![Southern Living Strawberry-Rhubarb Spritzes in glasses to serve](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/2JvH6SGYltMaRFfP8XVQKm7RHTY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27544-Easter-Brunch_-1-867076bab5034de0a7337044bb026f45.jpg)
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Move over mimosas—there’s a new brunch cocktail on the scene! Powered by a blushing simple syrup made from strawberries, tart rhubarb, and a little fresh ginger, this tasty, gin-based drink is a fun way to up your brunch beverage game.
While we love the herbal kick that gin brings to this drink, it’s also equally lovely with vodka or even tequila. Plus, the Strawberry-Rhubarb Simple Syrup is so good, it’s a delicious addition to Champagne or sparkling water as a mocktail.
Ingredients
Strawberry-Rhubarb Simple Syrup:
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1 lb. fresh strawberries, hulled
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1 lb. fresh or frozen rhubarb, chopped
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/3 cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger (from 1 [2-inch] piece ginger)
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1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest, plus 4 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 2 large lemons), divided
Spritzes:
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Ice
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2 cups (16 oz.) gin
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2 cups sparkling water, plus more to taste
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Fresh strawberry halves, lemon slices, and mint sprigs
Directions
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Prepare the Strawberry-Rhubarb Simple Syrup:
Place strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, 1 cup water, ginger, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until fruit is very soft, about 20 minutes.
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Remove from heat, and pour strawberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl; discard solids. Stir lemon juice into strained syrup. Let syrup cool to room temperature, 1 to 2 hours. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
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Prepare the Spritzes:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add 1/2 cup Strawberry-Rhubarb Simple Syrup and 1/2 cup gin. Cover shaker with lid; shake until mixture is chilled, 15 to 30 seconds. Strain into 2 ice-filled wineglasses. Top each with 1/4 cup sparkling water, plus more to taste. Repeat process with remaining Strawberry-Rhubarb Simple Syrup, gin, and sparkling water to make remaining drinks. Garnish with strawberries, lemon slices, and mint sprigs.