The Ultimate Strawberry Rhubarb Lemon Soda Just 5 Ingredients
Strawberry Rhubarb Soda is a sweet, tangy, bubbly homemade drink made with fresh fruit and sparkling water. Perfect for warm summer days.
Servings 5 people
Equipment
- 1 Mesh Strainer https://amzn.to/4vv6RUR
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups rhubarb chopped
- 2 ½ cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice from about 6 to 8 lemons
- 4 cups seltzer water chilled, about 1 qt of seltzer water *see notes
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- Cook the fruit: In a medium saucepan, combine the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the fruit is completely soft and broken down.
- Mash and strain: Remove the pan from the heat. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or large measuring cup, pressing firmly on the fruit solids to squeeze out all the syrup. Discard the pulp (or save it for topping yogurt).
- Build the drinks instantly: Fill glasses with ice. For each drink, pour 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the syrup over the ice, depending on your preferred sweetness intensity. Top with cold seltzer water, stir gently from the bottom up, and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Tips for the Best Strawberry Rhubarb Soda
- Why Seltzer Wins: I use regular plain seltzer because it’s cheap, easy to find, and gives that sharp, classic soda fizz. Its neutral taste lets our sweet-tart fruit flavor take center stage without anything getting in the way.
- Adjusting Sweetness: This recipe is designed for a balanced, refreshing soda. If you prefer a stronger flavor, feel free to increase the syrup to 1/2 cup per glass. For a lighter, more subtle drink, start with 1/4 cup and adjust to taste.
- The Big-Batch Pitcher Tweak: Just double or triple the recipe and stir the syrup into a large pitcher with cold seltzer right before guests arrive. Don't add ice directly to the pitcher or it will water the whole drink down. Just pack individual glasses with ice and pour the soda over the top.
- Quick Rhubarb Prep: Slice your rhubarb into uniform, thin half-inch pieces. The smaller and more even they are, the faster they break down and release their gorgeous pink juices on the stove, maximizing flavor in half the time!