The leftover brandied cherries will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. For an attractive garnish, thread a 4x1/2-inch strip of orange peel on a short skewer and top with a cherry, then place in drink before serving.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh pitted Bing cherries
1/4 cup kirsch (clear cherry brandy)
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup ice cubes
6 tablespoons Courvoisier or other premium Cognac
1/4 cup orange curaçao
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Cherry Heering liqueur or other cherry liqueur
Directions
Combine cherries, kirsch, and sugar in medium bowl; stir to blend. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours, stirring occasionally. (Brandied cherries can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.)
Place 2 Martini glasses in freezer and chill at least 2 hours.
Place 3 brandied cherries in each of 2 chilled glasses; crush cherries with back of spoon. Combine ice cubes, Cognac, orange curaçao, lemon juice, and cherry liqueur in cocktail shaker. Shake well, strain into Martini glasses with cherries, and serve.
