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Rhubarb Whiskey Collins is a refreshing effervescent mix of rhubarb puree, whiskey, and Dry Sparkling Fuji Apple Soda. Paired with the Rhubarb Tarts from my last post, a Rhubarb Whiskey Collins will quench any Mother’s Day thirsts you might have. Jump to Recipe
What is a Whiskey Collins?
I found myself going down the black hole of cocktail nomenclature when trying to decide whether or not to call these Whiskey Collins.
A basic Collins drink is served in a highball glass and contains liquor, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda. And then you can break them down further by the type of alcohol used. For example, I could have called this a John Collins because of the whiskey.
I had the whiskey, a simple syrup and tart element in the rhubarb puree, and then the soda.
But I got lost in the differences between club soda, seltzer (sparkling water), and sparkling mineral water.
- Club soda is man-made carbonated water with added minerals
- Seltzer or sparkling water is plain carbonated water with no added minerals and is sometimes flavored with fruit essences and oils
- Sparkling mineral water comes from a natural spring or well and can be naturally carbonated.
All of this ended up not mattering because I had some Dry Sparkling Fuji Apple Soda in my fridge that I decided to use. And it was AMAZING (this is NOT a sponsored post by the way). The rhubarb brought out even more of that apple flavor and the apple, in turn, enhanced the rhubarb.
So do I still get to call it a Collins drink because I used a soda? I don’t know the rules but rules are made to be broken.
The Dry Sparkling soda is so natural and subtle tasting that I literally thought it was just water. I had no idea it was actually soda until I visited their website.
Now that I know the subtle differences between all the carbonated waters, the Dry Sparkling Soda reminds me of a perfect blend of club soda and sparkling water.
A Rhubarb Cocktail Perfect for Mother’s Day Brunch
I really tried to make this Whiskey Collins a vodka or gin drink. That’s the alcohol I associate with moms and women in general. It’s a stereotype because I know plenty of women who love their whiskey (me included), but for the most part, I think whiskey scares a lot of people.
But the flavors just weren’t working with vodka and gin. And then I threw my hands up and said, “Well who cares, I’m making a whiskey drink for myself!”
I’m glad I gave up because now I have this Rhubarb Whiskey Collins that even my mom likes. She doesn’t really drink at all let alone anything with whiskey in it.
For a perfect Mother’s Day Brunch, serve a Rhubarb Whiskey Collins with these Rhubarb Tarts.
Rhubarb Whiskey Collins
Ingredients
Rhubarb Puree
- 2 stalks rhubarb about 2 cups sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
Rhubarb Whiskey Collins
- 2 ounces bourbon or whiskey
- 2 ounces rhubarb puree
- 4 to 6 ounces Fuji Apple Dry Sparkling Soda about half the bottle
Instructions
Rhubarb Puree
- Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the rhubarb is submerged in its juices and the liquid is bubbling over.
- Pour into a food processor or blender and mix until smooth.
- Strain into an airtight container. Makes about 1 cup.
Rhubarb Whiskey Collins
- Add the whiskey and rhubarb puree to a cocktail mixer and add ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
- Pour everything (including the ice) into a highball glass (a tall 10 to 12-ounce glass) filled with fresh ice. Pour the Fuji Apple Dry Sparkling Soda over everything and serve with straws.
I love whiskey, and I really want a glass of this! Rhubarb and whiskey are surprisingly delicious together!!!
The color is so gorgeous and even though am not a whiskey drinker, I would totally gulp that down!