FIZZY SOUR CHERRY LEMONADE w/VODKA

By BobD

Ingredients

• 8 SERVINGS
• One batch will completely fill your blender, so if you need more, make multiple batches rather than doubling or tripling the recipe.
• 2 lb fresh or thawed frozen sour cherries (1 qt), stemmed
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 to 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups vodka (optional)
• 2 to 3 cups chilled sparkling water
• GARNISH: fresh sour cherries with stems

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from gourmet.com

Preparation

Step 1

Blend cherries (including pits) in a blender at low speed until skins have broken down enough to brightly color liquid (some of pits will be coarsely chopped).

Pour through a sieve into a 2-quart pitcher, pressing on and discarding solids.

Add lemon juice and sugar (to taste), stirring until sugar is dissolved.

Pour 3 tablespoons vodka (if using) into each of 8 tall (10-ounce) glasses filled with ice.

Add 1/2 cup cherry lemonade to each and top off with sparkling water.

COOKS' NOTE: Sour cherry lemonade can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.