Rhubarb Beer Margaritas: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Cocktail

Rhubarb Beer Margaritas: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the tangy, slightly tart flavor of rhubarb mingling with the refreshing zest of a classic margarita, all elevated by the crisp, bubbly character of your favorite beer. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget, and trust me, it’s the perfect way to impress your friends at your next gathering.

While the margarita itself boasts a vibrant history rooted in Mexican cantinas, the addition of rhubarb is a modern twist that brings a unique, seasonal flair to this beloved cocktail. Rhubarb, often associated with springtime desserts and jams, offers a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness of the margarita and complements the hoppy notes of the beer. It’s a surprisingly harmonious combination!

People adore margaritas for their vibrant flavors, their ability to transport you to a sunny beach with every sip, and their sheer versatility. Adding beer to the mix introduces a lighter, more refreshing quality, making it perfect for warm weather. And with the inclusion of rhubarb, these Rhubarb Beer Margaritas become something truly special – a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail that’s both delicious and visually stunning. The slight bitterness of the rhubarb cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced drink that’s incredibly easy to enjoy. So, ditch the ordinary and get ready to shake up something extraordinary!

Ingredients:

• For the Rhubarb Syrup:
• 4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Margaritas:
• 6 ounces tequila blanco (silver)
• 3 ounces fresh lime juice
• 3 ounces rhubarb syrup (recipe above)
• 6 ounces Mexican lager beer (such as Corona or Modelo)
• Lime wedges, for garnish
• Coarse salt or sugar, for rimming the glasses (optional)
• Ice cubes

Preparing the Rhubarb Syrup:

Okay, let’s start with the rhubarb syrup. This is the heart of our Rhubarb Beer Margarita, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, the homemade syrup makes all the difference!

1. Combine Rhubarb, Sugar, and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, and water. Make sure the rhubarb is chopped into roughly even pieces so it cooks evenly.
2. Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
3. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rhubarb is very soft and has broken down. You should be able to easily mash the rhubarb with the back of a spoon. The mixture will thicken slightly as it simmers.
4. Strain the Syrup: Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander over a heat-proof bowl. Carefully pour the rhubarb mixture into the sieve, allowing the syrup to strain through. Use a spoon or spatula to gently press on the rhubarb solids to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the rhubarb pulp.
5. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir the vanilla extract into the strained rhubarb syrup. This adds a lovely depth of flavor.
6. Cool and Store: Let the rhubarb syrup cool completely before using it in your margaritas. Once cooled, transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Preparing the Margaritas:

Now that our rhubarb syrup is ready, we can move on to the fun part: making the margaritas! This recipe is for two margaritas, so adjust the quantities accordingly if you’re making more.

1. Prepare the Glasses (Optional): If you want to rim your glasses with salt or sugar, now’s the time to do it. Spread some coarse salt or sugar on a small plate. Moisten the rim of each glass with a lime wedge, then gently press the rim into the salt or sugar to coat it evenly.
2. Combine Tequila, Lime Juice, and Rhubarb Syrup: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, fresh lime juice, and rhubarb syrup.
3. Add Ice: Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes. You want plenty of ice to chill the margarita properly.
4. Shake Well: Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the shaker is well-chilled. This ensures that the ingredients are properly mixed and the margarita is nice and cold.
5. Strain into Glasses: Fill your prepared glasses (or regular glasses if you skipped the rimming step) with ice. Strain the margarita mixture into the glasses, dividing it evenly between the two.
6. Top with Beer: Gently top each margarita with 3 ounces of Mexican lager beer. Pour slowly to prevent excessive fizzing. The beer adds a refreshing lightness and a subtle hoppy note that complements the rhubarb perfectly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish each margarita with a lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your Rhubarb Beer Margarita? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Margarita: Add a slice or two of jalapeño to the cocktail shaker when you’re mixing the margarita for a spicy kick.
• Smoky Margarita: Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky flavor.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of rhubarb syrup to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter margarita, add a little more syrup. If you prefer a tarter margarita, reduce the amount of syrup.
• Frozen Margarita: Blend all the ingredients with ice in a blender for a frozen margarita.
• Different Beer: While Mexican lager works best, you can experiment with other light beers like pilsner or even a wheat beer. Just be mindful of the beer’s flavor profile and how it will complement the rhubarb.
• Rhubarb Syrup Variations: Get creative with your rhubarb syrup! Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme while simmering for an herbal twist. You could also add a pinch of ginger or a cinnamon stick for a warm, spicy flavor.

