Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka

If you like infused liqueurs, you are going to love this Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka! The first thing that will hit you as you take a sip, is its enticing, sweet aroma. You’ll stop then, as I did, to inhale and lose yourself in that intoxicating bouquet. It’s like a glass of vanilla-flavoured, floral honey; with a punch!

Then the first sip, straight up, or on the rocks, that’s up to you. There’s sweet, there’s a hint of sour from the rhubarb and a very, very pleasant creamy flavour from the vanilla pod we dropped in. Incredible! In fact, in the words of Robert Palmer,

simply irresistible!

This is the first time I’m making this combination of fruit, vanilla and vodka. And I’m in love! So, so in love!

Raspberry Gin with basil tonic and raspberries

In the Raspberry Gin post some weeks ago (above), I mentioned the combination of vanilla and fruit, and how that was the first time I’d tried it. The vanilla was certainly there in the raspberry gin, but just about, lingering somewhere in the background.

However, in our Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka, I was very pleasantly surprised at how well the vanilla stood out, yet blended so effortlessly with the fruit and vodka. I’m sure the fact that vodka isn’t assertive like gin, has got a lot to do with how well this combination worked.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:

autumn may be my favourite season, but I LOVE summertime for its endless bounty!

So, how do you make Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka?

It’s so easy, you can do it in your sleep. All we do is:

Soak some rhubarb, strawberry, lemon slices and vanilla in vodka
Add sugar
Leave to proof for 4 weeks
Strain through a fine sieve mesh, with or without muslin/coffee filter (ps: coffee filters take forever!)

: Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka Ingredients

: Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka Infusing

: Straining the finished drink (raspberry gin)

Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka Ingredients

Good Quality Vodka

Get the best vodka you can afford to make your rhubarb and strawberry vodka. That goes for all your homemade infused liqueurs. Cheap vodka will give you cheap tasting rhubarb and strawberry vodka. That doesn’t mean that you have to pay top dollar, do a little research to see what’s good in your price range.

Like wine you plan to cook with, get something that you will enjoy drinking on its own and doesn’t taste like rubbish. The brand doesn’t matter, just make sure it’s smooth to drink on its own. So if you prefer Smirnoff over Absolut, that’s perfectly fine.

What alcohol percentage? That’s up to you. 37.5% is probably the easiest and most affordable to buy. Or 40%.

Rhubarb

Be sure to look for healthy stalks, the redder they are, the pinker your gin. however, your rhubarb will lose its colour over time, becoming slightly paler.

Strawberries

Make sure they are as fresh as they can be. You can also use frozen strawberries to infuse. One thing to note here, is that after a couple of weeks, the strawberries would have all but lost their colour. And as you open the lid (if you do) to stir the drink, it will all be fairly sticky. Don’t let that put you off. It’s not gone off, not with all that alcohol!

By the way, I just shake the bottle, to mix up the contents, instead of stirring it with a spoon. Most of the time. Because I’m lazy like that.

Sugar

To me, white sugar is the best for infused liqueurs, unless you are going for toffee and caramel flavours, which are great in spiced liqueurs. I love my drinks on the sweet side, and use 300-400g (10-14 oz) of sugar in most infusions.

If you aren’t keen on sweet, in this rhubarb and strawberry vodka, start with 200g (7 oz/1 cup) of sugar. Then taste as you go along, you can add more sugar right up to the end. Just stir to dissolve, and strain when the time comes.

How long can you infuse vodka?

I think it’s more a question of how long should you infuse vodka. I’m always amused when I see recipes saying the drink is ready after a few days! That’s just not enough time for the spirit to be infused properly. Unless you are roasting your fruit first, which will already be bursting with delicious juices, and needs a much shorter time.

Like our rhubarb gin below, where I give your 2 methods, one with roasted rhubarb, that’s ready to drink after 5 days:

How to Make Rhubarb Gin

How do you drink Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka?

Any which way you like! Just be sure to take a slow, deep sniff of it, twirling it in the glass, before your first sip. It’ll enhance the experience.

My favourite way is with just a few ice cubes to loosen the drink and release all the essential oils and aroma.
You could also drink it neat.
And naturally, make up cocktails with it.

Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka served ice cold, out of the freezer

Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka Cocktails

There are so many different cocktails you can make up with this rhubarb and strawberry vodka. As it is already a little sweet, you can probably skip the simple syrup, if you aren’t keen on sweet. Look out for cocktails I’ll create with this drink, but let me leave you with:

Rhubarb and Strawberry Martini

50ml (2 fluid oz) rhubarb and strawberry vodka
25ml (1 fluid oz) Cointreau or Triple Sec
25ml (1 fluid oz) lemonade
4 strawberries, crushed
squeeze of lemon juice

⇒ Mix it all up, serves 1.

Sterilising Jars and Bottles for our Rhubarb and Strawberry Vodka

Turn the oven on to a cool 130˚C/250˚F/Gas Mark ½.
Wash the jars, bottles and lids in hot soapy water.
Place the jars, bottles and lids upside down in the oven and leave them to dry, with the door closed for 15 minutes.
Turn the oven off and leave the jars, bottles and lids in there, bringing them out only when you are ready to fill. Be careful, as they’ll be hot.

And if you fancy more drink recipes, you’ll find them on the Drinks Page, like:

: Homemade Limoncello

: D.O.M. Bénédictine

: Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur

: Pimm’s, the quintessential British Summer Drink

Are you a fan of infused drinks? Or maybe you don’t do alcohol. I’d love to know, either way, and what your favourite drink is.

Lin xx

♥ Do you like this recipe? Please give it a 5-star rating below! And when you make it, share it on any social medium and tag me @azlinbloor ♥