Sharbate Rivas (Rhubarb Sherbet Drink)

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

1 lb fresh rhubarb, trimmed, washed and cut in 1-inch pieces
1 1/2-2 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 cups cold water, for serving
crushed ice, for serving (or shaved ice)

Directions:

1 Combine rhubarb and 1 cup water in a small non-reactive saucepan.

2 Bring to a boil over high heat.

3 Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.

4 When rhubarb is soft, strain and discard solids.

5 Measure the juice and add enough water to make 2 cups.

6 Return to pan.

7 Add sugar.

8 Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

9 Increase heat to high and boil briskly, uncovered and undisturbed, for 5 minutes, or until syrup reaches 220°F on a candy thermometer.

10 Cool to room temperature.

11 To serve, pour 1/2 cup syrup into a tumbler.

12 Stir in 1/2 cup cold water.

13 Fill tumbler with crushed or shaved ice.