Thursday Tipples 01 / DIY Rhubarb Berry Syrup and 2 Delicious Drinks

Today I’m super excited to introduce a new monthly feature celebrating all things boozy called Thursday Tipples. I love cocktails (well that’s no secret) and I want to explore the world of making them at home with fresh, seasonal ingredients and share my experiments here.

To kick things off I bring you a homemade berry and rhubarb syrup that can be used in any number of delicious ways. I tried two - a fresh and fruity vodka fizz perfect for summer, and a creamy ice cream float that both kids and grown ups will love. I actually can’t pick a favourite between the two drinks, I really loved both of them! I think the syrup would also be lovely with gin or bourbon, or even just a splash of soda.

There’s something very nostalgic about a ‘Spider’ or ice cream float. It was always a special childhood treat, but boozed up versions for adults are having a bit of a resurgence lately, which I totally love! The best thing is that they’re so adaptable - you can use any kind of ice cream you like (I think strawberry would definitely be a winner, or maybe something homemade?) or try different fizzy drinks, like maybe ginger beer or pink lemonade, which Schweppes finally brought back here in Australia, and that makes me very happy!

Which one would you choose?


Rhubarb Berry Syrup
Makes about 1.5 - 2 cups

• 350g rhubarb, chopped into 2cm lengths
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup raw sugar

Place ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes or until rhubarb is cooked and softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Press through a fine sieve placed over a bowl or jug, pressing down on the fruit to extract as much juice as possible.
To make the Rhubarb Berry Fizz, fill glass 1/3 full with Rhubarb Berry syrup. Add 30ml vodka, ice cubes, and top with soda or lemonade. Garnish with lime wedges and extra raspberries.
To make the Rhubarb Berry Spider, fill glass 1/3 full with Rhubarb Berry syrup. Add a large scoop of ice cream, and then top with soda or lemonade.