Green Tea and Honey-Rhubarb Punch Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Honey-Rhubarb Syrup:

• 1 2/3 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
• 2/3 cup honey
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

Green Tea Punch:

• 2 cups water
• 4 bags green tea or 2 tablespoons loose green tea
• 1 bunch fresh mint (about 1 cup), plus more for garnish
• 2 cups vodka
• 1 cup fresh lime juice (from about 8 limes)
• 2 cups chilled club soda
• Ice, as needed
• Rhubarb stalks, for garnish

Directions:

1. To prepare the syrup, combine rhubarb, honey, water, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely, about 1 hour.
4. After cooling, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight or jar. Discard the solids. The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
5. For the green tea punch, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and add the tea bags or loose tea. Let the tea steep, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea leaves. Allow the tea to cool completely, about 1 hour.
6. While the tea is cooling, muddle fresh mint in a large pitcher to release its oils.
7. Once the tea has cooled, add it to the pitcher with the muddled mint. Then, pour in the vodka, honey-rhubarb syrup, and fresh lime juice. Stir gently to combine.
8. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
9. When ready to serve, gently stir in the chilled club soda. Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch over. Garnish with fresh mint and rhubarb stalks for an extra touch of flavor and color.

For a single drink:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add 1 1/2 ounces of strong brewed green tea, 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, 3/4 ounce of honey-rhubarb syrup, and 3/4 ounce of fresh lime juice.
2. Shake vigorously until the shaker is frosted, about 30 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, then top with 1 1/2 ounces of chilled club soda.
4. To garnish, clap a sprig of fresh mint in your hands to release its oils, then add it to the glass for a refreshing aroma and taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 185
• Fat: 0g
• Carbs: 22g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 7mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Total Sugars: 19g
• Vitamin C: 10mg (11% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 40mg (3% Daily Value)
• Iron: 0mg (3% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 128mg (3% Daily Value)

The Story Behind Green Tea and Honey-Rhubarb Punch

The Green Tea and Honey-Rhubarb Punch is a modern fusion beverage that marries the earthy, delicate flavors of green tea with the tart sweetness of rhubarb and the floral notes of honey. Its origins are rooted in both Eastern and Western culinary traditions: green tea, long celebrated in China and Japan for its health benefits, meets rhubarb, a plant native to Siberia and widely cultivated in Europe and North America. This combination became popular in contemporary American mixology as bartenders sought refreshing, lightly sweetened cocktails that balance herbal and fruity notes.

Regional Characteristics

This punch has strong ties to North American and Western European seasonal cuisine. In the United States, it is particularly popular in spring and early summer, when rhubarb is at its peak. The inclusion of honey as a natural sweetener reflects a trend in American artisanal beverages that emphasizes locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. In contrast, similar drinks in East Asia often pair green tea with citrus or plum flavors instead of rhubarb, highlighting the regional adaptation of tea-based beverages.

How It Differs from Similar Drinks

Unlike standard iced tea or lemonade punches, this drink balances tart and sweet elements with herbal undertones. While rhubarb cocktails share a resemblance to rhubarb gin fizzes or cordials, the combination with green tea and vodka creates a lighter, more aromatic profile. The careful layering of honey-rhubarb syrup, brewed green tea, fresh lime, and club soda ensures a complex yet refreshing flavor that sets it apart from simple fruit punches or tea-based drinks.

Where Its Typically Served

This punch is often featured at brunches, garden parties, and casual summer gatherings. Its visually appealing pinkish hue and fresh mint garnish make it a striking centerpiece in both home and professional settings. Many upscale restaurants serve it as a signature cocktail for seasonal menus, while home cooks often prepare it in large batches for celebratory events, from bridal showers to backyard barbecues.

Interesting Facts

• Rhubarb, despite its tart flavor, is classified botanically as a vegetable but is often used like a fruit in culinary applications.
• Green tea contains natural antioxidants and has been linked to potential health benefits, which adds a wellness angle to this cocktail.
• The practice of muddling fresh mint releases essential oils that enhance aroma without adding bitterness, a technique borrowed from classic mojitos.
• Honey not only sweetens the punch but also acts as a natural preservative for the rhubarb syrup, allowing it to be stored for several days without losing flavor.
• This beverage exemplifies the modern cocktail trend of big-batch drinks designed for social sharing, combining aesthetic appeal with easy preparation.

FAQ about Green Tea and Honey-Rhubarb Punch Recipe