Cherry Pie Iced Tea is everything you love about summer in a glass: refreshingly cool, deeply fruity, and with just the right touch of nostalgia from that classic cherry pie flavor. This vibrant beverage blends the boldness of black tea with tart cherry juice, a hint of almond for that irresistible “pie” finish, and a squeeze of lemon to keep things lively. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a pretty pick-me-up, this recipe guarantees a sip that’s as crowd-pleasing as it is easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Tea Base
- 4 black tea bags
- 4 cups water
Flavors & Sweetener
- 1 ½ cups tart cherry juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2–3 tablespoons simple syrup (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Garnish
- Fresh or frozen cherries
- Lemon slices
- Ice
How to Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Step 1: Steep the Black Tea
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. As soon as it boils, remove it from the heat and drop in your black tea bags. Let them steep for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how strong and robust you like your tea. The longer it steeps, the deeper the color and the bolder the flavor. Once done, fish out the tea bags and let the tea cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Mix in the Cherry and Flavors
In a large pitcher, combine the slightly cooled black tea with the tart cherry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and almond extract. Give everything a good stir—this is where the magic happens, and you’ll see that gorgeous cherry color come to life. Taste and adjust the sweetness, adding a splash more simple syrup if you want, or leaving it tangy if that’s your style.
Step 3: Chill Thoroughly
Pop the pitcher into the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours. This chilling time lets all the flavors mingle and develop, so don’t rush it! The colder, the better, especially on a hot day.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice with Garnishes
When you’re ready to serve, fill tall glasses with plenty of ice. Pour the chilled Cherry Pie Iced Tea over the top, then finish each glass with a handful of fresh or frozen cherries and a slice of lemon. Every glass should look as irresistible as it tastes—after all, we eat (and drink) with our eyes first!
How to Serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Garnishes
Amp up the wow factor by dropping a few whole cherries (fresh or frozen) into each glass, along with a thin wheel of lemon perched on the rim. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprig of mint or a swirl of whipped cream on top can make your Cherry Pie Iced Tea feel like a showstopper at any picnic or party.
Side Dishes
This iced tea pairs beautifully with a spread of summer classics—think grilled chicken, garden salads, or even a slice of actual cherry pie for a double cherry delight. It’s also a lovely match for finger sandwiches, fruit platters, or light pastries, making it a versatile addition to brunch or afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea in mason jars or vintage glassware for a nostalgic feel. You can also freeze cherries and lemon slices into your ice cubes for extra flavor and a striking look. Hosting a crowd? Set up a DIY iced tea bar with bowls of different garnishes so everyone can customize their glass.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cherry Pie Iced Tea left, simply cover the pitcher and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 2 days—just give it a good stir before pouring, as some ingredients may settle.
Freezing
While this tea is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays. These Cherry Pie Iced Tea cubes are perfect for chilling future glasses without watering them down, or for blending into slushies on especially hot days.
Reheating
Since Cherry Pie Iced Tea is meant to be enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you want a warm, comforting twist in cooler months, gently heat the tea in a saucepan until just warm—avoid boiling, as it can dull the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Absolutely! Green tea will give your Cherry Pie Iced Tea a lighter, slightly earthier flavor, and it pairs wonderfully with the tart cherry and almond notes. Just reduce the steeping time to avoid bitterness.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can leave it out, but almond extract really brings that “pie” flavor to the forefront. If you’re allergic to nuts or want a substitute, try a drop of vanilla extract for a different but still delicious twist.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes! Swap the simple syrup for your favorite sugar substitute, like stevia or monk fruit syrup, to make a lighter version of Cherry Pie Iced Tea without sacrificing sweetness.
Is there a sparkling version?
There sure is! Replace half of the cherry juice with cherry-flavored sparkling water before serving. This will give your Cherry Pie Iced Tea a bubbly lift that’s extra refreshing on hot days.
How far in advance can I make Cherry Pie Iced Tea?
You can make it up to 2 days ahead and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Just add the garnishes and ice right before serving for the freshest flavor and best presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a drink that’s as fun to serve as it is to sip, give Cherry Pie Iced Tea a try. It’s a guaranteed hit for summer gatherings or just a quiet afternoon treat, bursting with bright cherry flavor and that nostalgic pie twist. I can’t wait for you to share this with your family and friends!
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Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 1–2 hours chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Boiling + Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a refreshing and flavorful Cherry Pie Iced Tea, combining bold black tea with tart cherry juice, lemon, and a hint of almond extract. Perfect for a summer day, this vibrant iced tea is sweetened to taste and garnished with cherries and lemon slices for a delightful, thirst-quenching beverage.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 4 black tea bags
- 4 cups water
Flavors & Sweetener
- 1 ½ cups tart cherry juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2–3 tablespoons simple syrup (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Garnish
- Fresh or frozen cherries
- Lemon slices
- Ice
Instructions
- Brew the Tea: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat. Add the black tea bags and steep for 5–7 minutes depending on your desired strength. Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea, tart cherry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and almond extract. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors together.
- Chill the Tea: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1–2 hours until it is thoroughly chilled and flavors have melded.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled cherry pie iced tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh or frozen cherries and lemon slices for an attractive and tasty presentation.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
- For a sparkling twist, replace half of the cherry juice with cherry-flavored sparkling water.
- This iced tea can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
