Spouse Declares Cognac Cherries "Not The Worst Thing Ever"

Those backwards compliments are tricky little buggers, aren't they? I bought a CSA share this summer, and I'm loving it. I have never eaten so well. Every Thursday I pick up a bag of veggies picked fresh from my farmer's garden that morning. There's always a nice bunch of salad greens, fresh herbs, and then whatever has popped up that week--green onions, radishes, carrots, etc. Sometimes we get a ridiculously tiny amount--like, last week we got just one beet.

I love beets. But, on to the point of my story:

Last week a pack of tart cherries arrived in the share. I decided to throw them in a jar, cover them with sugar, fill the jar with brandy, and then stick it in a dark cool closet, turning every couple of days. But, when I reached for the brandy, I realized I didn't have any. So I filled the jar with cognac instead. Four days passed, and I thought a taste test was in order. Gross. The cherries taste like medicine. Shad thought I was too hard on myself and assured me they were "not the worst thing ever"... but I doubt he'll reach for a second helping anytime soon. I need to palm them off on somebody. Preferably someone who doesn't read this blog. And if they make a face I will ridicule them for not having refined taste. Yesssss.... Wait. No. I have a better idea. These cherries will be a perfect addition to a cocktail. I must go to my laboratory and investigate...

UPDATE: OMG, I have created the tastiest cocktail ever. Unfortunately, you can only make it if you have my special cherries.

Ugly Juice's Tasty Cognac Cherry Cocktail

1.5 oz. Cognac
4.5 oz. Cranberry juice
6-10 premium cognac-and-sugar-infused tart cherries

Muddle cherries, shake all ingredients, pour over ice, garnish with orange peel.