Sour Cherry Gin and Tonic

Ingredients

• 1 cup (about 1/4) pound sour cherries or regular cherries, pitted
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, water
• 3 limes 
• Gin of choice
• Tonic of choice

Instructions

1. 1
   In a medium saucepan, set over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar and water. Using a wooden spoon, mash the cherries with the back of a spoon. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the cherries to cook down and thicken. Note: If you're using regular cherries, this may take longer as they tend to be much studier and less juicy than sour cherries. You also might need to add a splash or two of extra water. 
2. 2
   Turn off the heat and allow the syrup to come to room temperature; the mixture will thicken as it cools. Run the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the cherry pulp with the back of a spoon to release all of its juices. Squeeze in the juice from 1 lime. 
3. 3
   To assemble the cocktails, add about 1 1/2 ounces of cherry syrup and 2 ounces of gin to each glass. Add ice and top the whole drink off with a few splashes of tonic water. Garnish with a few slices of lime.