Strawberry Rhubarb Soda Syrup

The obsession of strawberries and rhubarb as a flavor combo is real! This soda syrup is refreshingly sweet, tart and perfect for the warmer days of summer!

Recipe courtesy of Smitten Kitchen

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. strawberries, stems removed and halved

• 1 lb. rhubarb, chopped into 1/2-inch segments

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 lemon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar and water in a large saucepan.

2. Remove several strips of peel from lemon with a knife or peeler and add them to the pot.

3. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce it to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until fruit has completely collapsed, stirring occasionally.

4. Remove from heat, add the juice of half the lemon (or more, to taste) and let fruit cool in syrup for maximum infusion.

5. Once cool, pour mixture through a fine-mesh strainer press solids with the back of a spoon or spatula to get the most syrup from them. You should have 2 cups right away, but if your patient and let it sit in the strainer you may be delighted to find 3 full cups of syrup when you get back to the strainer.

Pour into a glass bottle and chill until needed.

To make 1 glass of soda:

Pour 2 tablespoons of the syrup in the bottom of a glass, fill with ice and then seltzer or sparkling water. Give it a stir and add more syrup to taste; for a large glass, you might use up to 2 tablespoons more. Garnish with a lemon wedge, if you wish. Drink and enjoy spring.