TART CHERRY GIN SLINGS

OUR CHERRY SYRUP

1 lb. sour cherries, stemmed
¾ c. sugar
1 c. water
Strips of zest from 1 lime
Strips of zest from 1 lemon

GIN SLING

2 c. gin
2/3 c. Cointreau
2/3 c. fresh lime juice
2 ¼ c. sour-cherry syrup
Angostura bitters
Ice
Sparkling water
Lime wheels and fresh cherries, for garnish

1. SOUR CHERRY SYRUP: In large saucepan, combine the cherries with sugar, water and zests and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for 40 minutes. Pass mixture through a fine strainer, pressing on the solids. You should have 2 ½ c. Let cool.
2. GIN SLINGS: In a pitcher, combine the gin with the Cointreau, lime juice, sour-cherry syrup and a few dashes of bitters and stir well.
3. Pour into ice-filled tall glasses and top each drink with sparkling water.
4. Garnish with the lime wheels and fresh cherries and serve