[Photo/The New York Times]

3/4 ounce simple syrup

3 cherries, pitted and halved

Half a lime, cut into quarters

2 ounces white rum.

In a cocktail shaker, press and mix the simple syrup, cherries and lime quarters with a muddler or wooden spoon. Add the rum and 6 ice cubes. Shake hard and pour everything into a rocks glass.

Yield: 1 drink.