Photos by Molly Decoudreaux

Nothing beats a cold, fizzy, homemade drink when you want a refreshing thirst-quencher.

This Lemon-Apple Fizz is about as refreshing as it gets! Sweet, bright, and herbaceous, it’s topped off with a splash of soda or seltzer that adds to the refreshing zip, each tiny bubble really bringing out the flavor.

Makes 2 medium or 3 small glasses

Instructions:

1. Prep the lemon: Slice two nice rounds of lemon and set aside to use as a garnish. Then, squeeze the remaining lemon into a blender. (One good way to strain out the seeds is to squeeze it over a small strainer—but you can use whatever you have, including your fingers!)
2. Combine: To the lemon juice, add the apple juice, honey, basil leaves, and a handful of ice.
3. Blend: Pulse until the ice is crushed and the basil specks are uniformly small. Taste it, remembering that it will get diluted a bit with the soda. If it’s too sour, add a bit more apple juice or honey; if it’s too sweet, add a bit more lemon juice and ice. Re-blend.
4. Serve: Fill your glasses with ice and add the lemon–apple juice blend, stopping ½ to ¾ inch from the top. Garnish each with a slice of lemon. Top with seltzer, club soda, or sparkling water. Clink glasses with a friend—(Serious) New Cook Principle #4: share!—and enjoy. Cheers!