Cherry Noir Shrub Delight

**Description:** Dive into the sophisticated and intricate flavors of this unique cocktail that marries the tart juiciness of Morello cherries with the boldness of dark rum and a hint of herbal complexity. This luxurious concoction is balanced with a touch of sweetness and a sparkle of acidity, perfect for an evening of refined indulgence. **Glassware:** Serve in a double old fashioned glass. **Ingredients:** - 2 oz dark rum - 1 oz Morello cherry shrub (see shrub preparation below) - 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur - 0.5 oz fresh lime juice - 0.25 oz simple syrup - Dash of Angostura bitters - Ice cubes - Fresh thyme sprig for garnish - Morello cherry for garnish **Preparation of Morello Cherry Shrub:** 1. 1 cup Morello cherries (pitted) 2. 1 cup apple cider vinegar 3. 1 cup granulated sugar 1. In a glass jar, combine pitted cherries and sugar. Muddle the cherries slightly to release their juices, then cover and let sit in the fridge for 24-48 hours. 2. After the mixture has macerated, add apple cider vinegar and stir until fully combined. 3. Seal the jar and let the shrub mixture sit in the fridge for a week, shaking the jar daily to help dissolve the sugar. 4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids, store the liquid in a clean bottle or jar, and keep refrigerated. The shrub can be stored up to a month. **Cocktail Preparation:** 1. In a cocktail shaker, combine dark rum, Morello cherry shrub, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and a dash of bitters. 2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. 3. Strain the mixture into a double old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice cubes. 4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a Morello cherry. Enjoy the Cherry Noir Shrub Delight, a drink that is as complex and balanced as it is refreshing!