A drink that tastes of garden and April rain: rhubarb brings a tart, sour depth, aperitif bitterness rounds it off, and a hint of cherry blossom lifts the palate to delicate heights. Not tonic, but a homemade syrup makes all the difference – less sugar, more aroma. Perfect for the first warm evening, when magnolias bloom and the air is still cool.
And this is what you need for the Rabarbaro E Fiore
5 cl aperitif on a wine base (e.g. Aperol-like)
10 cl rhubarb-cherry blossom syrup (homemade, recipe below)
1 dash of lemon juice (fresh, approx. 0.2 cl)
Garnish: orange zest (wide, without the white pith)
This is what matters
The syrup is the key: 200 g rhubarb (peeled, in 1 cm pieces) simmered with 100 g sugar and 100 ml water for 10 minutes until soft. Then add 1 tbsp dried cherry blossoms (or 2 fresh blossoms) and steep for 5 minutes – do not boil, otherwise it will taste soapy. Strain through a cloth and chill. The syrup keeps for a week, but tastes best on the second day, when the floral notes combine with the acidity. Tip: do not cook the rhubarb too long, otherwise the bitterness will dominate.
Variations
- Rabarbaro E Fiore Spritz — For more lightness: build 5 cl aperitif, 5 cl rhubarb-cherry blossom syrup and 8 cl soda water in a wine glass with ice cubes. Garnish with a half slice of orange. Less intense, but perfect for the aperitif.
- Rabarbaro E Fiore alcohol-free — Replace the aperitif with 5 cl alcohol-free aperitif substitute (e.g. herbal and citrus-based). The syrup remains the same – the floral note carries even without alcohol.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ready-made rhubarb syrup?
Yes, but reduce the quantity to 6 cl and add 1 cl lemon juice – ready-made syrups are often too sweet and have less acidity. The homemade syrup has a slight cloudiness that makes the drink more interesting.
Why no tonic?
Tonic overpowers the floral note with its own bitterness. The homemade syrup gives more control over sweetness and aroma – and tastes less like a ‘ready-made product’.
Which cherry blossoms are suitable?
Dried cherry blossoms (sakura) from the Asian grocery store are ideal. Fresh blossoms work too, but they lose their aroma quickly. Alternatively: 1 tsp rose water (but use sparingly, otherwise it will taste soapy).
