Cherry Pie Iced Tea has become my go-to drink for those warm afternoons when I crave something both sweet and incredibly refreshing. I remember the first time I tried to recreate that classic cherry pie flavor in a drink; it was a bit of a happy accident! The smell of the brewed tea mingling with the sweet cherry aroma instantly transports me back to summer days. This easy cherry pie iced tea recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a delightful beverage at home. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea
You’re going to adore this delightful drink! It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart, reminiscent of your favorite pie, but in a cool, refreshing beverage form.
- Amazing Taste: It offers a unique fruity flavor profile, blending the classic taste of iced tea with the irresistible sweetness of cherries.
- Quick Prep: With a total time of just 25 minutes, it’s a speedy way to enjoy a special drink.
- Healthier Choice: Compared to sugary sodas, this drink is a lighter option, especially if you control the sugar.
- Budget-Friendly: Making homemade cherry pie iced tea is much more affordable than buying specialty drinks.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this fun twist on a classic. It’s a hit at any gathering.
- Completely Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness and tartness to your preference, making it your perfect homemade cherry pie iced tea.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s a fantastic thirst-quencher for summer picnics or a comforting treat on a cooler day.
Ingredients for Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Gathering the right cherry pie iced tea ingredients is the first step to making this wonderful drink. I love how simple these are to find and how they come together to create that perfect flavor.
- 4 cups water – the base for our brewed tea
- 4-6 black tea bags – I prefer using 5 for a good balance, but adjust to your taste!
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted – this is where that delicious cherry pie flavor comes from; make sure they’re pitted!
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste – you can always add more if you prefer a sweeter drink
- 2 tablespoons cherry juice concentrate – this really boosts the cherry flavor and gives it that signature taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – a little acidity brightens everything up
- Fresh cherries and lemon slices for garnish – for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor
How to Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Learning how to make cherry pie iced tea is surprisingly simple, and the results are so rewarding. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
- Step 1: Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. The scent of the water starting to boil is the first hint of the delicious drink to come.
- Step 2: Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully add 4-6 black tea bags. Let them steep for 5-7 minutes, or follow the package directions for your specific tea. This steeping time is crucial for a robust tea flavor.
- Step 3: Gently remove the tea bags and discard them. You should have a nice, dark base for your iced tea.
- Step 4: In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup of pitted cherries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their vibrant juices, usually about 5-7 minutes. Give the cherries a gentle mash with your spoon to help them break down and release more flavor. This step is key to achieving that authentic cherry pie essence.
- Step 5: Carefully strain the cooked cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Use the back of your spoon to press down on the cherries, extracting as much flavorful juice as possible. Discard the cherry solids; they’ve done their job! This process ensures a smooth, flavorful juice for your tea.
- Step 6: Now, combine the brewed tea, the strained cherry juice, 2 tablespoons cherry juice concentrate, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a pitcher. Stir everything together thoroughly. You’ll notice the beautiful color developing as you mix.
- Step 7: Taste your creation. If you prefer a sweeter beverage, add more sugar to your liking. I often add a little extra, depending on the sweetness of the cherries I used.
- Step 8: Chill the cherry pie iced tea thoroughly in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Step 9: Serve your delicious cherry pie iced tea over plenty of ice, garnished with a few fresh cherries and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this wonderfully refreshing drink!
Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Iced Tea
To truly elevate your drink, try these simple tips. They make all the difference in achieving that perfect flavor balance.
- For an extra burst of flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart cherries. This creates a more complex and authentic cherry pie experience.
- Don’t over-steep your tea bags, as this can lead to a bitter taste. Stick to the recommended steeping times for a smooth, clean flavor.
- Chill the tea thoroughly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and creates a truly refreshing beverage.
- If you don’t have cherry juice concentrate, you can simmer down some extra cherry juice until it thickens slightly to achieve a similar effect.
What’s the secret to perfect Cherry Pie Iced Tea?
The secret to a perfect, sweet cherry pie iced tea is balancing the fruitiness with the tea’s natural tannins. Using both fresh cherries and cherry juice concentrate helps achieve that authentic pie flavor without being overly sweet. For more recipe inspiration, check out the latest recipes.
Can I make Cherry Pie Iced Tea ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cherry pie iced tea is a fantastic make-ahead drink. I usually prepare a big pitcher on Sunday, and it stays wonderfully fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy weekday sipping. If you’re looking for other make-ahead treats, consider these cosmic brownie bites.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cherry Pie Iced Tea?
