Blushing Dark Cherry Cocktail

Cherry Cocktail, originally uploaded by miss.mallory.

I have an affinity for cocktails. Not exactly sure why. Perhaps it's the movies I grew up idolizing, the oldies straight out of the 40's, 50's, and 60's when a cocktail meant more than going down to the corner college bar and drinking yourself into oblivion. In the movies the folks imbibing were always glamourous, chic, and alluring. Enjoying a drink was something to be savored and enjoyed. For me it's always seemed a thing of art and beauty. Something special, and lovely, a good way to end a day or start an evening with friends. There's just something so special, and classic in a cocktail. I apologize, I feel as though I'm gushing. But honestly, I get just as excited tracking down the perfect cocktail for a party as I do about planning a menu or my decor. One of my favorite Friday or Saturday night activities is inviting a friend over for a chat, a cocktail (I need to start counting how many times I've typed cocktail. . .) and a bite, which is precisely how this charming cocktail (. . .7) came about.

Cherries aren't at their peak quite yet. But week after week those plastic baggies with luscious deep red cherries have started making an appearance at the grocery store. They finally got to me. I couldn't resist any longer. I knew if I picked the perfectly ripe juicy fruits out of the bunch, pitted them, and allowed them to macerate in a bit of sugar they'd be absolutely perfect for a cocktail. That they were. Sweet dark cherries topped with vodka, sparkling berry water, and a kiss of cherry juice. This is an ideal, light, slightly sweet drink, perfect for a lazy long evening. The large bits of cherry waiting at the bottom of your glass are just a bonus, a sweet little gift at the end of great drink.

Blushing Dark Cherry Cocktail

Serves 4

(I served mine in tall narrow glasses, you may want to adjust vodka/sparkling water ratios depending on the type of cocktail glass you chose to use)

1 1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and macerated in sugar

4 oz vodka

8 oz sparkling water (I used a berry flavored to give it a kick of extra flavor)

crushed ice

Directions:

1. Divide 4 tablespoons of cherries into four glasses (add an extra Tablespoon of the sweet cherry juices from the bottom of your cherry bowl or jar also). Then fill glass with crushed ice, pour 1 oz. of vodka into each over ice, top with sparkling water.

Now it's time to savor your cocktail, and your company.

Cherry Cocktail, originally uploaded by miss.mallory.