SOUR CHERRY LEMONADE FIZZ

I've spiked this lemonade with vodka to make a refreshing summer cocktail, perfect for cherry season! Generally, one batch will fill your blender. I have found it much easier to make it one batch at a time rather than doubling or tripling the recipe.

2 lbs fresh sour cherries* (stemmed)

1 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 to 1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups vodka
2 to 3 cups chilled sparkling water
Garnish: Fresh sour cherries with stems

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.

* You can substitute frozen sour cherries off season.