Chilled Apple Zhivchyk-Style Drink

Name: Chilled Apple Zhivchyk-Style Drink
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: About 3 litres
Cuisine: Ukrainian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 kg sound apples, cored and sliced; 3 L potable water; 200–300 g sugar, to taste; 2 tbsp lemon juice; to serve chilled sparkling water, optional

An apple and lemon drink using the source’s apples, water and sugar, served cold without uncontrolled bottle fermentation.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 40 minMakes About 3 litres

Jump to Recipe

The source names a fizzy apple drink and suggests adding yeast to fresh apple juice for several days before sealing bottles. That process can continue producing alcohol and pressure after bottling. This kitchen version keeps its measured apple, water, sugar and lemon flavors while using a short simmer and cold storage. Slice sound apples and simmer until the water takes on their aroma. Strain, sweeten while warm and stir in lemon juice. Cool the drink quickly in shallow containers, then pour into a clean bottle for the refrigerator. For a light sparkle, mix each glass with chilled sparkling water immediately before serving; never ferment in sealed bottles.

Recipe card

Chilled Apple Zhivchyk-Style Drink

Prep 20 minCook 20 minTotal 40 minYield About 3 litres

Equipment: Large saucepan, sieve, clean bottles

Ingredients

1 kg sound apples, cored and sliced 3 L potable water 200–300 g sugar, to taste 2 tbsp lemon juice to serve chilled sparkling water, optional

Instructions

Prepare apples
Wash, core and slice apples; discard bruised or spoiled fruit.
Simmer
Bring apples and 3 L water to a simmer; cook 15–20 minutes until fragrant.
Strain and sweeten
Strain through a clean sieve and dissolve 200 g sugar in the warm liquid, adding more only after tasting.
Chill
Stir in lemon juice, cool promptly and refrigerate in clean bottles.
Serve
Pour cold; add sparkling water to individual glasses if desired.

How to tell when it is ready

Liquid is aromatic and apple-flavored, with balanced sweetness.

Tips

Use sound fresh apples.
Strain before adding lemon for a cleaner drink.
Start with the lower sugar amount.
Add carbonation to the glass, never to a stored bottle.

Serving suggestions

Pour over ice.
Add a mint leaf.
Mix one glass with sparkling water.
Serve with a light breakfast.

Make ahead

Prepare ingredients ahead and keep perishable items cold until cooking or serving.

Storage

Refrigerate and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Do not follow the source’s unvalidated room-temperature yeast and tight-bottle storage. This is a cooked chilled drink, not a shelf-stable preserve.

Frequently asked questions

Does this version contain yeast?

No. It retains the apple-lemon flavor without the source’s uncontrolled fermentation and bottle-pressure step.

How should I store chilled apple zhivchyk-style drink?

Refrigerate and use within 3 days.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.