SPICED RHUBARB SODA

By BobD

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds rhubarb, washed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium lime, zested and juiced
• 10 cardamom pods, crushed
• 1 tablespoon whole celery seeds
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• Small pinch kosher salt
• 24 ounces soda water, chilled
• Ice
• Celery leaves, optional
• Fresh mint, optional

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from weather.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large saucepan set over medium-high heat, combine the rhubarb, sugar, water, lime zest and juice, cardamom, celery seeds, peppercorns and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low. Simmer until rhubarb is very soft and smashes against the side of the pan easily, about 15 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium bowl. Place the syrup in the fridge to chill completely (reserve the cooked rhubarb to serve with bacon or to use as a tart filling).

2. In a pitcher, stir the syrup with the soda water. Fill four glasses with ice and divide the rhubarb soda among the glasses. Garnish with celery leaves and a sprig of mint, if using.