Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Pie Iced Tea is the ideal summer drink: it’s fruity, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. The balance of sweet cherries, fragrant vanilla, and almond extract gives it the perfect flavor reminiscent of a homemade cherry pie, while the black tea adds a subtle depth. The best part? It’s completely customizable to suit your taste. Adjust the sweetness to your liking and serve it chilled for a cooling treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cherries and lemon slices for garnish
Directions
- Brew the tea: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool.
- Prepare the cherry mixture: While the tea is cooling, combine the cherries and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the cherry mixture: Strain the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any pulp.
- Add extracts: Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract into the cherry mixture.
- Combine the tea and cherry mixture: Pour the cooled tea into the pitcher with the cherry mixture and stir to combine.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mixture until chilled, about 1 hour.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the cherry pie iced tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh cherries and lemon slices for a festive touch.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Calories: ~80-100 per serving (depending on sugar and serving size)
Variations
- Adjust sweetness: Add more or less sugar depending on your preference for sweetness. You can also substitute with a sugar alternative like honey or stevia.
- Make it fizzy: For a sparkling version, top with club soda or sparkling water before serving.
- Add herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, infuse the tea with a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil while it steeps.
- Use different fruits: Swap the cherries for other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a different twist on the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the iced tea in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep it covered to maintain its fresh flavor.
- Reheating: This is best served cold, but if you want to serve it warm, simply heat the tea mixture in a saucepan over low heat before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cherry pie iced tea the day before and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 2 days.
Can I use bottled cherry juice instead of fresh cherries?
Yes, you can use cherry juice as a substitute. Just reduce the amount of sugar to adjust for the sweetness of the juice.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use plant-based sweeteners or substitutes for sugar if needed.
Can I use decaffeinated tea bags?
Absolutely! If you prefer a caffeine-free version, simply swap the regular black tea bags for decaffeinated ones.
Can I adjust the flavor of the tea?
Yes, you can add more almond or vanilla extract for a stronger flavor or even experiment with other extracts like cinnamon or orange.
How can I make this recipe sweeter?
If you prefer your tea sweeter, feel free to increase the amount of sugar or use sweeteners like agave syrup, honey, or stevia.
How long do I steep the tea bags?
For a medium-strength flavor, steep the tea bags for about 5 minutes. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, steep for 7-10 minutes.
Can I serve this tea warm?
While this recipe is best served chilled, you can heat the mixture slightly and serve it warm for a cozy version, especially during cooler months.
Can I add spices to this recipe?
Yes, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version that mimics the flavor of a cherry pie even more.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a refreshing and flavorful drink that perfectly captures the essence of a classic cherry pie, making it an ideal beverage for summer gatherings, picnics, or any occasion. With its sweet cherry flavor, aromatic vanilla, and almond undertones, this iced tea will keep you cool and satisfied all season long. Easy to prepare and full of possibilities for customization, this is one drink you’ll want to make again and again!
Cherry Pie Iced Tea
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
“Cherry Pie Iced Tea combines the refreshing crispness of iced tea with the sweet, fruity flavors of cherry pie. With hints of vanilla, almond, and a touch of tartness from fresh cherries, this cooling beverage is the perfect summer drink. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon, this easy-to-make iced tea is sure to impress.”
Ingredients
4 cups water
4 black tea bags
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice cubes
Fresh cherries and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
-
Brew the tea: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool.
-
Prepare the cherry mixture: While the tea is cooling, combine the cherries and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
-
Strain the cherry mixture: Strain the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any pulp.
-
Add extracts: Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract into the cherry mixture.
-
Combine the tea and cherry mixture: Pour the cooled tea into the pitcher with the cherry mixture and stir to combine.
-
Chill: Refrigerate the mixture until chilled, about 1 hour.
-
Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the cherry pie iced tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh cherries and lemon slices for a festive touch.
Notes
Adjust sweetness: Add more or less sugar depending on your preference for sweetness. You can also substitute with a sugar alternative like honey or stevia.
Make it fizzy: For a sparkling version, top with club soda or sparkling water before serving.
Add herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, infuse the tea with fresh mint or basil while it steeps.
Use different fruits: Swap the cherries for raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a different flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Summer Drink
- Method: Brewing, Blending
- Cuisine: American
