Blended Cherry Mojitos

• 1 pound bag frozen pitted cherries
• 2 cups crushed ice, plus extra to serve
• 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
• 1 cup citrus flavored rum
• 1 2/3 cups Lime Simple Syrup, recipe follows
• Lime wedges and fresh cherries, for garnish
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 limes, zested

1. Place the frozen cherries, crushed ice, mint leaves, lime juice, rum, and simple syrup in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into chilled glasses and top with crushed ice.
4. Garnish with lime wedges and cherries.
5. Lime Simple Syrup
6. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lime zest over medium heat.
7. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool for 20 minutes.
9. Strain before using.
10. Yield: 1 2/3 cups

cherries, crushed ice, mint leaves, lime juice, rum, simple syrup, fresh cherries, sugar, water

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/blended-cherry-mojitos-recipe.html (may not work)