Rhubarb Soda

Rhubarb season is just starting, and I wanted to start it off with something different. Usually I'd make a tart or pie, but I have all summer to make those. This soda is sweet and refreshing, it complements any meal. I'll be posting a rhubarb bread pudding recipe soon, its delicious!

Rhubarb Simple Syrup
Makes 1 ½ cups of syrup and 1 cup of compote

2 cups chopped rhubarb, rinsed and dried

1 cup sugar

1 ½ cups water

2 wedges lime

Directions

1. Combine everything in a pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the rhubarb is softened, about 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Mash and strain the rhubarb over a large bowl, mashing as much liquid out as you can. Keep the mashed rhubarb to put over ice cream or make individual tarts topped with streusel (butter, oats, brown sugar), baked at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes. Use the simple syrup in rhubarb and lime soda and for bellinis (both recipes below).
3. Mix 1 part rhubarb simple syrup with 2 parts of club soda in a glass with ice, add a lime wedge.