Making Rhubarb Syrup in Advance:

The rhubarb syrup can be made several days in advance, which is a great time-saver if you’re planning a party. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s also a fantastic addition to other cocktails, mocktails, or even drizzled over pancakes or waffles!

Choosing Your Tequila:

For margaritas, I always recommend using tequila blanco (also known as silver tequila). It has a clean, crisp flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine. Look for a tequila that is 100% agave for the best quality and flavor. Avoid tequilas that are labeled “mixto,” as they contain additives and won’t taste as good.

Why Mexican Lager?

Mexican lager is the perfect beer for this margarita because it’s light, crisp, and refreshing. It doesn’t overpower the other flavors, but it adds a subtle hoppy note and a pleasant effervescence. Other light lagers can also work, but I find that Mexican lager complements the rhubarb and lime particularly well.

Fresh Lime Juice is Key:

Please, please, please use fresh lime juice! Bottled lime juice simply doesn’t compare in terms of flavor. Freshly squeezed lime juice is brighter, more vibrant, and adds a much better balance to the margarita. It’s worth the extra effort, I promise!

Adjusting the Recipe for a Crowd:

If you’re making Rhubarb Beer Margaritas for a party, you can easily scale up the recipe. Just multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need. You can even make a large batch of the margarita mixture (tequila, lime juice, and rhubarb syrup) in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply add the beer and ice.

Non-Alcoholic Version:

Want to enjoy the flavors of this margarita without the alcohol? Simply omit the tequila and replace it with sparkling water or club soda. You can also add a splash of orange juice for a little extra sweetness and flavor. It will still be a delicious and refreshing drink!

Pairing Suggestions:

Rhubarb Beer Margaritas are perfect for sipping on a warm day, but they also pair well with a variety of foods. Try them with grilled fish, tacos, or spicy appetizers. The tartness of the rhubarb and lime helps to cut through the richness of the food, while the beer adds a refreshing contrast.

Enjoy Responsibly!

And finally, remember to enjoy your Rhubarb Beer Margaritas responsibly! Cheers!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Rhubarb Beer Margaritas are truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that because I created the recipe. The tartness of the rhubarb perfectly complements the citrusy margarita base, while the beer adds a refreshing fizz and a subtle hoppy note that elevates the entire drink. It’s a unique flavor combination that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Trust me, this isn’t your average margarita; it’s a sophisticated and surprisingly easy-to-make cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible flavor profile, it’s the sheer versatility that makes these margaritas so appealing. Imagine serving them at your next summer barbecue – they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Or picture yourself relaxing on your patio after a long day, sipping on one of these refreshing concoctions as the sun sets. It’s the perfect way to unwind and treat yourself. Plus, the vibrant pink hue of the rhubarb syrup makes these margaritas visually stunning, adding a touch of elegance to any gathering. And the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your personal preferences. For a spicier kick, add a few slices of jalapeño to the rhubarb syrup while it’s simmering. If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the amount of agave nectar or simple syrup. You could even try using different types of beer – a wheat beer would add a subtle banana flavor, while a pale ale would enhance the hoppy notes. Serving Suggestions: I personally love serving these margaritas in salt-rimmed glasses with a wedge of lime and a rhubarb ribbon for garnish. They pair perfectly with grilled fish tacos, spicy chicken wings, or even a simple bowl of guacamole and chips. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the tequila and replace it with sparkling water or club soda. You can also adjust the amount of rhubarb syrup to control the sweetness and tartness of the drink. Don’t be afraid to get creative! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable. You can tweak it to your liking and create your own signature Rhubarb Beer Margarita. I encourage you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find the perfect combination for your palate. I truly believe that this recipe is a game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to try it. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a batch of these delicious Rhubarb Beer Margaritas. Now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you love the recipe as much as I do? Did you make any interesting variations? What did you serve them with? Share your thoughts, photos, and stories in the comments below. I’m eager to see your creations and learn from your experiences. Let’s spread the word about these amazing Rhubarb Beer Margaritas and inspire others to try them too! Happy mixing! Print