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Rhubarb Ribbon Spritz is a strawberry rhubarb spritz made for the kind of gathering that feels effortless but still a little elevated. It’s tart, juicy, and bright, with strawberry–rhubarb syrup bringing that fresh fruit snap and Aperol adding a gentle bitter-orange finish that keeps the drink crisp instead of sweet.
The prosecco gives it sparkle, soda water keeps it light, and lemon ties everything together so every sip feels clean and refreshing. And that rhubarb ribbon garnish? It’s the tiny detail that makes the whole drink feel styled — like you planned the moment, even if you absolutely didn’t.
Rhubarb Ribbon Spritz opens with juicy strawberry and a clean rhubarb tartness that immediately feels refreshing rather than sweet. Lemon keeps the sip bright and lifted, prosecco brings crisp bubbles, and Aperol finishes with a gentle bittersweet orange note that makes the whole drink feel balanced and grown-up.
Strawberry–Rhubarb Syrup
This is the signature. Strawberry keeps it lush and juicy; rhubarb gives it that tart edge that makes a spritz feel crisp instead of syrupy.
Tip: Strain well for a smooth, glossy pour that keeps the bubbles lively.
Aperol
Aperol is the structure. It adds bittersweet orange and a soft finish that balances the fruit. It’s what keeps this spritz from tasting like sparkling juice.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon is the brightener. It sharpens the fruit, tightens the balance, and keeps everything feeling clean.
Helpful tool: Citrus Juicer
Prosecco + Soda Water
Prosecco adds sparkle and a crisp backbone; soda water keeps the drink light and easy to sip. If you want the cleanest finish, choose a brut prosecco.
Quick Strawberry–Rhubarb Syrup
Simmer 1 cup chopped strawberries, 1 cup chopped rhubarb, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water for about 15 minutes. Strain and chill.
Optional upgrade: add a small strip of lemon peel while simmering, then remove before chilling.
Choose one garnish to keep the presentation intentional and elegant:
· Strawberry slice — fresh, pretty, and reinforces the fruit
· Thin ribbon of rhubarb — the signature “ribbon” moment
· Expressed lemon twist — adds a bright citrus aroma and a clean finish
Rhubarb Ribbon Spritz works best with a dry, crisp prosecco and classic Aperol. Because the drink already includes syrup, you’ll want bubbles that finish clean.
Recommended Aperitif
Aperol
The classic choice — bright, bittersweet, and perfectly balanced here.
Recommended Prosecco Brands
(Choose Brut when you can — it keeps the spritz crisp.)
What to Avoid
Skip sweeter sparkling wines. With fruit syrup already in the mix, a sweet bottle can push the drink into cloying territory fast.
Because this is a bubbly, built-in-the-glass cocktail, the goal is cold ingredients, plenty of ice, and gentle stirring.
You’ll need:
· Large wine glass
· Jigger
· Bar spoon
· Fine mesh strainer (for syrup)
· Citrus juicer
Large Wine Glasses
A roomy glass gives you space for ice and bubbles — and it makes the spritz look instantly styled.
Jigger
This drink stays balanced when it’s measured. Syrup is delicious, but it’s also easy to over-pour.
Fine Mesh Strainer
The little tool that makes your syrup feel polished. It keeps the pour smooth and the drink clean.
Citrus Juicer
Fresh lemon makes a noticeable difference here — brighter, cleaner, more alive.
Helpful tools for this section: Fine Mesh Strainer, Citrus Juicer, Jigger
Make it More Bittersweet
Reduce syrup to ¾ oz and increase Aperol to 1 ¼ oz for a drier, more Aperol-forward spritz.
Make it Rosé
Swap prosecco for dry sparkling rosé for a softer berry vibe and an extra blushy color.
Make it Herbal
Add 1–2 basil leaves to the glass before ice (clap them once to release aroma).
Light + Salty
· Goat cheese crostini with lemon zest
· Marcona almonds or salted pistachios
· Prosciutto + strawberries
Why it works: Salt and creaminess bring out the fruit while keeping the spritz crisp.
Spring Dinner Energy
· Arugula salad with citrus and shaved fennel
· Shrimp cocktail with lemon
· Herb-roasted chicken skewers
Why it works: Bright, fresh flavors echo the lemon and let the aperitif finish shine.
Lightly Sweet
· Lemon shortbread
· Strawberry shortcake
Why it works: Gentle sweetness pairs well without making the drink feel flat.
Rhubarb Ribbon Spritz is best finished to order because carbonation should be added right before serving. (Batch the base, add bubbles later.)
What You Can Prep Ahead
Combine the syrup, Aperol, lemon juice, and optional saline in a sealed bottle or pitcher. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
What to Add Fresh
Add prosecco and soda water only when serving so it stays sparkling and crisp.
Batch for 6 Cocktails (Base Only)
· 6 oz strawberry–rhubarb syrup
· 6 oz Aperol
· 3 oz fresh lemon juice
· Optional: 12–24 drops saline (or a small pinch of salt)
To serve:
Per glass, add ice + 2 ½ oz base, then top with 3 oz prosecco + 2 oz soda water. Stir gently once.
Can I make this strawberry rhubarb spritz ahead of time?
You can prep the base a day ahead, but add prosecco and soda right before serving so it stays bubbly.
My spritz tastes too sweet — what’s the fastest fix?
Add an extra ¼ oz lemon juice, choose a brut prosecco, or reduce syrup to ¾ oz next round.
What can I use instead of Aperol?
Any bitter orange aperitif works. Start at 1 oz and adjust — some are more bitter than Aperol.
What glass should I use?
A large wine glass is ideal. It holds plenty of ice, keeps the bubbles lively, and looks beautifully styled.
Rhubarb Ribbon Spritz is bright, bubbly, and just bittersweet enough to feel polished. Make the syrup once, keep the bubbles cold, and you’ve got a signature drink that makes even a casual hang feel intentional.
Quick Strawberry–Rhubarb Syrup
Simmer 1 cup chopped strawberries, 1 cup chopped rhubarb, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water for about 15 minutes. Strain and chill.
Optional upgrade: add a small strip of lemon peel while simmering, then remove before chilling.
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
