Place the cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low-medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to smash the cherries as they cook. Allow the mixture to continue to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the fruit has broken down.
16 ounces cherries, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Remove from heat, and allow the mixture to cool for 10 to 15 minutes or longer if desired. Pour the mixture through a mesh sieve to remove the fruit pieces.
Use the cherry syrup to flavor sodas, alcohol based drinks, or as a drizzle for desserts. Store the leftover in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 2-ounces of the cherry simple syrup. Actual calories will vary.*Doubling or tripling this recipe has not been tested. Therefore, we can not guarantee the outcome of adjusting the ingredients.