We've spiked this lemonade with vodka to make a refreshing summer cocktail, but you can omit the alcohol. One batch will completely fill your blender, so if you need more, make multiple batches rather than doubling or tripling the recipe.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 8

　　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

　　

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.

　　

Step 2

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.

　　

Step 3

*We used IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) cherries from Friske Orchards (231-599-2604), in Charlevoix, Michigan.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Sour cherry lemonade can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.