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If you love tart, refreshing summer drinks, rhubarb lemonade is a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
It combines bright lemon flavor with the sweet-tart taste of rhubarb for a refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot afternoons, picnics, brunches, and garden parties.
Looking for more rhubarb ideas? Explore my full Rhubarb Recipes, DIY & Growing Guide here.
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Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Lemonade
- Beautiful pink color naturally
- Easy homemade summer drink
- Great way to use fresh rhubarb
- Sweet, tart, and refreshing
- Perfect for parties and gatherings
Ingredients for Rhubarb Lemonade
- 4 cups chopped rhubarb
- 4 cups water, divided
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar (to taste)
- Ice for serving
Optional:
- Fresh mint
- Lemon slices
- Sparkling water
How to Make Rhubarb Lemonade
Step 1: Cook the Rhubarb
Add chopped rhubarb and 2 cups water to a saucepan.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until soft.
Step 2: Strain the Juice
Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Press gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
Discard solids or compost them.
Step 3: Mix the Lemonade
In a pitcher combine:
- Rhubarb juice
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
Stir until sugar dissolves.
Add remaining 2 cups cold water and adjust to taste.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate until cold or serve immediately over ice.
Garnish with lemon slices or mint if desired.
Tips for Best Flavor
- Use fresh firm rhubarb stalks
- Add sugar gradually and taste as you go
- Use fresh lemon juice for brightest flavor
- Chill before serving for best taste
Fun Variations
Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade
Blend in fresh strawberries for extra sweetness.
You may also like my Strawberry Basil Lemonade.
Sparkling Rhubarb Lemonade
Top each glass with sparkling water for fizz.
Garden Party Version
Serve with lemon slices, mint, and edible flowers.
How to Store Rhubarb Lemonade
Refrigerator
Store in a sealed pitcher or jar for 3 to 5 days.
Shake or stir before serving.
Freezer
Freeze in containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. See the containers I recommend to use for freezing food.
Thaw in refrigerator before serving.
More Rhubarb Recipes to Try
If you love rhubarb, you might also enjoy:
You can also browse my full Rhubarb Recipes, DIY & Growing Guide here
More Lemonade Recipes to Try
If you love rhubarb, you might also enjoy:
- Blackberry Lemonade
- Peach Lemonade
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Blueberry Lavender Lemonade
- Lavender Lemonade Recipe
FAQs
Does rhubarb lemonade taste sour?
It has a tart flavor, balanced by sugar and lemon.
Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes. Thaw first or cook directly from frozen.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. It tastes even better after chilling.
Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe.
Easy homemade rhubarb lemonade recipe made with fresh rhubarb, lemon juice, and sugar. A sweet-tart refreshing summer drink perfect for warm days, brunches, and garden parties.
- 4 cups chopped rhubarb
- 4 cups water divided
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar to taste
- Ice for serving
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sparkling water
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Add chopped rhubarb and 2 cups water to a medium saucepan.
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Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until rhubarb is soft.
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Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl or pitcher.
-
Press gently to extract as much juice as possible.
-
Discard solids.
-
Add lemon juice and sugar to the rhubarb juice.
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Stir until sugar dissolves.
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Add remaining 2 cups cold water.
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Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
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Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
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Serve over ice.
-
Garnish with lemon slices or mint if desired.
Store refrigerated for 3 to 5 days.
Stir before serving if ingredients settle.
For sparkling lemonade, top each glass with sparkling water.
Frozen rhubarb may be used.
Add strawberries for a strawberry rhubarb lemonade variation.
Follow my summer drinks board on Pinterest.