A common pitfall is making it too sweet or not fruity enough. To avoid this, start with less sugar and add more to taste. If you prefer a more tart cherry pie iced tea, consider using frozen tart cherries or adjusting the lemon juice. For a different kind of fruity treat, try our apple cider donut cake.
Best Ways to Serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea
This delightful drink is incredibly versatile! For a truly special treat, serve your fruity cherry pie iced tea over crushed ice in tall glasses, garnished with a maraschino cherry and a thin lemon wheel. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon, perhaps alongside some light, flaky pastries or a slice of actual cherry pie for a double dose of deliciousness. You can also make a large batch for picnics or barbecues. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or a simple summer salad, offering a refreshing counterpoint to savory dishes. For more ideas on refreshing drinks, you might like our peach lemonade recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for a refreshing glass of our cherry pie iced tea. It’s a light and flavorful way to enjoy a taste of summer!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 5mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and adjustments to sweetness.
How to Store and Reheat Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Keeping your cherry pie iced tea fresh is easy, ensuring you always have a delicious drink on hand. Once it has cooled completely to room temperature, pour it into airtight containers. Glass jars or pitchers with tight-fitting lids work best for maintaining that wonderful flavor. Stored properly in the refrigerator, this refreshing cherry pie iced tea will stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can even freeze it! Pour it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving some headspace for expansion. Frozen, it’s good for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you want to serve it warm, gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat, being careful not to boil it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Can I use different types of tea for Cherry Pie Iced Tea?
Yes, you absolutely can! While black tea provides a classic base, feel free to experiment. Green tea offers a lighter, more delicate flavor, and even herbal teas like hibiscus can add a beautiful floral note to your cherry flavored iced tea. Just adjust steeping times as needed for the specific tea you choose. For a different tea experience, consider our Italian herbs and cheese bread.
What if I don’t have fresh cherries? Can I use canned?
Certainly! If fresh cherries aren’t available, canned cherries (packed in water or light syrup, drained) work well. You might need to adjust the sugar slightly depending on the syrup. Frozen cherries are also a fantastic option and often just as flavorful. Just make sure to pit them if they aren’t pre-pitted.
How can I make this Cherry Pie Iced Tea less sweet?
It’s easy to control the sweetness! Start with the lower end of the sugar range (or even less) and taste as you go. You can also use unsweetened cherry juice concentrate for a more intense cherry flavor with less added sugar. If you find it’s still too sweet, a splash more lemon juice or a bit more unsweetened tea can help balance it out. For a healthier alternative, explore our healthy Kit Kat recipe.
Can I add other fruits to this Cherry Pie Iced Tea?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for creativity. Adding a handful of raspberries or a few slices of fresh peach along with the cherries can create a delightful mixed-fruit iced tea. It’s a wonderful way to get an even more complex and fruity cherry pie iced tea experience.
Variations of Cherry Pie Iced Tea You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic cherry pie iced tea recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to tweak this delightful drink to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch.
- Dietary Variations: For a sugar-free option, simply omit the granulated sugar and use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to taste. If you want a naturally sweeter drink, try using a blend of sweet and tart cherries.
- Cooking Method Twist: Instead of brewing black tea, experiment with green tea for a lighter, more delicate base. You could also try cold-brewing the tea for a smoother, less bitter flavor profile. This method can subtly alter the overall iced tea with cherry pie flavor.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a splash of almond extract with the cherries for a subtle marzipan note, reminiscent of cherry pie filling. A few muddled mint leaves or a sprig of rosemary can also add an unexpected, refreshing twist.
- Mixed Fruit Delight: Combine cherries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even a few slices of peach for a more complex, layered flavor. This creates a wonderfully vibrant and fruity cherry pie iced tea.
Cherry Pie Iced Tea: Amazing 25-Minute Treat
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this refreshing cherry pie iced tea recipe, a delightful twist on classic iced tea with the sweet and tart flavors of cherry pie. Perfect for a summer day or any time you crave a fruity, flavorful beverage.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4–6 black tea bags
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons cherry juice concentrate
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cherries and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5-7 minutes, or according to tea bag instructions.
- Remove tea bags and discard.
- In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup of pitted cherries, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Mash the cherries slightly.
- Strain the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
- Combine the brewed tea, cherry juice, cherry juice concentrate, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Stir well.
- Sweeten with additional sugar if desired.
- Chill the cherry pie iced tea thoroughly.
- Serve over ice, garnished with fresh cherries and lemon slices.
Notes
- For a tarter flavor, use less sugar or a mix of sweet and tart cherries.
- Adjust steeping time for stronger or weaker tea flavor.
- This cherry pie iced tea can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brewing and Straining
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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