Luxardo Velvet Cherry Elixir

Description: This rich, boozy cherry syrup is the perfect base for bold cocktails, or as a luxurious addition to soda or desserts. Featuring the unmistakable depth of Luxardo cherries, layered with aromatic citrus and subtle spice, this batch syrup is designed to be both strong and versatile. Swirl into an Old Fashioned, reinvent your Manhattan, or add a unique twist to sparkling water. Ingredients: - 1 cup Luxardo cherries (with their syrup) - 2/3 cup fine granulated sugar - 1 cup hot water (almost boiling) - 2 long strips of fresh orange peel (avoid the bitter white pith) - 1 cinnamon stick Instructions: 1. In a large heatproof jar or bowl, combine the Luxardo cherries and their syrup, sugar, hot water, orange peel, and cinnamon stick. 2. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. 3. Let the mixture steep for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Remove the orange peel and cinnamon stick. 5. Use a muddler or spoon to lightly crush the cherries in the syrup, releasing more flavor. 6. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids, or leave some cherry bits for extra texture. 7. Bottle and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Type of Glass: Serve the syrup as a component in cocktails in a rocks glass or coupe glass. On its own (for tasting or over ice), a small cordial glass is best. Pro Tip: For even more depth, add a few dashes of cherry bark bitters or a splash of amaretto to the finished syrup before bottling.