Combine mint and ½ cup of the sugar. Crush the mint with a fork. Add 1 cup of the water and set aside for 5 minutes. Strain into a 1½-quart pitcher. Discard the mint leaves. Add the lime juice, cherry syrup, remaining sugar and water. Chill. Fill glasses with ice, a mint sprig, a slice of lime or a cherry. Pour limeade into the glasses.