Strawberry Rhubarb Smash

For the Rhubarb Simple Syrup

• 4 stalks rhubarb
• ¹⁄₂ vanilla bean
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups sugar

Instructions

1. Wash rhubarb, trim the ends and cut into ½" pieces. Place the fruit and sugar in a 4-qt. pot and cover with 4 cups of water. Scrape the seeds of the vanilla bean into the pot and add the bean to the water. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Pour syrup into a bowl and cool in an ice water bath. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer.

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For the Cocktail

• 3 lemon wedges
• 3-4 mint leaves
• 1 oz. rhubarb simple syrup
• 1 ¹⁄₂ oz. bourbon
• 1 ¹⁄₂ oz. strawberries, washed and hulled
• Sprig of mint for garnish
• 1 strawberry for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle the lemon, mint, strawberries and rhubarb simple syrup in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add ice and bourbon. Shake and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a strawberry.