At our vineyard, when spring arrives, it’s rosé season. Rosé is one of the most popular wines we sell during the warm months because it’s full of the flavors of the season, like strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry.
How is Rosé Made?
We make our Snow Farm Vineyard Rosé with Baco Noir grapes. The color of wine comes from the skins of grapes as they soak with the juice in a process called maceration. The longer they soak, the darker the red color in the wine. Rosé is different because the grape skins spend much less time in contact with the juice, which is why rosé is such a light hue of pink.
Why Rosé Pairs Well with Strawberry Rhubarb
Strawberries and rhubarb make a timeless pairing, especially in pies, crisps, and muffins, where their flavors meld wonderfully. The tartness of rhubarb perfectly complements the bright, fresh taste of strawberries. Since this duo shines in our favorite treats, we couldn’t resist creating a strawberry rhubarb cocktail, too.
Since rhubarb season is fleeting, creating a syrup (like the one in our cocktail) is an excellent way to extend its enjoyment. If you have leftover syrup, you can always freeze it and enjoy it later!
How Long is Strawberry Rhubarb in Season?
While it may look like celery, rhubarb is a completely different plant with a different harvest season (celery harvest starts in the fall and rhubarb in the spring).
Rhubarb has a sharp, sour flavor, and when cooked or made into a syrup, as in the strawberry rhubarb cocktail below, its juices infuse tartness.
Rhubarb season in New England runs from May to July. After July, it’s best to let the plant grow so it can recharge and survive the winter. Be sure to grab it when you see it! You can always chop it up and freeze it to use later.
Ingredients in a Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail
There are lots of variations on a strawberry rhubarb cocktail and many include gin, whiskey, or tequila. Ours is the only one we could find that includes both gin and rosé for more fruit flavor and a smoother taste.
Lemon juice and soda water: For a zesty kick and to lighten the drink.
Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail
Ingredients:
For each cocktail:
- 2 shots rosé
- ½ shot gin
- 1 shot of strawberry rhubarb syrup (see below)
- ½ shot of lemon juice
- 2 shots soda water
Directions: Combine all ingredients and top with soda water. This recipe also works great as a mocktail if you omit the rosé and gin.
To make a 60 ounce pitcher:
12 oz Rosé (half bottle)
6 oz. (3 shots) gin
12 oz. (6 shots) of strawberry rhubarb syrup(see below)
6 oz. (3 shots) of lemon juice
24 oz soda water
Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups rhubarb – 2 to 3 stalks, sliced
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
Directions: Combine the fruit, sugar, and water in a pot and simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain through a wire mesh strainer into a large bowl. Press down on the fruit mash with a spoon to squeeze the juice out. Transfer juice to the jar. Makes one and a half cups. You can save the fruit mash to add to oatmeal, or put on top of vanilla ice cream. The extra syrup is also delicious on top of vanilla ice cream or pancakes!
