Rhubarb Cordial
3 pounds rhubarb
1.5 liters vodka (1500 ml)
3-4 cups water
3-4 cups white granulated sugar
Other Tools: 3 large glass jars with lids (quart-sized Mason jars), glass bottles with caps, mesh strainer, coffee filters, funnel
Step 1:
Wash and dry the jars and set aside. Wash and dry the rhubarb, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Divide the rhubarb between the jars and pour in the vodka. Screw on the lids and place the jars in a dark place (such as the pantry or basement) to rest for one whole month. Do not open or expose to sunlight.
Step 2:
Combine the water and sugar in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then remove from the heat and let cool for one hour.
Pour the vodka through a mesh strainer into a large bowl to strain out the rhubarb ; discard the rhubarb. Add the simple syrup to the vodka, using as much or as little as needed to achieve the desired sweetness. Pour the rhubarb cordial back into the jars (you may need a few more clean jars now that you've added the simple syrup), screw on the lids and place the jars in a dark place to rest for another month.
Step 3:
Set out your clean, sterilized glass bottles with caps. Place a coffee filter in a funnel and pour the Rhubarb Cordial into the bottles. This step will take a while and you will go through many coffee filters as they become clogged and need to be changed, but it's a necessary step to remove the last bits of particles that will make a difference in your Rhubarb Cordial being clear and not cloudy.
Step 4:
Enjoy your homemade Rhubarb Cordial ! You can keep the bottles stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place, or in the refrigerator. They will last for at least a few years. Enjoy the Rhubarb Cordial on its own, or mix with Sprite for a refreshing cocktail.
Yields about 88 ounces (about 2.6 liters) of cordial
Recipe from Curly Girl Kitchen