Wednesday Weekend Warm Up: Bourbon Cherry Seltzer

Homemade cherry-infused bourbon (or rum) is the base for this adult seltzer. The bourbon syrup from the cherries is sweet, but if you like a sweeter cocktail, use ginger ale in place of the seltzer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup(s) bourbon, such as Maker’s Mark, or dark rum
• 3/4 cup(s) packed dark brown sugar
• 2 cup(s) whole fresh cherries, stems left on
• 16 ounce(s) (2 cups) seltzer water

Directions

1. To prepare bourbon cherries: Microwave bourbon (or rum) and brown sugar in a microwave-safe dish until hot, about 1 minute. (Alternatively, heat in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.) Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Pack cherries into a small jar and pour the hot liquid over them; gently press on the cherries to make sure they are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 week or up to 1 month.
2. To prepare seltzers:  rocks glass with ice, add 1 1/2 oz cherry-infused bourbon (or rum) to glass, and top with about 4 ounces seltzer. Garnish with 2 or 3 whole bourbon cherries. (Refrigerate the remaining bourbon cherries for up to 1 month.)

*recipe from here, pic from here