For approximately two quarts:
8 cups rhubarb, cut into 1 inch pieces
8 cups water
Juice and grated rind of one orange or lemon (avoid the white pith under the rind)
3/4 cup sugar
1 pint fresh strawberries, mashed (optional)
Simmer rhubarb on the water until tender (20 – 25 minutes) Strain, pressing on rhubarb with a spatula to extract all the juice.
Stir in the lemon or orange juice and rind; mix in optional strawberries.
Add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
Cool and serve over ice.