Cherry Sours

Ingredients

• FOR THE CHERRY THYME SIMPLE SYRUP:
• 2 cups Sugar
• 1-½ cup Water
• 6 sprigs Thyme
• 12 whole Cherries, Pitted
• FOR THE COCKTAIL:
• 12 whole Cherries, Pitted (plus Extra For Garnish)
• 2 whole Limes, Cut In Half
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 3 dashes Bitters
• 4 sprigs Thyme, Plus More For Garnish
• 2 cups Cherry Thyme Simple Syrup
• 6 ounces, fluid Gin

Preparation Instructions

For the cherry thyme simple syrup:

1. Combine the sugar, water, thyme and cherries in a saucepan over medium heat. Muddle the cherries with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon until smashed and broken down. Bring up to a boil and reduce immediately to a simmer. Continue simmering until the sugar has fully dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for a good hour. Remove the thyme sprigs. Place the syrup in the fridge to cool until you make the cocktail.

For making the cocktail:

1. Preheat your grill to 450 F. Place cherry halves and lime halves on the grill. Close the lid and leave them there to grill for 2 minutes, or until charred. Remove them from the grill and let them cool.
2. Muddle the cherries, limes, honey, bitters and thyme in a cocktail shaker. Add in the simple syrup and gin and shake to combine then strain the mixture into 4 rock glasses filled with ice.
3. Garnish each with a cherry half and a thyme sprig and serve.