Grate your apples or dice them very finely, almost to a pulp. You can use a box grater or a ceramic ginger grater.

To a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the grated apples, the juice of ½ a lemon, and the granulated sugar. 

Let the mixture sit for 30 to 60 minutes, so the sugar can draw out the moisture from the apples.

Move the mixture to a saucepan and heat over medium low heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. Let cool in the saucepan for 20 or so minutes, then strain out the apple solids using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

Move to a storage container and keep refrigerated until ready to use.

To make your soda, add anywhere from 2 tablespoon to ¼ cup of the syrup to an ice-filled glass, top with sparkling water, stir and enjoy!