Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There’s something uniquely satisfying about sipping a glass of cherry pie iced tea on a warm afternoon. This refreshing drink captures the nostalgic flavor of cherry pie—tart cherries, sweet vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon—all in a chilled, thirst-quenching form.

The first time I made this tea, it was purely by accident. I had leftover cherry pie filling and a half-gallon of brewed black tea in the fridge. With a few tweaks, I discovered a new summer staple that my friends and family now request constantly. It’s quick to make, surprisingly elegant, and perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just a relaxing moment on the porch.

Let’s dive into why you’ll fall head over heels for this Cherry Pie Iced Tea.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Say hello to your new favorite summer sipper. Cherry Pie Iced Tea is not only delicious, but it checks all the boxes for a great homemade drink.

First, it’s refreshingly easy to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment or rare ingredients—just brewed tea, cherries, and a few pantry staples. The recipe comes together in under 15 minutes and tastes like it took much more effort.

It’s also budget-friendly. Instead of buying pricey flavored drinks or specialty sodas, you can make a whole pitcher of this tea for less than five dollars. And the flavor? Absolutely worth every penny.

This tea is family-friendly and easily customizable. Want it sweeter? Add more syrup. Prefer it tart? Use sour cherries or reduce the sugar. It's easy to tweak to suit any taste.

Lastly, it’s show-stoppingly beautiful. With its ruby red hue and optional cherry garnish, it looks as good as it tastes. It’s a guaranteed hit at summer gatherings or casual brunches alike.

Now that your curiosity’s piqued, let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Cherry Pie Iced Tea is that you likely have many of the ingredients on hand already. Each one brings something special to the table.

Black tea serves as the bold, tannic base for the drink. I like to use English Breakfast or any good-quality loose-leaf or bagged tea. Brew it strong, since you’ll be diluting it slightly with the cherry syrup and ice.

Cherries are the star of the show. Fresh or frozen work beautifully here. Tart cherries bring that true "cherry pie" flavor, but sweet cherries will still give you a wonderful result. Just be sure to pit them before cooking.

Sugar turns the cherries into a simple syrup that infuses every sip with fruity sweetness. You can adjust the amount to taste or swap it with honey or maple syrup for a different depth of flavor.

Vanilla extract and cinnamon round out the pie-like profile. A touch of vanilla adds warmth and softness, while a pinch of cinnamon mimics the spiced filling of a traditional cherry pie.

If you want to get fancy, a cherry pitter and fine mesh strainer will make prep even smoother, but you can absolutely get by without them.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Making this tea is as simple as pie (pun intended). Here’s how it all comes together.

Start by brewing your black tea. Use 4 cups of hot water and steep 4 black tea bags (or 4 teaspoon loose-leaf) for about 5 minutes. Once done, remove the tea bags or strain out the leaves, and let the tea cool while you prepare the syrup.

In a saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups of pitted cherries with ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. As the cherries break down, use the back of a spoon to gently mash them. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, until thick and syrupy.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch (about ⅛ tsp) of cinnamon. Allow the syrup to cool slightly, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids. Press down to extract as much liquid as possible.

Now comes the fun part: mixing it all together. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea and cherry syrup. Stir well and chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Just before serving, give it a taste—add a squeeze of lemon juice if you want to brighten it up.

Serve over ice with a few whole cherries or a lemon wheel for garnish. It’s summer in a glass.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20 minutes of active time and delivers 4 to 6 servings of pure refreshment.

Storage Options

Cherry Pie Iced Tea stores beautifully in the fridge. Keep any leftovers in a sealed pitcher or container for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen over time, so it often tastes even better the next day.

If you’re prepping ahead for a party, you can make both the tea and syrup a day in advance. Just store them separately and combine before serving for the freshest flavor.

You can also freeze the cherry syrup in an ice cube tray. When ready to use, just pop a few cubes into fresh-brewed tea for instant flavor and chill.

To reheat (if you’re making a warm version for cooler months), gently warm the combined tea and syrup in a saucepan over low heat, but it’s definitely best served cold.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can adapt it to fit your pantry, preferences, or mood.

If you prefer green tea, go for it! It’ll give a lighter, more floral base that pairs beautifully with cherries. Just brew it for less time to avoid bitterness.

Try using different fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches in place of the cherries. The method stays the same, and you can mix and match flavors for endless combinations.

To make it sparkling, top off each glass with club soda or lemon-lime soda just before serving. It adds a fizzy, festive twist.

If you want to make it boozy, a splash of bourbon or amaretto blends beautifully with the cherry and vanilla notes.

For a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit. Just adjust the quantity since these can be more potent than sugar.

Don’t be afraid to play around. The core of this recipe is forgiving, flexible, and fun.

Whether you're making a big batch for guests or a single glass to savor solo, Cherry Pie Iced Tea delivers all the comfort of dessert in an ice-cold drink. Cheers!

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