Sip the Season: How to Make a Rhubarb French 75

By The Bubbles Guy

The Rhubarb French 75 — tart, floral, and sparkling.

When the garden gives you the last of its rhubarb harvest, it’s time to turn it into something extraordinary. This Rhubarb French 75 blends jewel-toned rhubarb syrup, elderflower gin, and sparkling wine for a cocktail that’s equal parts elegant and playful.

At Bubbles Don’t Count, we believe sparkling wine isn’t just for big celebrations — it’s for the everyday moments that sparkle, too.

Step 1: Make the Rhubarb Syrup

A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness and balance.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped rhubarb

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  
  

Instructions:

1. Combine rhubarb, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rhubarb breaks down and the liquid turns rosy pink.

3. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing gently to release all that tart goodness.

4. Stir in the lemon juice, then cool completely before using.

The Bubbles Guy says: “This syrup keeps beautifully for up to three weeks in the fridge — and it’s just as delicious in sparkling water or drizzled over desserts.”

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

Ingredients (1 cocktail):

• 2 oz elderflower gin

• 1.5 oz rhubarb syrup

• 2–3 oz Champagne, Prosecco, or Okanagan sparkling wine

• Garnish: lemon twist or rhubarb stick

Instructions:

1. Add gin, syrup, and a squeeze of lemon juice to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake until well-chilled.

3. Strain into a coupe or flute.

4. Top with sparkling wine.

5. Garnish, raise your glass, and toast to something worth celebrating — even if it’s just Tuesday.

The Non-Alcoholic Option: The Garden Sparkler

Because not every glass of bubbles needs booze to shine.

Ingredients (1 mocktail):

• 1.5 oz rhubarb syrup

• ½ oz lemon juice

• 3 oz elderflower tonic or sparkling water

• Garnish: lemon twist or rhubarb ribbon

Instructions:

1. Add syrup and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake gently.

2. Strain into a flute or tumbler.

3. Top with elderflower tonic (or sparkling water for something lighter).

4. Garnish and enjoy your guilt-free sparkle.

🍨 Dessert Twist:

That same Rhubarb French 75 Syrup doesn’t have to stop at cocktails. Spoon some over a scoop of ice cream — think Salted Crème Fraîche, vanilla bean, or even strawberry — for a sweet-tart drizzle that turns dessert into something special.

Cheers to Seasonal Sipping

Seasonal ingredients, a touch of fizz, and a playful twist on a classic French 75 — that’s what makes this drink shine.

For me, rhubarb will always bring back the memory of my mom bringing it in from the garden, washing the stalks, and handing me a bowl of sugar to dip them in. Simple. Sweet. Perfect.

What’s your favorite rhubarb memory? Share your moment — and let’s keep those bubbles (and stories) flowing.

Recipe and story by The Bubbles Guy, in collaboration with Bubbles Don’t Count — a celebration of sparkling wine, good company, and the moments that make life shine.