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    Home Β» Drinks Β» Tipsy Rhubarb Ice Cream Soda

    May 30, 2018 Β· Modified: May 20, 2019 by Sues Β· This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads Β· View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer Β· 25 Comments

    Tipsy Rhubarb Ice Cream Soda

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Tipsy Rhubarb Ice Cream Soda takes a brilliantly pink rhubarb simple syrup and combines it with vodka, vanilla ice cream, and soda water for a delightful summer treat. Feel free to leave the vodka out to skip the "tipsy" part.

    Head-on view of rhubarb ice cream soda with bright pink simple syrup on the bottom and jar of pink simple syrup and sliced rhubarb in the background with "Tipsy Rhubarb Ice Cream Soda" text at the top(This recipe for Tipsy Rhubarb Ice Cream Soda was originally published in September 2014, but the post has been updated with new photos and content.)

    Rhubarb and I have quite a sad history together. Actually, I should say rhubarb and I essentially have no history together. This drink slash dessert is literally the only thing I've ever made with rhubarb. BUT that doesn't stop me from saying at least 35 times per spring/summer, "omg I'm totally going to cook and bake with rhubarb all the time this year!" And then I never do. And look at me now... I finally have a bundle of rhubarb and I'm re-making a recipe that I first made in 2014. But the thing is, rhubarb and I need to spend a little quiet 1:1 time together getting to know each other. I'm slightly uneasy around rhubarb, I'm definitely a bit confused by rhubarb, and I'm still kind of getting a handle on how I really feel about it. This Tipsy Rhubarb Ice Cream Soda is like training wheels for rhubarb and I'm OK with that.

    Can we all please start by admitting that rhubarb is totally weird?? Does anyone really know what it is? Let's talk about it.

    WHAT IS RHUBARB?

    While I often refer to rhubarb as "celery's fun cousin," it's not actually in the celery family and is instead part of the Polygonaceae plant family (along with sorrel, buckwheat, sea grapes, and some pretty nasty weeds). Though rhubarb has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, utilizing rhubarb as food is a relatively new innovation, starting in 17th-century England. The stalks are the edible part of rhubarb and the leaves should be avoided due to their high levels of oxalic acid. If you've ever tried rhubarb plain, you know that it's extremely tart and generally needs a bit of sugar. In fact, in some countries, kids are given rhubarb stalks dipped in sugar as a fun little treat.

    RHUBARB SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE

    Knowing that sugar is generally needed in the preparation of rhubarb, I thought, what could be better than a rhubarb simple syrup? This allows you to get the full flavor of rhubarb, without covering it up with other flavors. If you're a rhubarb newbie, this is a great way to get a feel for how it tastes.

    You make the rhubarb simple syrup the same as you would any other simple syrup; it's just sugar, water, and chopped rhubarb. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes and then strain the liquid from the mushy rhubarb. I was about to throw that mush away, but then I tasted it and omg it was so good! It tasted just like applesauce would... Rhubarb applesauce for the win!

    Collage showing rhubarb simple syrup making process, including chopped rhubarb and sugar in saucepan, syrup simmering, and syrup being strained into bowl

    As you probably guessed, I’m pretty much in love with the hot pink color of this rhubarb simple syrup. I want to keep a jar of it in my fridge for all time. Did I mention I want summer to last forever?

    Head-on view of bright pink rhubarb simple syrup in a mason jar

    TIPSY RHUBARB ICE CREAM SODA RECIPE

    The rest of the cocktail prep is super easy as most of my drink recipes are. Pour the simple syrup and vodka into two glasses and then add a couple small scoops of ice cream.

    Head-on view of tall glass filled with rhubarb simple syrup, vodka, and vanilla ice cream

    And fill the rest of the glasses up with soda water. Until they're practically overflowing. Because it’s pretty much a necessity that an ice cream soda overflows.

    View of rhubarb ice cream soda with hot pink syrup at the bottom of the glass and a striped straw, with jar of pink syrup and chopped rhubarb in the background

    And I would call my first foray into rhubarb a success. OK, so technically this is my second foray considering I'm re-making this recipe. Just four years in between my two rhubarb experiences? I really can't let that much time go by again. The thing is... rhubarb isn't my absolute favorite fruit/vegetable of all time and there are a million other pie flavors I'd choose before a rhubarb pie. But this rhubarb simple syrup? It is pure delight! And I know there are more ways I can experience rhubarb that will likely help me fall in love with it.

    Overhead view of rhubarb ice cream soda on flowered napkin with striped straw and jar of rhubarb simple syrup and chopped rhubarb in the background

    This ice cream soda is kind of like a rhubarb creamiscle. Since the simple syrup is basically just combined with vanilla ice cream, it's perfect for getting the flavor of sweet rhubarb with nothing to mask it. But oops, I almost forgot that there is vodka in this little ice cream soda. Hence the "tipsy" part of the title. Obviously you can leave the vodka out if you want a virgin ice cream soda or will be serving it to kids... But the vodka makes this ice cream soda a little bit more fun, especially as we enter the glorious days of summer. Plus, I kind of think there's something about rhubarb that screams, "I need vodka! Give me vodka!"

    Head-on view of rhubarb ice cream soda with bright pink simple syrup on the bottom and jar of pink simple syrup and sliced rhubarb in the background

    Luckily, rhubarb is in season until September, so I should be able to get a few more rhubarb recipes in over the next few months. But something tells me this rhubarb simple syrup will also be made again... Because yes, I absolutely need a jar of hot pink simple syrup in my fridge at all times.

    Please share your favorite rhubarb recipes with me, so I can broaden my rhubarb horizons!

