Cherry Cocktail: Made with Maple Syrup

Instructions:

1. Place the pitted cherries, one sprig of thyme, and the maple syrup into the bottom of a heavy glass or shaker.
2. Crush the cherries until a deep magenta puddle forms and the fruit is completely broken down.
3. Pour in the 0.75 oz of lime juice.
4. Pour the 2 oz of vodka and 0.5 oz of Cointreau over the fruit mixture.
5. Fill the shaker with ice until it's about three quarters full.
6. Secure the lid and shake for 15 seconds until the outside of the container feels painfully cold.
7. Pour the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
8. Add the 1 oz of sparkling mineral water. Watch for the fizz to settle before adding your garnish.
9. Poke the second thyme sprig into the ice so you catch the scent every time you take a sip.