Well, this has sure been a great Summer. And before I share this yummy Summer Rhubarb Rose Fizz with you, I want to thank you for sticking with me, even though I took most of this last month off from posting. I needed some quality time with my family. Being a mom is always my first job. This time away gave me sometime to reflect and consider the direction I want to take this blog. I don’t think my direction has ever changed, I just haven’t had the time or means to make it what I really want. Some of that is because I take on assignments and freelance work just to pay the bills. These projects aren’t necessarily things I’m excited about or even things you, my readers, will love. Making a little money is important, but I’m considering saying NO to a few more things to make room for better YES’s. Does that make sense? This is all kind of risky business, and it’s not easy have such an unsure and income stream. But, my new goal is to be a little pickier about the work that eats up my time and energy. Anyways, I say all this because I want you to know that I really want this blog to be a place my readers LOVE to visit each week. Just know, I’m doing my best and I hope to bring you some great posts in the next few months. I’ve got some room makeovers headed your way, which I know you are big fans of and there will always be more mocktails.

Mocktails are one of my favorite posts to create. I love being in the kitchen experimenting with flavor combinations. I also love the process of styling and shooting these posts. Anyways, I’m rambling on and on, but I’m there will be more mocktails, mostly because I just love a fun drink. And this Rhubarb Rose Fizz feels like a great way to celebrate the last week before everyone in our house heads back to school.

Rhubarb is the BEST! But, it’s actually really hard to find here in Southern California. And one I bought some the other day, the checker had no idea what it was. He looked at it for quite a while and then said, “Is this red celery?”. I couldn’t help not giggling out loud. Before it’s all gone though, I’ve bought quite a bit and have it chopped and bagged in the freezer, ready to future cobblers, pies and yummy drinks.

I’m really a fan of an egg white drink. It adds a creamy, smooth quality to drinks and really makes them something special. But, I’ll tell you right away, if you are nervous about a raw egg white in your drink, this pretty pink drink can also be made with a splash of club soda instead. It’s still delicious and maybe even a little more refreshing. So, feel free to substitute.

Rhubarb Rose Fizz

• 5 cups of fresh or frozen rhubarb (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 cups water
• 2 tbsp. dried rose petals
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1 egg white per drink ( or a splash of club soda can be substituted)
• crushed dried rose petals and fresh rhubarb for garnish

In a pot, combine the rhubarb, sugar, water and dried rose petals. Bring to a boil and then reduce the temperature and simmer for 20 mins of low heat. Pour through a fine metal sieve to remove the rhubarb pulp. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine. Store the rhubarb rose syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

When you are ready to mix and serve a drink, place ice, one egg white and 1/2 cup of the syrup in a shaker or large glass jar with a lid. Shake vigorously till it is frothy with foam. Pour through a small fine metal sieve to keep the ice cubes out of the drink. Top each drink with a sprinkling of dried rose petals and a knot of rhubarb. To make the knot, use a vegetable peeler, and peel off a 6 inch length of the rhubarb, then simply tie it in a knot in the center.

Cheers to the last days of Summer friends.