Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a refreshing and delightful twist on your traditional iced tea, infusing the sweet and tangy flavor of cherries with the comforting essence of a classic iced tea. This drink is perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or whenever you need a cool, sweet treat with a burst of fruity flavor. The combination of tea, fresh cherries, and a touch of sugar creates a satisfying and unique beverage that’s sure to please everyone at your gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cherry Pie Iced Tea offers the best of both worlds: the refreshing, cooling qualities of iced tea, along with the deliciously sweet and tart taste of cherries. The addition of lemon and a hint of vanilla brings out the natural flavors, giving the tea a comforting “pie” essence, making it feel like you’re sipping on a dessert in a glass. It’s a fun, flavorful way to enjoy tea, and it’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Plus, it’s a perfect drink to serve at gatherings or to enjoy on your own as a little treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water

• 4 black tea bags (or your favorite tea blend)

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or more to taste)

• Ice cubes for serving

• Fresh cherries and lemon slices for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Brew the tea: Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan or kettle. Once boiling, pour the hot water over the tea bags in a large heatproof pitcher. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the tea bags and set the tea aside to cool.

2. Make the cherry syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries and sugar. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juice and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Combine the tea and cherry syrup: Once both the tea and cherry syrup have cooled, add the cherry syrup to the tea and stir well to combine. Add vanilla extract and lemon juice, and stir again to incorporate all the flavors.

4. Chill the tea: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the tea is cold.

5. Serve: To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Cherry Pie Iced Tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh cherries and lemon slices if desired.

6. Enjoy: Sip and enjoy the refreshing, fruity flavors of this delightful iced tea!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

• Sweeteners: If you prefer a different sweetener, feel free to substitute honey, agave, or a sugar substitute instead of regular sugar.

• Herb infusions: Add a few fresh mint leaves or basil while brewing the tea for a subtle herbal flavor that complements the cherries.

• Sparkling version: For a fizzy twist, top the iced tea with sparkling water or club soda when serving.

• Different fruits: Experiment with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries to create different pie-inspired iced teas.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Cherry Pie Iced Tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the cherry syrup may settle at the bottom.

• Reheating: This tea is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can gently heat it on the stovetop. It won’t have the same refreshing taste when served hot, but it can still be enjoyed as a warm beverage.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled tea instead of brewing it myself?

Yes, you can substitute brewed black tea from a bottle or concentrate, but freshly brewed tea will provide a better flavor. Adjust the sweetness as needed.

2. Can I make Cherry Pie Iced Tea without sugar?

Yes, you can adjust or omit the sugar based on your taste preferences. You can also use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a sugar-free version.

3. Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can use canned cherries. Be sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar since canned cherries might already contain syrup.

4. Can I make this iced tea in advance?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store the tea and cherry syrup separately in the fridge, then combine them when you’re ready to serve.

5. How can I make this recipe more tart?

Add a little more lemon juice or even a splash of lime juice to enhance the tartness and give it a more refreshing twist.

6. Can I use other types of tea?

Yes! You can swap black tea for green tea, white tea, or herbal teas like chamomile or hibiscus, depending on your preference.

7. Can I make this without vanilla extract?

Yes, if you don’t have vanilla extract, you can skip it or add a splash of almond extract for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly well in this recipe and can make the drink even colder when served.

9. Can I freeze this iced tea into popsicles?

Absolutely! Pour the Cherry Pie Iced Tea into popsicle molds for a fun and refreshing frozen treat.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a vibrant, flavorful, and refreshing beverage that combines the essence of a fruit pie with the cool, crisp nature of iced tea. The sweet and tart cherries, vanilla, and a touch of lemon create a delightful drink that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, enjoying it on a hot afternoon, or simply craving something new, this iced tea will be your go-to drink for a sweet and fruity twist on a classic favorite.