Spruce Tip & Rhubarb Springtime Mocktail

This springy concoction multitasks as a healthful soda and a fun drink for the kids. Or morph it into your new favorite cocktail with some sparkling wine and Campari.

Looking for the perfect springtime drink to “spruce” things up a bit? I present to you my best ever bubbly concoction. Fragrant spruce tips, a bright touch of lemon, peppery ginger and the earthy tartness of fresh rhubarb make for a health-friendly and yummy refreshment. Plus, the rich pink color of the rhubarb makes this not-too-sweet soda positively pretty.

Spruce Tips

Spruce tips are, in my opinion, one of nature’s most under-appreciated treats this time of year. Not only are they relatively prolific, easy to identify, and simple to collect, they bring a truly unique flavor anywhere you add them. If you’re unfamiliar, spruce tips are what they sound like: the tip, or new growth, of a spruce tree. And they’re everywhere in the springtime. Read about spruce foraging before you head out, make sure you only forage where you have permission, and avoid trees that may be treated with or otherwise exposed to chemicals.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb, which looks a lot like celery stalks but bright pink, is a sour vegetable that starts popping up everywhere come springtime. In fact, it’s not unusual to find rhubarb sprouting in your own backyard, but if you’re not so lucky, grocery stores and farmer’s markets are an easy bet to carry it in season too. Rhubarb is usually paired with something sweet like strawberries or sugar to make it palatable, but it sweetens naturally as it cooks as well. Full of nutrients and beautifully colored, it’s a healthful and fun add to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freshly foraged, cleaned spruce tips, plus more to garnish  

• 4 cups chopped rhubarb

• 1 1/2 cup water

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• Peel of one lemon

• 2 tbsp peeled fresh ginger chunks

• Club soda

Directions:

Place rhubarb, water, sugar, lemon peel and ginger in a saucepan and bring to a simmer for 20 minutes or until rhubarb is soft and a syrup forms. Strain. Place spruce tips in a glass jar. Pour syrup over spruce tips, seal, and refrigerate for 24-72 hours.

To serve, mix 1 part syrup to 2 parts club soda and serve over ice. Garnish with fresh spruce tips. Option to toss in some fresh berries and a rhubarb stir stick.