Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh pitted Bing cherries
• 1/4 cup kirsch (clear cherry brandy)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 6 tablespoons Courvoisier or other premium Cognac
• 1/4 cup orange curaçao
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Cherry Heering liqueur or other cherry liqueur

Instructions

1. Combine cherries, kirsch, and sugar in medium bowl; stir to blend. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours, stirring occasionally. (Brandied cherries can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.)
2. Place 2 Martini glasses in freezer and chill at least 2 hours.
3. Place 3 brandied cherries in each of 2 chilled glasses; crush cherries with back of spoon. Combine ice cubes, Cognac, orange curaçao, lemon juice, and cherry liqueur in cocktail shaker. Shake well, strain into Martini glasses with cherries, and serve.