1 pound rhubarb trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3.5 cups gin plus more if necessary
3 strips wide strips orange zest
0.5 cups sugar
3 tablespoons Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or triple sec (to serve)
club soda, tonic water, or sparkling wine (to serve, optional) splash
Equipment
2-quart (2L) jar
fine-mesh strainer
large measuring cup or bowl with a spout
clean bottle (or bottles)
Directions
Put the rhubarb, gin, orange zest, and sugar in a clean 2-quart (2L) jar. Cover and shake to encourage sugar to dissolve. Store in a cool, dark place, shaking it every few days, for a month. After a few days, if some of the rhubarb is still floating above the level of the liquid, add another pour of gin, enough so that the rhubarb is covered.
Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the liqueur into a large measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Add the Grand Marnier. Pour into a clean bottle (or bottles) and tightly cork. Store the cordial for up to 1 to 3 months longer.