Cherry Pie Iced Tea is one of those recipes that folks ask me for after I bring it to a barbecue or family get-together. You know when it’s one hundred degrees and you just can’t bear the thought of plain water? Same. Cherry Pie Iced Tea wakes up a summertime afternoon, and honestly, it even makes my grumpy uncle say, “Whoa, what’s this magic?” If you need more drinks like this, check out my Simple Summer Lemonade or the crowd-favorite Easy Fruit Punch.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Alright, let me tell you. First, it’s not your regular iced tea. It’s got this burst of cherry tang with a little homemade comfort—just like a slice of cherry pie, except cold and liquid (I know that sounds weird, but trust me!). The color is super inviting; I mean, don’t you want to see bright red in your glass instead of boring old brown? Makes your table pop.
Another thing? This drink is super easy. No fancy chef skills required. It’s something you can whip together for a picnic or a backyard chill-out and everyone thinks you slaved for hours. Reality: you threw in some tea bags, cherries, and a little love. I swear, even kids want a refill. One time, my neighbor’s little one took a sip and asked, “Is this candy in a cup?” My ego doubled.
Last but not least, it’s totally customizable. Like, add some fizz, drop in lemon, or just chug it straight up. Honestly, once you try it, it beats any five-star restaurant iced tea because you made it, you know what’s in it, and it doesn’t cost twelve dollars.
Ingredients Notes
No stress here, these are easy-to-find ingredients. I recommend getting fresh cherries if you can (pitting is a pain, but hey, worth it for flavor). But frozen cherries work too, especially when you want to make this in early spring before fresh ones show up at the store. Black tea bags are best—mine are always Lipton from the giant box because, let’s face it, that’s what my grandma used.
You’ll also need some white sugar, but adjust it. I like things a bit less sweet, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth, go nuts. A splash of vanilla adds this magical pie-like vibe, so don’t skip that unless you want your tea to taste, well, plain. Water, obviously, and a bit of lemon juice to tip it toward refreshing instead of syrupy. Oh, and ice. Loads of ice, you want a proper chill.
“This recipe became our summer staple after just one try. It’s got the pie flavor without all the fuss—and my kids gulp it down by the pitcher!” — Toni, backyard party queen
How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Let’s dive in, shall we? Boil about four cups of water and toss your tea bags right in. I usually let them sit for six-ish minutes to really get deep flavor. Meanwhile, grab your cherries. Pop them in a saucepan with half a cup of sugar and a splash of water. Simmer till they get juicy, which is just five or ten minutes (don’t wander off or you’ll end up cleaning sticky stove for days).
Next, strain the cherries. Pour the juice in with your tea, and—here comes the magic—add a splash of vanilla and a squeeze of lemon. Give everything a good mix, then dump it over two cups of cold water and a mountain of ice. I sometimes throw in extra cherries (pitted, please!) for garnish because it looks kinda impressive, not gonna lie.
Taste it as you go. Maybe you want more sugar. Maybe less. This is your kitchen, you’re the boss. Pour it into a big pitcher and stash it in the fridge if you want it colder. People actually come to my house just hoping I have a batch of this stuff on hand. For real.
Storage Options
Let’s talk leftovers—if you actually have any, which, good luck. Keep your Cherry Pie Iced Tea in a sealed pitcher in the fridge. It’s best in the first two days because the fruit flavor pops most then. After about three days, it starts tasting, well, not as fresh. Kind of a bummer.
I wouldn’t freeze it (ice in the fridge, sure, but not the whole drink), because ice crystals mess up the texture. If the tea separates a bit after chilling, just stir it up again before serving. Simple. When I make a double batch, I keep half the cherries on the side so I can add them fresh to each glass—tiny touch but makes it feel like something from a fancy brunch spot.
Variations and Substitutions
Here’s where you get wild. If you’re not a black tea fan, try using green tea or even caffeine-free herbal options. Equally good, just a little different. Want it sweeter? Use honey or maple syrup. Feeling cheeky? Add a splash of vodka or bourbon for a grown-up twist (don’t tell the kids).
Sometimes I toss in a cinnamon stick with the cherries for nostalgia—reminds me of grandma’s pie. Got no vanilla? Almond extract gives a nutty note. And for fizz, top each glass with soda water. It’s like a cherry pie soda, which, uh, turns heads every time.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over crushed ice for that icy cold, “wow” effect
- Add fresh cherry halves or a lemon wheel to each glass
- Pair with grilled chicken, watermelon, or whatever’s hot off the grill
- Drop in a cinnamon stick for a spicy surprise
So many ways to customize, you might never make it the exact same two times in a row.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use cherry juice instead of fresh cherries?
A: Sure, it’ll save time. But try to find one without a ton of added sugar.
Q: How sweet should it be?
A: That’s up to you! I go lighter on sugar, but taste as you go.
Q: Can I use artificial sweetener?
A: Yup, works great if you’re watching sugar. Just mix it in after the tea’s brewed.
Q: Is this drink kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely, just skip any boozy mix-ins.
Q: How do I pit cherries without a special tool?
A: Honestly, I use a sturdy straw or chopstick (messy but satisfying).
Give Your Summer Sips an Upgrade
There you have it—my not-so-secret way to turn hot afternoons into something to look forward to. Anyone can whip up this Cherry Pie Iced Tea, even if you’re all thumbs in the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this classic Cherry Pie Iced Tea recipe or peek at ingredient secrets on Facebook. Want to compare notes? Here’s another fun take on Cherry Pie Iced Tea to mix things up next time. No reason to buy boring old soda or plain tea when you can glow up your glass at home. Try it out, and let me know if your friends start begging you for the recipe—I bet they will.
Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Ingredients
Method
- Boil about four cups of water and add tea bags. Let steep for about six minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the cherries, half a cup of sugar, and a splash of water. Simmer for five to ten minutes until juicy.
- Strain the cherries to extract the juice and pour it into the brewed tea.
- Add a splash of vanilla and a squeeze of lemon to the mixture, then stir well.
- Combine the tea mixture with two cups of cold water and an abundance of ice.
- Taste and adjust sweetness as desired. Pour into a pitcher and refrigerate if you prefer it colder.
- Serve over crushed ice, garnished with fresh cherry halves or a lemon wheel.
- Pairs well with grilled chicken or fresh watermelon.
