strawberry rhubarb rose sangria

As we inch toward summer solstice, I decided to make a light, refreshing drink. 

Even though rhubarb is in abundance in the back alleys of our 'hood, I bought rhubarb because I don't trust back alley rhubarb. I have seen our dogs use it for target practice many times!

​I made the rhubarb syrup at home and brought it out to the trailer. I have a mint plant at the trailer so I used fresh mint snipped from the plant. Ummm...fresh mint!

Cocktail Scale (out of 5*)
James 4.25
Val 4.25
Mellissa 4

Ingredients

• 3 - 4 cups rhubarb (2 large stalks)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 Lime (sliced)
• 1/4 cup mint, loosely packed leaves torn
• 2 cups strawberries
• Club soda or seltzer
•  Ice
• 1 bottle Rose wine

To make the rhubarb simple syrup combine rhubarb and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add 1/2 cup sugar and stir until dissolved. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for about 30 minutes. Strain in to a bowl or jar. Can be refrigerated for a week.

To prepare the drink, combine rose wine, rhubarb syrup, sliced lime, torn mint leaves and strawberries in a pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. 

When ready to serve, fill a glass with ice, pour in sangria and top with club soda. Don't forget to scoop in some of the fruit from the pitcher. Garnish with mint and strawberry.