This Cherry Gin Rickey is liquid summer. It's a tart and refreshing summer gin cocktail with the perfect amount of sweet. You can easily make a large batch, so grab a few friends and get your rickey on.
Make the Simple Syrup. In a small sauce pan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium high heat, whisking constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperate. Makes about 1 cup of simple syrup, and keeps in the fridge for several months.
Make the Cherry Syrup. Combine one cup of fresh, pitted cherries with ¼ cup simple syrup in a blender. Blend on high until the cherries are pulverized. Strain through cheesecloth lined strainer. Makes about 1 cup of cherry syrup.
Make the Cherry Gin Rickey. Combine the cherry syrup with 1 cup gin and ½ cup lime juice. Stir until incorporated. Divide between four tumblers filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh cherry.