4 cups Cherries (use a dark, sweet variety such as Bing), pitted
1 Vanilla Bean, split in half
2 cardamom pods, seeds removed (discard pods)
1 cup Unrefined Cane Sugar
½ cup Raw Honey
½ cup Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar
Ice
Sparkling Water
Instructions
Place the cherries, vanilla bean halves, and cardamom seeds in a large jar. Add the sugar and mash in with the cherries using a muddler or wooden spoon. Place in the fridge and let sit for 2 days, shaking occasionally to help dissolve sugars. After two days, pour the mixture into a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to strain out the fruit syrup (alternatively, you can blend the whole mixture and then strain it through a sieve to get the most fruit and flavor out of it). Place the syrup back in a jar and mix with the honey and vinegars. Place back in the fridge for 5-7 days. Shake syrup before using.
Mix 1 part syrup to 4 parts sparkling water and pour over ice. You may like more or less syrup, depending on your preferences.
Recipe by The Kitchen McCabe at https://www.thekitchenmccabe.com/2016/07/07/black-cherry-cardamom-vanilla-shrub/