    If you're looking for another "tipsy" ice cream drink, check out my Bourbon S'mores Milkshake! If you're in the mood for rhubarb, these Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars from Nourished by Nutrition look delicious!

    Tipsy Rhubarb Ice Cream Soda

    This Tipsy Rhubarb Ice Cream Soda takes a brilliantly pink rhubarb simple syrup and combines it with vodka, vanilla ice cream, and soda water for a delightful summer treat.
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    Course: Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: ice cream soda recipe, rhubarb simple syrup
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Simple Syrup Cool Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Makes: 2 drinks
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • 4 oz. rhubarb simple syrup (recipe below)
    • 4 oz. vodka
    • 4 small scoops vanilla ice cream
    • Soda water

    Rhubarb Simple Syrup

    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 cups chopped rhubarb

    Instructions

    • Divide simple syrup and vodka between two glasses and then add two small scoops of ice cream to each.
    • Fill the rest of the glasses all the way up with soda water. Serve with straws.

    Rhubarb Simple Syrup

    • In a medium saucepan, bring sugar, water, and chopped rhubarb to a boil.
    • Lower heat and let mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, until sugar is dissolved and mixture has thickened a bit.
    • Remove saucepan from heat and strain the syrup into a heat-proof bowl. Press down on the mushy rhubarb to extract as much liquid as possible from it. Dispose of rhubarb mush or eat it like applesauce! Put syrup in the fridge to let it cool completely.

    Notes

    Feel free to leave the vodka out of this ice cream soda if you prefer.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says

      September 01, 2014 at 11:54 pm

      This looks incredible, Sues! I'm a newcomer to the rhubarb game but have loved it the times I've had it, so it's been on my to-do list to cook with for awhile. Combined with ice cream and vodka sounds decadent (and delicious). Yum!

    2. bellini says

      September 02, 2014 at 5:17 am

      I's say it was a great way to celebrate summers end;-)

    3. Joanne says

      September 02, 2014 at 7:02 am

      I am WITH YOU girl! If summer didn't end for another few months, I would still think it was too soon! I haven't cooked/baked/cocktailed with rhubarb since the spring...so I think I am long overdue for one of these.

    4. brandi says

      September 02, 2014 at 8:29 am

      that color is gorgeous!! i have some frozen rhubarb i might need to break out for this...

    5. Rachel says

      September 02, 2014 at 11:35 am

      i am loving all of your boozy recipes! i have never cooked with rhubarb and am actually pretty intimidated by it. this cocktail looks beautiful though!

    6. Chris says

      September 02, 2014 at 11:38 am

      Can you drop these off at my office? It's hot out and I think this might do the trick. Thanks! πŸ˜€

    7. Kitchen Belleicious says

      September 02, 2014 at 11:57 am

      old school and I LOVE IT!

    8. Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says

      September 02, 2014 at 12:46 pm

      An ice cream float with alcohol is the best kind there is! I plan to continue wearing my white jeans too for the rest of the month!

    9. [email protected] The Gastronomic Bong says

      September 02, 2014 at 12:50 pm

      This is an amazing drink!! Love it! πŸ˜€

    10. Michelle Lahey says

      September 02, 2014 at 2:01 pm

      I love making rhubarb simple syrup for cocktails this time of year!

    11. Emily aka The Three Bite Rule says

      September 02, 2014 at 3:02 pm

      Oooo this color is so lovely and I'd love this cocktail. right. now.

    12. Odetta says

      September 02, 2014 at 6:00 pm

      Oooh yum! I need one of these right now!!

    13. Megan says

      September 02, 2014 at 9:16 pm

      I'm with you… let's keep this summer thing going! The syrup sounds awesome. I made a rhubarb compote with cardamom custard once. It was awesome. Not sure why I haven't cooked with rhubarb since.

    14. Tandy | Lavender and Lime says

      September 03, 2014 at 3:23 am

      I have made a rhubarb crumble, but this looks way more impressive and tasty!

    15. DessertForTwo says

      September 03, 2014 at 8:56 am

      I'm such a rhubarb fan! I don't care what time of year it is! I freeze it πŸ™‚

    16. sarah k @ the pajama chef says

      September 03, 2014 at 4:01 pm

      oooh rhubarb! love it!

    17. Mary Frances says

      September 03, 2014 at 5:15 pm

      I LOVE rhubarb! Isn't it so pretty and versatile? Your recipe is adorable, I can't wait to try it for myself.

    18. Monica says

      September 03, 2014 at 5:42 pm

      Anything 'ice cream soda' gets my vote, but particularly a creative and pretty one like this!

    19. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

      September 03, 2014 at 8:11 pm

      Isn't rhubarb the best? While I hardly ever bake with it, I do try to eat it at least once a summer, usually in strawberry rhubarb pies! πŸ™‚ This ice cream soda sounds amazing! So perfect for a hot day!

    20. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says

      September 03, 2014 at 8:34 pm

      What a great idea, I'm impressed! For your first time a drink sounds perfect!

    21. Ashley @ QLCC says

      September 03, 2014 at 10:34 pm

      I ALWAYS forget about rhubarb. But how could I? It's so fun!

    22. Heather says

      September 04, 2014 at 10:02 am

      Yes! I am up for any cocktail with ICE CREAM in it. And rhubarb has such a wonderfully summery feel to it.

    23. Asmita says

      September 04, 2014 at 11:38 pm

      Loving this cool drink! Yummy!

    24. April says

      May 31, 2018 at 1:30 pm

      5 stars
      This is now my new favorite summertime drink of choice! Yum!

    25. Nancy Buchanan says

      May 31, 2018 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      You absolutely had me at "rhubarb"!! So bookmarking for this summer's party plan!!!

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