If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshingly fruity drink that captures the essence of those sun-soaked afternoons, look no further than Cherry Pie Iced Tea. This chilled beverage marries juicy cherries with the comforting notes of black tea and a delicate touch of vanilla and almond. It’s summer in a glass, equally perfect for lounging on the porch or entertaining friends at your next backyard cookout.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cherry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 4 cups water
Tea Mixture:
- 4 black tea bags
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Additional:
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint and extra cherries for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Step 1: Simmer the Cherries
Start by tossing your pitted cherries and half of the water into a medium saucepan. Set over medium heat and bring to a lively boil, then turn the heat down to let things gently simmer for about 10 minutes. As the cherries soften, use a spoon or potato masher to encourage them to release their sweet, tangy juice—this step transforms your kitchen with an aroma that hints at the cherry pie to come.
Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in your sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The sugar melts in, while those extracts infuse every drop with a flavor reminiscent of a fresh-baked pie. Let the cherry mixture cool just a bit so it’s easier (and safer!) to strain.
Step 3: Strain for Smoothness
Set a fine mesh sieve over a bowl or pitcher and pour in the cherry mixture. Press gently with the back of a spoon to coax out every bit of juicy goodness, leaving the solids behind. All those rich, berry-red juices are heading straight into your tea, while any leftover cherry puree can be composted or added to yogurt!
Step 4: Brew the Black Tea
Meanwhile, bring the rest of the water to a boil, then remove from heat and steep the black tea bags for around 5 minutes. This extracts plenty of flavor without making the tea bitter. Remove the tea bags, give it a quick stir, and let the tea cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Pour your vibrant cherry mixture into a large pitcher along with the freshly brewed black tea and lemon juice. Stir it up and pop the pitcher in the fridge for at least a couple of hours. The flavors meld and the chill sets in, making your Cherry Pie Iced Tea deeply refreshing and bursting with pie-like complexity.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Garnishes
Amp up the wow-factor by dropping a few fresh cherries and mint sprigs into each glass. The extra color and fragrant mint create a festive, inviting look that elevates every sip. For an extra-special touch, skewer a couple of cherries onto a cocktail stick and perch it over the rim.
Side Dishes
Serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea with summer classics—think grilled veggie skewers, crisp salads, or a big slice of lemon pound cake. Its bright cherry flavor is the perfect companion to anything light, fresh, or picnic-worthy. Your friends will rave about this pairing!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve in mason jars or tall iced tea glasses rimmed with a hint of sugar. If you want to impress, try a sparkling twist by swapping in sparkling water for half the tea just before pouring—suddenly your Cherry Pie Iced Tea is the star of brunch or a bridal shower!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover and refrigerate any leftover Cherry Pie Iced Tea for up to three days. The flavors may even deepen as it rests, though be sure to give it a good stir before pouring as the fruit settle at the bottom.
Freezing
Cherry Pie Iced Tea isn’t just a drink—it’s also a fabulous base for ice pops. Pour cooled tea into popsicle molds for a frosty snack, or freeze it in ice cube trays to add to your next glass without any dilution. Avoid freezing the whole pitcher, though, as it can muddle the fresh flavor.
Reheating
While Cherry Pie Iced Tea is best enjoyed chilled, you might crave a warm sip on a cool evening. Just pour a cup and gently warm it in the microwave for 30 seconds, or heat on the stovetop—but only until just warmed through to preserve the delicate cherry and almond notes.
FAQs
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Absolutely! Green tea will give your Cherry Pie Iced Tea a lighter, more delicate taste. Just be sure to steep it for a shorter time, as green tea can become bitter if over-brewed.
Is it possible to make this drink sugar-free?
Yes, you can easily swap the granulated sugar for your favorite natural or artificial sweetener. Just add a bit at a time and taste to avoid over-sweetening, especially if your cherries are already sweet.
Can I make Cherry Pie Iced Tea with canned cherries?
You can! If using canned cherries, choose ones packed in juice, rinse them lightly, and reduce the sugar in the recipe if the cherries are already sweetened. It’s a year-round shortcut with great results.
How do I make it sparkling?
For a fizzy Cherry Pie Iced Tea, simply replace half of the brewed black tea with chilled sparkling water right before serving. Pour gently and stir softly to keep those bubbles lively!
What’s the best way to pit fresh cherries?
A cherry pitter makes the job speedy and neat, but you can also push the pit out with a sturdy straw or chopstick. If all else fails, slice each cherry in half and pop out the pit by hand—just be prepared for a little finger-staining fun.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a drink that’s vibrant, just-sweet-enough, and brimming with cherry pie nostalgia, you simply have to try Cherry Pie Iced Tea. Pour a glass, add your favorite garnish, and let this refreshing sip become the highlight of your sunny days!
Print
Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a refreshing and fruity beverage that combines the flavors of sweet cherries, black tea, and a hint of almond and vanilla. Perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
Ingredients
Cherry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 4 cups water
Tea Mixture:
- 4 black tea bags
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Additional:
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint and extra cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cherry Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine cherries and 2 cups of water. Boil, then simmer and mash cherries. Add sugar, vanilla, and almond extracts. Strain mixture and discard solids.
- Tea Mixture: Boil 2 cups of water, add tea bags, steep, and cool.
- Combine: Mix cherry mixture, brewed tea, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Chill for 2 hours.
- Serve: Pour over ice with optional mint and cherry garnish.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, replace half the brewed tea with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on cherry sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
