Effortless 2-Ingredient Rhubarb Lemonade: Your Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink
Prepare to discover the easiest and most refreshing lemonade recipe you’ll ever make: our incredible 2-Ingredient Rhubarb Lemonade! In just 5 minutes, you can whip up this vibrant, tart-sweet beverage using only two simple components: homemade rhubarb compote (or stewed rhubarb – they’re essentially the same delicious thing) and your favorite frozen pink lemonade concentrate. It’s not only a fantastic way to enjoy the unique flavor of rhubarb, but also a brilliant solution for using up any leftover rhubarb compote you might have from other baking or cooking endeavors. This recipe truly simplifies summer entertaining, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
While this delightful drink naturally skyrockets in popularity during the peak of rhubarb season, its irresistible flavor makes it a perfect choice any time of year. Don’t let the calendar dictate your cravings for this tangy-sweet goodness! If you’ve been clever enough to freeze batches of stewed rhubarb from a bountiful harvest, you’re perfectly set to enjoy this lemonade all year long. This particular recipe was inspired by my widely-loved Stewed Rhubarb recipe featured right here on the site. I highly recommend using that specific compote for this lemonade, as it incorporates strawberry gelatin, infusing it with a wonderful strawberry essence and transforming it into a delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade. Furthermore, this very recipe served as the creative spark for my equally delicious Rhubarb Smoothie. This lemonade is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with nearly any spring or summer meal, though it’s especially complementary alongside my Shortcut Skillet Fried Chicken and the ever-popular Perogy Potato Salad for a truly memorable feast.
Rhubarb is an incredibly giving plant, and if you’re fortunate enough to have a few rhubarb plants in your garden, you’ll quickly find yourself looking for creative and delicious ways to utilize your abundant harvest. Beyond this fantastic lemonade, there’s a whole world of rhubarb recipes waiting to be explored. Rhubarb’s unique tartness makes it an ideal ingredient for everything from sweet desserts to savory accompaniments. It’s a true seasonal gem that deserves a starring role in your kitchen throughout its growing period and even beyond, thanks to freezing. For more inspiration and to make the most of your rhubarb bounty, explore these other cherished rhubarb recipes:
- Rhubarb Coffee Cake Recipe: A comforting and moist cake, perfect for breakfast or a fika break, featuring tender rhubarb pieces swirled throughout. (image shown below)
- Rhubarb Squares: Classic, irresistible bars with a sweet crumble topping, ideal for potlucks or afternoon treats.
- Rhubarb Dessert (No Bake): A wonderfully light and easy dessert that requires no oven, perfect for hot summer days.
- Sticky Rhubarb Pudding: A warm, comforting, and indulgent pudding that’s a perfect end to any meal, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Healthy Rhubarb Muffins (Weight Watchers Friendly): A guilt-free way to enjoy rhubarb, these muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with flavor.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake (No Bake): A decadent yet easy-to-make cheesecake that perfectly balances the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, all without baking.
🥘 Simple Ingredients for Your Rhubarb Lemonade
One of the true beauties of this Easy Rhubarb Lemonade recipe is its utter simplicity, especially when it comes to ingredients. Unlike many homemade lemonade recipes that demand you fuss with making a simple syrup – who truly has extra time for that in a busy day? – this recipe cleverly bypasses that step. This is particularly efficient if you’ve already prepared a batch of rhubarb compote, which, by the way, is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless other dishes, making it a staple in any rhubarb lover’s kitchen. For this delightful beverage, you’ll need only two core ingredients, along with a few optional additions to customize it to your exact taste:
- Frozen Pink Lemonade Concentrate: This is your lemonade base, providing that classic tangy citrus flavor and a beautiful pink hue. Using concentrate drastically cuts down on prep time compared to squeezing fresh lemons.
- Rhubarb Compote or Stewed Rhubarb: These terms are often used interchangeably and refer to cooked rhubarb, usually sweetened and sometimes flavored. It’s the star ingredient that infuses your lemonade with its signature tart and fruity essence. I highly recommend using my Stewed Rhubarb recipe for the best results, as it adds an extra layer of strawberry, vanilla, orange, and cinnamon flavor, elevating your lemonade to a gourmet experience.
