When it comes to cocktails, the classic margarita stands out as a timeless favorite, known for its refreshing combination of lime, tequila, and a hint of sweetness. But what if you could elevate that classic taste with a splash of something unexpected? Enter the Rhubarb Margarita—a vibrant, tangy twist on the classic, perfect for summer gatherings, brunch, or a girl’s night. Adding rhubarb enhances the drink with its unique tartness and gives the cocktail a beautiful, feminine pink hue. With its striking color and the perfect balance of sweet and sour, this rhubarb margarita recipe is sure to become your new summer favorite.

Rhubarb isn’t just for pies anymore. As one of the first plants to emerge in spring, its bright, crimson stalks signal the start of spring and the beginning of rhubarb season. Rhubarb’s tartness pairs beautifully with tequila, adding a unique flavor that’s both refreshing and slightly edgy. Its sharp, tangy taste, combined with the vibrant red color, brings a lively contrast to the smoothness of tequila and the brightness of fresh lime juice. And the perfect way to complete such a beautiful cocktail is to give it a unique finishing touch—a salted rim made with Himalayan salt with a hint of tajin.

Why you’ll love this rhubarb margarita recipe

Vibrant Flavor: The rhubarb syrup gives this cocktail a unique sweet and tart flavor profile that is simply delicious and will have you making homemade rhubarb syrup all summer.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this cocktail in no time. Even the simple syrup is very quick to make.
A Showstopper: The vivid pink color of the rhubarb syrup makes this drink as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients (and substitutes)

Ingredients to this rhubarb margarita recipe

Tequila: you can use either blanco or reposado tequila to make this Rhubarb Margarita, depending on your flavor preference. Blanco tequila offers a crisp, clean taste that highlights the tartness of the rhubarb and lime. In contrast, reposado tequila adds a smoother, slightly aged flavor with hints of oak and vanilla, creating a more complex, rounded cocktail. Both options will work well, pick the one that you prefer or what you already have on hand.
Orange Liqueur: made from distilled citrus peels, adds a sweetness to the margarita. It is okay to use either Triple Sec or Cointreau.
Lime: for this recipe, you will need both fresh lime juice and a slice of lime to help stick the salt rim to the glass. We recommend squeezing fresh lime juice whenever possible, as it has a much better flavor than bottled lime juice.
Rhubarb simple syrup: made from water, sugar, and rhubarb stalks. Homemade rhubarb simple syrup can be made in advance (Get the recipe here)
Salt: we prefer to use Himalayan Sea Salt which has a beautiful pink color that matches the cocktail
Tajin: is a tangy, spicy seasoning blend made from dried chilies, lime, and salt, commonly found in Mexican cuisine. It can usually be found at the grocery store in the Latin foods section or specialty stores.

How to make a rhubarb margarita

Make the Rhubarb Syrup: To make homemade rhubarb simple syrup, start by boiling 1 cup of chopped fresh rhubarb in 1 cup of water in a small saucepan for 15 minutes. After boiling, strain out the solids through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing the rhubarb down to extract as much juice as possible. Return the liquid to the pot and add ½ cup of sugar, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let the syrup cool completely before using it in your margarita.
Prepare the Glass: On a flat plate, combine the salt and tajin, mixing well. Cut a small notch in the lime wedge, then place it over the edge of the glass. Run the lime along half of the rim, ensuring it’s fully coated with lime juice. Dip the entire rim of the glass into the salt mixture. To prevent salt from getting inside the glass, hold it at a forty-five-degree angle and slowly rotate it through the salt.
Make the Margarita: Add the tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and rhubarb syrup to a cocktail shaker. Add a handful of ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Shaking with ice is important to properly dilute the drink and ensure it is balanced, giving you a perfectly smooth margarita.
Serve: Add a few ice cubes to the prepared glass. Strain the margarita mixture into the glass and enjoy!

Questions about this Rhubarb Margarita Recipe

Can I make the rhubarb syrup ahead of time, and how should I store it?

Yes, you can make the rhubarb syrup ahead of time. Once prepared, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The syrup will stay fresh for up to two weeks, making it easy to have on hand whenever you’re ready to mix up a Rhubarb Margarita. If you are looking for more details on how to make the rhubarb cocktail syrup, we are a blog post dedicated on how to make it.

What is the best type of tequila to use in this rhubarb margarita recipe?

Depending on your flavor preference, you can choose between blanco or Reposado tequila. Blanco tequila, also known as silver tequila, offers a crisp, clean taste that highlights the tartness of the rhubarb and lime, making the cocktail refreshingly bright. On the other hand, reposado tequila, which is aged for a few months in oak barrels, adds a smoother, richer flavor with subtle notes of vanilla and caramel. This creates a more complex and rounded cocktail. Both options work beautifully, so it’s really about selecting the profile you enjoy most.

What does a rhubarb margarita taste like?

A Rhubarb Margarita has a refreshing, tangy flavor with the tartness of rhubarb complementing the bright citrus of lime, while the tequila adds a smooth, slightly earthy note. The drink is balanced with a hint of sweetness and a subtle, spicy finish from the tajin-rimmed glass.