Celebrate stone fruit season by making this fruity vodka pitcher drink for your next party.
By Martha Stewart Updated on July 2, 2024
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 1 day 10 mins
Servings: 16
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)
- 3 pounds frozen pitted sour cherries, partially thawed with juices
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving
- 2 to 3 cups vodka
- 6 cups sparkling water
Directions
- Make sugar syrup:
Bring sugar and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved, 3 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool 15 minutes.
Syrup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 month. - Combine lemon juice, cherries and basil; add syrup, mash, and refrigerate:
Combine lemon juice, fruit, and basil in a bowl. Add syrup; mash lightly to release juices. Refrigerate at least 1 day and up to 4 days. - Mix fruit mixture and vodka; divide between glasses and top with sparkling water:
Combine fruit mixture and vodka in a pitcher or punch bowl; ladle about 1/3 cup into each glass. Fill with ice. Top with sparkling water, garnish with more basil, and serve.