Sour-Cherry Mojitos

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.