Gin and Cranberry Juice

1 12-oz bag fresh cranberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup water
1 cup seltzer/club soda
1 cup gin
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 3 limes)

In a medium saucepan, bring the cranberries, sugar and water to a simmer and simmer uncovered until berries hiss and pop.  Stir occasionally. This should only take a few minutes if the berries aren’t frozen or cold from the refrigerator, but if they are, it will take 5-8 minutes or so. Place your sieve/ricer/food mill over a large. Place 1 cup of cranberries aside for garnish, and force the remaining ones through the sieve. Throw away the solids remaining (seeds, skins, etc.), and add the whole berries to the cranberry syrup mix. Cool completely in the fridge for 2 hours, then add the rest of ingredients to the pitcher (soda, gin, and lime juice), stir, and serve over ice (or not) when ready. You can definitely make the cranberry puree a day or two ahead of time, but don’t add the soda and other ingredients until when you’re ready to serve.