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Rhubarb Julep

Image Credit:
Gosia Zet/Shutterstock
Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Category
Beverages
Course
Other
Credit
The Forgotten Arts series

Make a refreshing rhubarb julep! In this twist on the classic drink, tart-sweet rhubarb pairs quite nicely with bourbon. It can be made without alcohol, too, for the perfect sipper all spring and summer long.

Ingredients
2 cups of rhubarb (a few stalks), cut into 1-inch pieces
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Club soda or ginger ale to taste
Crushed ice
Optional: 2 ounces bourbon

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan combine the rhubarb and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the rhubarb gets soft and mushy, stirring occasionally. Bring the syrup to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Cool.
  2. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the rhubarb pieces.
  3. Mix the rhubarb syrup with soda water or ginger ale. Pour over a class of crushed ice. Then garnish!
  4. Or, if you are having bourbon, just pour the rhubarb syrup in a glass. Add the crushed ice, followed by the bourbon and a splash of water. Then garnish!

We like to garnish with a rhubarb stirring stick and mint leaves. You can also add a slice of lime.

About The Author
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...
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Comments

<span>Hojo</span> Sat, 05/23/2026 - 16:32
I’m not clear on how much this makes? Is it only for one glass? I wanted to make a pitcher for a cook out, any recommendations?
<span>Pg Losey</span> Sat, 05/31/2025 - 07:27
I'm thinking strain out the rhubarb pieces to use the syrup?
<span>Laurie</span> Thu, 05/14/2026 - 07:20
I’m thinking the same thing.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/jennifer-keating">Jennifer Keating</a> Thu, 05/14/2026 - 08:01
Great point! We have modified the recipe to include this.