastic recipe for homemade strawberry rhubarb simple syrup, which forms the sweet, tangy heart of the second, equally delightful recipe – the gin fizz itself.

Strawberries and rhubarb are a classic pairing, celebrated for their harmonious balance of sweet and tart. When transformed into a simple syrup, these seasonal gems create a concentrated flavor bomb that’s ideal for cocktails. The gin adds a lovely botanical depth, while fresh lemon juice brightens everything up, and sparkling pink moscato contributes a festive, bubbly finish. It’s a symphony of flavors that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to enjoy, making it an absolute must-try for any summer occasion.

Crafting Your Own Strawberry Rhubarb Simple Syrup

Don’t let the idea of a homemade syrup intimidate you; “simple syrup” is aptly named for its straightforward preparation! This foundational component of our gin fizz is incredibly easy to make and yields a beautifully flavorful base that can also be used in other drinks like lemonades, iced teas, or even drizzled over desserts. You’ll only need a few basic ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup cane sugar (or granulated white sugar)
• 1 cup chopped strawberries, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups chopped rhubarb, fresh or frozen

To begin, combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until all the sugar crystals have completely dissolved. Once dissolved, add in your chopped strawberries and rhubarb. Cover the saucepan and allow the mixture to gently simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the fruits have softened and their vibrant colors have bled into the syrup. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the fruit to release its juices. Once simmered, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool completely. Cooling is crucial as it allows the flavors to intensify further.

Once cooled, the next step is to strain your homemade syrup. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a wide-mouth mason jar or a heat-proof glass dish. Carefully pour the strawberry rhubarb mixture through the strainer. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down on the cooked fruit pulp in the strainer. This action helps extract every last drop of that precious, flavorful syrup. You should yield approximately 1 1/2 cups of luscious syrup from this recipe. Store your freshly made simple syrup in the fridge, where it will keep beautifully for about two weeks, ready to elevate your next cocktail or beverage.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz

Achieving the perfect balance in your Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz is easy with a few simple considerations:

• Sweetener Choices: The original syrup recipe from The Prairie Table suggested white sugar. While white granulated sugar works perfectly, I chose to use cane sugar for this version. Cane sugar, being minimally processed, offers a subtly different, often richer, sweetness and a texture similar to granulated white sugar. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand or prefer; both will yield delicious results.
• Fruit Flexibility: Whether you have access to fresh, vibrant strawberries and rhubarb or need to rely on the convenience of frozen, both options perform wonderfully in this recipe. This year, fresh rhubarb was a bit late, so frozen was my go-to, and it integrated flawlessly into the syrup. Luckily, I found some beautiful, juicy fresh strawberries, which not only went into the syrup mix but also served as a beautiful and tasty garnish for the finished cocktails.
• Sparkling Wine Selection: Sparkling pink moscato is a sweet, effervescent wine that adds a delightful fruity sweetness to the fizz. If you prefer your cocktails a little less sweet, or if you’re looking for a drier profile, consider experimenting with a brut prosecco, a dry sparkling rosé, or even topping off with sparkling water instead of moscato for a lighter touch.
• Quality Gin Matters: The gin is a key player, so opt for a quality gin whose botanical profile you enjoy. A good London Dry gin works beautifully, but feel free to explore more floral or citrus-forward gins to complement the fruit.
• Fresh Lemon Juice is Non-Negotiable: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice! The bright, tart notes from fresh lemon are crucial for balancing the sweetness of the syrup and the moscato, elevating the overall freshness of the cocktail.
• Chill Your Ingredients: For the most refreshing drink, ensure all your liquid ingredients—especially the simple syrup and moscato—are well-chilled before mixing.
• Garnish with Flair: Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish. Fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint, or a thin lemon wheel will not only make your cocktails visually appealing but also add to the aromatic experience.

Other Notable Recipes from The Prairie Table to Explore

While the Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz is an absolute star, The Prairie Table is brimming with other enticing recipes that showcase Karlynn Johnston’s talent and the rich flavors of prairie cooking. Here are just a few more from the cookbook that have caught my attention and are high on my list to try soon:

• Choose Your Own Perogy Adventure (page 15): This recipe sounds incredibly fun and adaptable, promising a personalized approach to a beloved comfort food, likely offering various fillings and preparation methods.
• Pumpkin Morning Glory Muffins (page 66): A perfect breakfast or snack option, these muffins likely blend the comforting spices of pumpkin with a healthy mix of fruits, nuts, and perhaps carrots, offering a wholesome yet indulgent treat.
• Smoky Spanish Chickpeas and Rice (page 160): This sounds like a hearty and flavorful vegetarian main dish, combining the robust flavors of Spanish cuisine with satisfying chickpeas and rice, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
• Dirty Chocolate Chip Cookies (page 184): The intriguing name alone suggests a deliciously decadent twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, promising an extra level of indulgence.
• Red Wine Whiskey Sangria (page 245): Another tempting libation, this sangria sounds like a sophisticated blend of red wine and whiskey, perfect for cooling down on a warm evening or serving at a festive gathering.

If you decide to make this delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Gin Fizz, or if you’ve already had the pleasure of exploring The Prairie Table cookbook, I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Please share your comments and feedback in the section below.

And if you’re on the hunt for even more exciting and fun cocktail recipes to enjoy throughout the summer, here are a few other fantastic options that are perfect for beating the heat and elevating your entertaining:

• Berry Cherry Kombucha Sangria: This sangria offers a wonderful tart and spritzy profile, blending red wine with the unique tang of kombucha. It’s an unexpectedly delicious and refreshing twist, perfect for summer entertaining with a lighter, more vibrant feel.
• Ginger Beer Mimosas: A spicy and bubbly alternative to the classic, these mimosas are made with crisp vodka, zesty ginger beer, and refreshing orange juice. They’re incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed for holidays, year-round brunching, or simply as a lively pick-me-up.
• Stone Fruit White Wine Spritzer: This is an effortlessly elegant summer cocktail, requiring just white wine and tonic water. It’s beautifully garnished with sweet peaches and cherries, making it a simple yet sophisticated choice for warm afternoons.

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Credit: Excerpted from The Prairie Table by Karlynn Johnston. Copyright © 2019 Karlynn Johnston. Published by Appetite by Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

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