Very Cherry Mocktail

1/4 c. sugar

½ cup water

4 whole cloves

1 whole star anise

1 1-inch piece ginger, sliced

4 c. 100 % tart cherry juice

In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup water and sugar. Stir in cloves, star anise, and ginger; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer (do not stir) until sugar dissolves, 3 to 4 minutes. Let cool completely.

Strain syrup into pitcher and stir in cherry juice.

Pour into glasses and fill with crushed ice. 

Use my honey simple syrup recipe to reduce the sugar!