Polish Rhubarb Honey Drink

By
Barbara Rolek
Barbara Rolek
Barbara Rolek is a former chef who became a cooking school instructor and award-winning food writer.
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Updated on 12/26/21
Rhubarb lemonade
Philippe Desnerck / Getty Images
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Refrigerate: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 4 servings

In Poland, many enjoy a rabarbar z miodem—rhubarb honey drink—during the heat of summer. It is a refreshing, cold elixir made with rhubarb and honey, which are two common Eastern European ingredients. The tang from the rhubarb makes it comparable to a cranberry juice cocktail, and when served over ice, this Polish rhubarb honey drink is a real thirst quencher.

To make it, raw rhubarb is processed until it forms a pulp and then covered with hot water. The mixture is chilled, strained, and the rhubarb liquid is then combined with the honey water. Poured over a glass of ice and garnished with an orange slice or mint, this pretty pink drink is a welcome beverage on a hot day.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water

  • 1/2 cup honey

  • 1 pound rhubarb, peeled if necessary, chopped

  • 3 cups hot water

  • Ice cubes

  • Orange slices, or mint sprigs, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a pot, bring the 4 cups water to boil; remove from the heat, stir in honey, and set aside to cool.

  3. Place the chopped rhubarb in a food processor and mix until it forms a pulp.

  4. Place the rhubarb pulp in​ a medium bowl, pour the 3 cups hot water over, and cover. When the bowl is cool enough to handle, place in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until cold.

  5. Place a sieve over the pot of honey-water. Strain the rhubarb pulp through the sieve into the honey-water mixture. Stir the rhubarb liquid and honey-water to combine. Pour into a pitcher.

  6. Fill 4 tall glasses with ice cubes and pour the drink over each. Garnish with an orange slice or sprig of mint.

  7. Serve and enjoy.

Recipe Variations

  • Add a bit of rum, gin, or vodka to the recipe to turn this summertime beverage into a flavorful cocktail.
  • Double the recipe and make a pitcher to pour over ice in individual glasses.

Refreshing Rhubarb Cocktails

If you and your guests enjoyed this chilled beverage made with rhubarb, there are a few other recipes you can try, all of which begin with rhubarb juice. (If you prefer the drink to be nonalcoholic, simply leave out the liquor and substitute with sparkling water if needed.) A rhubarb-rosemary daiquiri combines rhubarb juice with lemon juice and rosemary syrup, along with some light rum, to make a unique but delicious drink. When cooked with sugar, the rhubarb juice becomes a simple syrup, which is a key ingredient in a rhubarb collins. And if you are a fan of sangria, give a rhubarb version a try: A mixture of white wine, vodka, St. Germain liquor, and rhubarb syrup makes for a fun summertime cocktail.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
161 Calories
0g Fat
42g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 161
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 25mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 42g 15%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9%
Total Sugars 37g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 19mg 97%
Calcium 122mg 9%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 377mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)