This isn't a traditional simple syrup but close counts, right? I'll call it 'simple syrup' in quotations just to acknowledge I know it isn't fully true. Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and 1 cup diced rhubarb in a pot on the stove. Boil the contents on the stove until the water begins to dissolve and the mixture becomes syrupy. I don't like my mixture to become too thick so I will usually only let it boil for about 5 minutes and then simmer for 5-10. White sugar is most commonly used to make simple syrup but this time I switched it up and used brown - both work but brown is highly recommended for this recipe! Typically with simple syrup you would drain the fruit to keep a clean consistent syrup, for this drink I kept the soft rhubarb in.

Using a muddle, mash up 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries (this is enough for 4 drinks).

In a shaker, combine the 'simple syrup', strawberry mash, campari, vodka, and lime juice. Shake with ice until very cold and pour into your glasses. Top up with sparkling water and garnish with a stalk of rhubarb. Dare I say best served with strawberry rhubarb pie? Enjoy!