And for those who love to personalize their drinks, consider these optional additions:
- Fresh Lemons: (Optional) While the concentrate provides plenty of lemon flavor, a few fresh lemon slices or wedges can enhance the aroma and make for a beautiful garnish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add an extra zing if desired.
- Agave or Honey: (Optional) If you prefer your lemonade on the sweeter side, or if your rhubarb compote is particularly tart, a touch of agave nectar or honey can balance the flavors perfectly. You can also use maple syrup or your preferred sweetener.
- Rhubarb Sticks: (Optional) Thin strips of fresh rhubarb can serve as an elegant and edible garnish, adding a rustic touch to your finished drink.
*Refer to the detailed recipe card below for precise quantities and specific instructions.
🔪 Quick & Easy Instructions for Rhubarb Lemonade
The beauty of this Rhubarb Lemonade lies not just in its vibrant flavor, but also in its incredible simplicity and speed of preparation. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a refreshing and impressive drink!
Step 1: Prepare the Lemonade Base. Begin by pouring the frozen concentrated lemonade into a large juice jug or a sturdy glass pitcher. Follow the package directions for your specific concentrate to determine the correct amount of cold water to add. Stir or whisk the concentrate and water together thoroughly until completely combined. You want a smooth, consistent lemonade base before adding the rhubarb.
Step 2: Blend the Rhubarb Compote. Next, take your prepared rhubarb compote or stewed rhubarb and transfer 1 cup of it to a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed for at least 1 minute, or until the mixture is exceptionally smooth and free of any large rhubarb pieces or strings. A truly smooth compote will integrate seamlessly into your lemonade, preventing any gritty texture.
Step 3: Combine and Serve. Pour the smoothly blended rhubarb compote into your pitcher of prepared lemonade. Whisk vigorously for another minute or two to ensure the rhubarb is thoroughly mixed throughout the lemonade. The result will be a beautifully colored, wonderfully fragrant rhubarb lemonade. Garnish with fresh lemon slices, wedges, or a few thin rhubarb sticks, add plenty of ice, and serve immediately!
Chef’s Hint: Rhubarb puree can sometimes settle at the bottom of the pitcher, so it’s a good idea to give your Rhubarb Lemonade a quick whisk or stir just before pouring each serving. This ensures every glass gets an even distribution of that delicious rhubarb flavor and beautiful color!
📖 Creative Variations & Easy Substitutions
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this Rhubarb Lemonade recipe is its flexibility. While the two core ingredients deliver fantastic results, you can easily tweak it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!
- Adjusting Sweetness (Sweetener): The sweetness of your rhubarb compote and lemonade concentrate will dictate how much, if any, additional sweetener you need. If you desire a sweeter profile, feel free to add agave nectar, honey, or maple syrup. Start with a tablespoon, stir well, taste, and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of sweetness. These natural sweeteners also impart subtle flavor notes that can complement the rhubarb and lemon beautifully.
- Lemonade Base Choices (Lemonade):
- Regular Lemonade (Yellow): If pink isn’t your preference, simply opt for a classic yellow frozen lemonade concentrate. The flavor will be just as delicious.
- Homemade Lemonade: For a truly artisanal touch, you can make your own lemonade from scratch using fresh lemon juice, water, and a simple syrup. Just ensure it’s well-chilled before mixing in the rhubarb compote.
- Lemonade Powder or Sugar-Free Options: To make this drink more diet-friendly or lower in calories, you can absolutely use a lemonade powder mix or a sugar-free alternative like Crystal Light. This keeps the recipe Weight Watchers friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Rhubarb Compote Choices (Rhubarb Compote or stewed rhubarb): The type of rhubarb compote you use will significantly impact the final flavor.
- My Recommended Stewed Rhubarb: As mentioned, I highly recommend my Stewed Rhubarb recipe. Its unique blend of strawberry gelatin, a hint of vanilla, a touch of orange zest, and a pinch of cinnamon creates an incredibly complex and amazing depth of flavor that perfectly complements the lemonade. This choice truly transforms it into a Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade.
- My Rhubarb Compote: Alternatively, you can use my simpler Rhubarb Compote recipe, which focuses on the pure, tart-sweet essence of rhubarb.
