Apollo's Lemonade Recipe

Make or measure simple syrup

If you don't have pre-made simple syrup, make 1/2 cup by combining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup hot water in a small jar; stir until sugar dissolves and cool. If you have syrup already, measure 1/2 cup.

Juice the lemons

Roll lemons on the counter to loosen juices and juice enough lemons to yield 3/4 cup (about 4–5 medium lemons). Strain the juice through a fine mesh to remove seeds and excess pulp for a smoother cocktail.

Combine base ingredients

In a large pitcher or mixing container, pour in 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup simple syrup, 1 cup vodka and 1/4 cup orange liqueur. Stir vigorously for 20–30 seconds until fully incorporated and slightly frothy at the surface.

Taste and adjust

Taste the concentrated base. If it’s too tart, add up to 1–2 tablespoons more simple syrup; if too sweet, add a tablespoon of lemon juice. Adjust to your preference keeping balance for dilution from ice and soda.

Chill and prepare glasses

Fill four highball or Collins glasses with ice (about 1 cup ice per glass). If using a salted rim, dampen the rim with a lemon wedge and dip into 1 tsp fine sea salt on a small plate.

Assemble cocktails

Divide the prepared base evenly among the four glasses (about 1/4 cup base per glass). Top each glass with about 1/2 cup cold sparkling water or club soda (2 cups total divided). Gently stir once in each glass to combine without flattening the soda.

Garnish

Garnish each glass with a lemon slice on the rim and a mint sprig if using. Serve immediately while fizzy.

Batch serving option

To serve from the pitcher: keep the base chilled and ice-free in the pitcher; when ready to serve, add ice to each glass and top each portion with sparkling water so soda stays fizzy. Do not pre-mix soda into the whole pitcher or it will lose carbonation.