Black Cherry Mojitos

Let's be serious.  Black cherry mojitos go down easy and can be the highlight of any Saturday night.  Even better when done without those store bought mixes and colors that seem to give contribute to migraines and other cruddy feelings.  This definitely isn't health food, but it IS party fodder . . . good party fodder even.  So whip it up in advance and you're party-ready.  Just add friends.  Or not.  'Cause it IS good enough to keep to yourself if you're feeling fiesty.

3 cups water

3 cups sugar

2 lbs. fresh or frozen whole sweet cherries

4 limes, juiced

sparkling water

Black Cherry rum

Combine water and sugar on stovetop and simmer, stirring gently until sugar has dissolved.  Meanwhile, put cherries in a medium, heat-resistant bowl, large enough to hold the simmering sugar and water mixture.  Once sugar has dissolved and mixture has simmered until heated through, pour over cherries and stir.  Add freshly juiced limes to the mixture, pulp okay.

To mix a drink, fill 16 oz. glass with ice.  Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup cherry mixture (depending on your sweet tooth), 1 shot of rum, and 2 shots of sparkling water.  Stir and enjoy!