Rhubarb is one of the first perennials to emerge during springtime in Wisconsin, one of many signs that the growing season has begun. Known for its sweet-tart flavor, rhubarb is a well-balanced ingredient that is a standout in sweets, sauces and more throughout the year. Whether you swap garden staples with a neighbor or grow rhubarb on your own, enjoy a seasonal favorite with this delicious rhubarb margarita recipe!
Growing rhubarb
Rhubarb is a perennial plant that returns year after year, with lifespans often exceeding a decade. It is hardy in zones 3 to 8, making it ideal for Wisconsin’s cool climates. Rhubarb is a crop that thrives in full sun with a well-drained soil.
Pro tip: Allow rhubarb to establish itself in the first year and avoid harvesting until it is at least a year old.
Interested in growing rhubarb? Check out UW Extension’s Growing Rhubarb in Wisconsin guide to learn more!
How to use and preserve rhubarb
Rhubarb is fairly versatile. Its tart nature is a nice balance to sweet and savory dishes, which makes getting creative with it fairly easy. Rhubarb works particularly well with Wisconsin-grown honey, maple syrup and dairy, making it a perfect addition to cheesecakes, yogurts and baked goods.
Rhubarb is equally easy to preserve. Simply wash, chop and freeze it on a sheet pan before transferring into freezer bags. Keep frozen and use up to a year. You can also make rhubarb into a simple syrup, like the one used for this rhubarb margarita, or mix it with fruits like strawberries to be canned into jam.
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Rhubarb Margarita
Ingredients
Rhubarb Syrup
- 1 cup chopped rhubarb
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Margarita
- 3 oz tequila blanco or reposado
- 1.5 oz rhubarb syrup cooled
- 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1.5 oz lime juice freshly squeezed
- ice
- rim salt or sugar optional
- lime wedges, rhubarb ribbon and/or strawberry slices optional, for garnish
Instructions
Rhubarb Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar and water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes or until the rhubarb breaks down.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve by gently pressing to extract the syrup from the discard materials. Set aside and allow the liquid to cool.
Rim glasses (optional)
- run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass and dip into salt or sugar.
Margarita
- Combine tequila, syrup, triple sec and lime juice with ice in a shaker. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into ice-filled glasses.
- Garnish with lime wedges, rhubarb ribbons or strawberry slices, if desired, and enjoy!