Directions

1. 1

   In a small saucepan, bring the water and both sugars to a boil, stirring until the sugars dissolve.

2. 2

   Place the Mulling Spices in a muslin bag, tie it shut, and drop it into the syrup.

3. 3

   Stir in the brandy and cherries.

4. 4

   Bring the mixture back up to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

5. 5

   Pull from the heat and stir in the lemon or lime juice.

6. 6

   Transfer the cherries, syrup, and muslin bag to a Mason jar.

7. 7

   Let cool, uncovered, then seal and refrigerate for at least 48 hours. After 48 hours, fish out the muslin bag.

8. 8

   Stir the cherries and syrup into cocktails, spoon over ice cream or cheesecake, or fold into the batter of a winter chocolate cake. Store sealed in the refrigerator and use within 6 weeks.