* For cherries I prefer
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries. Dye-free cherries from
Tillen Farms’ Merry Maraschino Cherries are also good.
* SIMPLE SYRUP
1 cup (8 ounces) water
1 cup granulated sugar
Bring the water to a simmer in a saucepan set over medium-high heat. Add the sugar and stir until it completely dissolves. Remove the pan from the heat. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Pour the syrup into a clean 1-pint bottle, cap it and refrigerate it until needed. Makes 1-1/2 cups and keeps two months or longer in the refrigerator.