- Store-Bought or Your Own Recipe: Feel free to use any rhubarb compote recipe you love, or even a good quality store-bought version if you’re in a pinch. The key is to ensure it’s blended smooth for the best texture in your lemonade.
- Boosting the Hue (Food Coloring): While the pink lemonade concentrate and rhubarb naturally give this drink a lovely rosy shade, you can enhance the color further with a single drop of red food coloring, if desired. I specifically recommend Americolor Super Red gel food coloring (affiliate link). Gel colors are highly concentrated, meaning you use less, and they are less likely to impart any “red taste” that can sometimes occur with liquid red food colorings.
- Sparkling Delight (Water): For a festive and effervescent twist, replace some or all of the still cold water with sparkling water or club soda. This instantly transforms your drink into a Sparkling Rhubarb Lemonade, adding a wonderful bubbly texture that’s perfect for celebrations or just a special treat. Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain its fizziness.
🍽 Essential Equipment for Making Rhubarb Lemonade
Even though this Rhubarb Lemonade recipe is incredibly simple, having the right tools on hand will make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. You won’t need any fancy gadgets, just a few kitchen essentials to ensure your compote is perfectly smooth and your lemonade is well-mixed and ready to serve:
- Blender or Food Processor: The most crucial piece of equipment for this recipe is a reliable blender or a food processor. This is essential for transforming the rhubarb compote into a perfectly smooth puree, ensuring your lemonade has a pleasant, consistent texture without any fibrous bits. A powerful blender will yield the best results quickly.
- Whisk: A sturdy whisk is perfect for thoroughly combining the lemonade concentrate with water, and then integrating the smooth rhubarb puree into the lemonade base. It ensures all flavors are evenly distributed.
- Large Pitcher or Juice Jug: You’ll need a spacious pitcher or juice jug to mix your lemonade and to serve it. Look for one with a good handle and pour spout for easy serving.
With these simple tools, you’ll be enjoying homemade Rhubarb Lemonade in no time, making it the perfect hassle-free beverage for any occasion.
🌡️ Storage Tips for Rhubarb Lemonade
Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade Rhubarb Lemonade fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy whenever a craving strikes. This refreshing drink can be easily stored for a few days, allowing you to prepare it in advance for gatherings or simply enjoy it over multiple sittings.
To ensure maximum freshness and flavor, store your rhubarb lemonade in a well-sealed container. A good quality juice jug or an airtight pitcher works perfectly. I personally find a juice jug designed to fit on the side of your fridge door (affiliate link) to be incredibly convenient. It saves valuable space in the main compartments of your refrigerator and keeps the lemonade chilled and easily accessible.
Your Rhubarb Lemonade will generally stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Over time, the vibrant color might slightly dull, and the flavors might mellow, but it will still be perfectly enjoyable. Remember that the rhubarb puree can settle at the bottom, so always give the jug a good shake or a quick whisk before pouring each glass to ensure an even distribution of flavor and a consistent, beautiful color. Serve chilled over ice for the best experience.
👪 Adjusting Serving Sizes
This fantastic Rhubarb Lemonade recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 generous servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. However, we understand that sometimes you might need more, or perhaps a little less. That’s why this recipe is incredibly flexible and easy to adjust!
Should you need to cater for a larger crowd, or simply want to keep a bigger batch on hand, you can effortlessly double or even triple the recipe. Conversely, if you’re making it just for yourself or a smaller household, you can easily halve the quantities. The best part? Our interactive recipe card (found below) makes this process incredibly simple. Just click on the blue serving number within the recipe card, and you can select the exact number of servings you desire. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust to match your selection, taking all the guesswork out of scaling the recipe. For larger batches, you’ll simply need additional pitchers or perhaps a decorative punch bowl to serve your refreshing creation.
❔ Frequently Asked Questions About Rhubarb Lemonade
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delicious Rhubarb Lemonade:
Rhubarb syrup is typically made from rhubarb, water, sugar, and often a touch of lemon juice. It’s essentially the same core ingredients you’d use for a compote, but the key difference lies in the consistency and intended use. Syrup is cooked down to a thinner, pourable liquid, often strained to remove the rhubarb solids, and is not thickened with agents like cornstarch. Compote, on the other hand, usually retains some of the rhubarb pulp, has a thicker, jam-like consistency, and might be slightly chunky. For this lemonade, we use a blended compote which effectively acts like a thick, flavorful syrup.
