Half-Bottle of American Fruits Sour Cherry Cordial

As a native of Warwick, NY, I feel it is my solemn duty to spread the word about the artisanal fruit liqueurs coming from Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery. Sour cherries have a frustratingly brief growing season, arriving in early summer and disappearing almost as quickly. This cordial captures that fleeting moment, preserving the bright, mouthwatering character of New York Montmorency cherries that have been macerated in the distillery's own fruit brandy. The result is vibrant and deeply aromatic, with notes of ripe fruit, cinnamon and clove, but none of the cloying sweetness you might expect. There's a tension between tartness and richness that makes this remarkably versatile behind the bar. Try it in a Manhattan or Boulevardier in place of sweet vermouth or shake it with gin and fresh lemon for a bright cherry sour.