Part I: How to Make the Rhubarb Simple Syrup

1. Prepare Rhubarb: Wash and trim your fresh rhubarb stalks. Chop them into roughly ½-inch pieces until you have 1 cup.
2. Simmer Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
3. Cook Syrup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rhubarb has completely softened and broken down, and the syrup has taken on a beautiful pink color.
4. Strain and Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl or jar. Gently press on the rhubarb solids to extract all the liquid, then discard the solids.
5. Chill Syrup: Let the rhubarb simple syrup cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator before using. It will keep for 1-2 weeks.

Part II: How to Make the Refreshing Rhubarb Margarita

1. Prepare Your Glasses:

• Take a lime wedge and rub it along the rim of two margarita or rocks glasses.
• Pour a layer of coarse salt onto a small plate.
• Dip the moistened rim of each glass upside down into the salt, rotating gently to get an even, salty crust.
• Fill the salt-rimmed glasses with fresh ice.

2. Shake the Cocktail:

• Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with a good amount of ice.
• Using a jigger, measure and add all the liquid ingredients to the shaker: 4 ounces of the chilled rhubarb simple syrup, 4 ounces of fresh orange juice, 2 ounces of fresh lime juice, and 4 ounces of silver tequila.
• Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker tightly.

3. Shake Vigorously:

• Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. The outside of the shaker should become very cold and frosty. This not only chills the drink but also properly mixes and aerates the ingredients.

4. Strain and Serve:

• Strain the margarita mixture from the shaker into the prepared ice-filled glasses.
• Garnish with a lime wheel or a thin ribbon of fresh rhubarb, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant, refreshing Rhubarb Margarita!