For the best flavor and smooth consistency, it’s highly recommended to use rhubarb that has already been cooked into a compote or stewed rhubarb. Fresh rhubarb is too fibrous and tart to blend directly into lemonade and would not provide the same rich flavor or smooth texture. If you only have fresh rhubarb, you’ll need to prepare a compote first using a recipe like my Stewed Rhubarb or Rhubarb Compote.
Yes, this Rhubarb Lemonade recipe, as written, is both vegan and gluten-free. Rhubarb itself is a plant, and standard frozen lemonade concentrates are typically vegan. As long as your rhubarb compote is made without animal products (e.g., using plant-based gelatin or no gelatin at all, and vegan sweeteners) and you check the labels on your lemonade concentrate, this drink will fit both dietary requirements. Always double-check ingredient labels for specific brands to be sure.
The sweetness of your lemonade will primarily come from the frozen concentrate and your rhubarb compote. If you prefer a less sweet drink, you have a few options: you can add a bit more plain cold water to dilute it slightly, or choose a rhubarb compote recipe that uses less sugar. You could also seek out a low-sugar or unsweetened lemonade concentrate if available, though these are less common. Adjusting the amount of optional added sweeteners like agave or honey is also key.
This vibrant and refreshing Rhubarb Lemonade is truly the ideal summer drink recipe, perfectly suited for those scorching hot days when you crave something cooling and flavorful. It’s another fantastic way to effortlessly make the most of your rhubarb harvest, transforming it into a delightful beverage that everyone will love. Its simple two-ingredient base makes it an absolute winner for impromptu BBQs, casual potlucks, or any occasion where you desire an easy-to-make yet impressively refreshing drink. So, if you’re on the hunt for delicious, summery non-alcoholic drinks that are both quick to prepare and burst with natural flavor, you’ve just found your new favorite!
And for those eager to explore more delightful summer drinks, especially non-alcoholic options perfect for any time of day, be sure to check out these other crowd-pleasing recipes:
- My Healthy Pina Colada Mocktail: A guilt-free tropical escape that’s creamy, fruity, and utterly delicious.
- The vibrant Miami Vice Mocktail: A layered drink combining the best of pina colada and strawberry daiquiri, without the alcohol.
- My celebratory Sparkling Strawberry Party Punch (non-alcoholic): Perfect for any festive occasion, bright, bubbly, and a hit with all ages (image shown below).
- And finally, the dreamy Creamy Coconut Blue Raspberry Slushie: A fun, frosty, and uniquely flavored drink that’s sure to delight.
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📋 2-Ingredient Rhubarb Lemonade Recipe
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Ingredients
- frozen pink lemonade (from concentrate)
- 3.5 litres cold water *14-15 cups of water, as per concentrate package directions
- 1 cup rhubarb compote or stewed rhubarb (we recommend using this recipe for best flavor: https://foodmeanderings.com/stewed-rhubarb-recipe-with-strawberry-gelatin/)
- agave or honey (optional) * add to taste if additional sweetness is desired
Garnish (Optional)
- ice
- lemon slices, lemon wedges or lemon zest
- stalks of fresh rhubarb (optional)
Instructions
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In a large juice jug or glass pitcher, mix the container of frozen pink lemonade concentrate with cold water according to the package directions for the lemonade concentrate. Stir well until fully combined and the concentrate has dissolved.
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Transfer 1 cup of your prepared rhubarb compote or stewed rhubarb into a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed for at least 1 minute, or until the compote is completely smooth and free of any fibrous chunks. This ensures a silky texture in your lemonade.
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Pour the smoothly blended rhubarb puree into the lemonade in your pitcher. Whisk vigorously for another minute to thoroughly combine the rhubarb with the lemonade. Taste and add optional agave or honey if you desire additional sweetness.
Serving
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Serve your Rhubarb Lemonade chilled over plenty of ice. Garnish with fresh lemon slices, lemon wedges, lemon zest, or thin stalks of fresh rhubarb as desired for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. Remember to stir before each serving as the rhubarb can settle. Enjoy your refreshingly simple summer drink!