Cherry Cordial

Stir together cherries, sugar, water, cardamom pods, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and ginger in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, stirring occasionally, until cherries are tender and liquid is a thin syrup consistency, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat.

Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl. Pour cherry mixture through strainer into bowl, pressing cherries using the back of a spoon to extract remaining juices. Discard solids. Stir orange juice into strained cherry mixture. Let stand at room temperature, uncovered, until cooled to room temperature, about 30 minutes. To enjoy, pour a ¼-cup serving over an ice-filled cocktail glass and top up with tonic water, or add a splash to a glass of chilled sparkling white wine.