Remove stems from cherries. Leave stones in.
Wash cherries and place into a big jar.
Add raw sugar.
Cover the jar with cheese cloth or similar and secure with a rubber band or string.
Set aside in a cool dark place (e.g., laundry).
Shake the jar every day for a week.
After a week, add Cognac.
Cover and shake daily for another week.
Let the mixture sit for at least a month (the longer the better).
