Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There's something incredibly nostalgic about the flavors of cherry pie – the sweet, slightly tart cherries, the whisper of warm vanilla, and that cozy, homemade feel. Now imagine all that goodness poured over ice in a tall glass, refreshing and sweet, with just enough tang to keep you sipping.

this Recipe

I created this Cherry Pie Iced Tea on a sweltering summer afternoon when I was craving something cold, fruity, and a little different. What started as a twist on my usual sweet tea quickly turned into a recipe the whole family asks for whenever the weather heats up.

Let’s dive into what makes this drink so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to summer refresher. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea is more than just a drink – it's a delicious, cooling escape from the heat.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a big batch in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for spontaneous gatherings or lazy porch afternoons.

It’s also refreshingly unique. Unlike your standard iced tea, this one blends the comforting essence of cherry pie with the crisp bite of black tea. It tastes homemade, familiar, and just different enough to make people ask, “What’s in this?!”

This recipe is budget-friendly, too. Canned cherries and pantry staples make it a cost-effective treat that feels a whole lot fancier than it is. No need to splurge on specialty ingredients – this one keeps it simple.

And if you're entertaining? It’s a showstopper. Serve it in mason jars with a cherry on top, and watch it become the most Instagram-worthy drink at the party.

Now that your curiosity’s piqued, let’s talk about what goes into it.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cherry Pie Iced Tea comes from layering bold black tea with the deep sweetness of cherries and a whisper of pie spice. Each ingredient adds a little something special, creating a drink that's as satisfying as it is refreshing.

Black tea is the backbone of this recipe. I like using strong, classic tea bags like English Breakfast or Orange Pekoe – they brew up dark and rich, which is exactly what you want to balance the sweetness of the cherries. Brew it a bit stronger than usual, since the tea will be diluted slightly by the cherry syrup and ice.

Canned tart cherries in juice are the shortcut hero of this recipe. You’ll simmer them into a quick syrup that infuses the drink with a cherry pie flavor. Be sure to get the kind packed in juice, not heavy syrup – you’ll get better control over sweetness and a brighter cherry flavor.

Sugar and vanilla extract mimic the comforting sweetness of pie filling. You’ll dissolve the sugar with the cherry juice to make a homemade syrup, then stir in vanilla at the end to bring out that baked-good warmth.

A pinch of cinnamon adds the perfect pie-like finish. It’s subtle, but it ties everything together and gives the iced tea that “secret ingredient” depth.

You won’t need any fancy equipment – just a saucepan, a fine-mesh strainer, a large pitcher, and your favorite glasses for serving. A muddler or the back of a spoon can also come in handy for mashing the cherries as they simmer.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Making this Cherry Pie Iced Tea is surprisingly simple, with just a few steps that come together quickly and easily.

Start by brewing the tea. Bring about 4 cups of water to a boil, then steep 4–6 black tea bags in the hot water for 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is to create a strong brew that can stand up to the syrup and ice. Once steeped, remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.

While the tea is steeping, make the cherry syrup. Pour the entire can of tart cherries and their juice into a small saucepan. Add the sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then mash the cherries gently with a spoon to release more juice. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.

Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Then, pour the cherry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher to catch the solids. Press gently to extract all the juice. Set the syrup aside to cool – it will thicken slightly as it sits.

Now combine the cooled tea and cherry syrup in a large pitcher. Stir well to blend, then taste. You can adjust the sweetness here with a bit more sugar or balance it with a splash of lemon juice if desired. Refrigerate for at least an hour to chill and let the flavors meld.

When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the tea over the top. For a fun touch, garnish each glass with a fresh cherry or a slice of lemon. The total prep time is under 20 minutes, plus chilling – perfect for whipping up in the morning and serving all afternoon long.

Storage Options

This Cherry Pie Iced Tea stores beautifully, making it a great option for prepping ahead of time. Once mixed, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to store it in a covered pitcher or airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

If you’ve made extra cherry syrup, that can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week. Try it drizzled over pancakes or stirred into sparkling water for a fruity twist.

You can also freeze the tea in ice cube trays if you’d like to avoid dilution. Just pop the cubes into your glass before serving – they’ll melt into more tea instead of watering it down.

To reheat any leftover syrup for another batch, just warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, and give it a good stir before combining with tea again.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tailor it to your taste or pantry situation without losing that cherry pie charm.

Try switching the tea base. While black tea gives the deepest flavor, green tea or even herbal rooibos can offer a lighter, fruitier profile. Just be aware that green tea can turn bitter if over-steeped, so adjust your steeping time accordingly.

For a sugar-free version, replace the sugar with your favorite sweetener. Honey, agave, or stevia all work well here. Just add to taste after brewing the syrup, since sweetness levels can vary widely.

Add a splash of lemon juice or lime for a tangy finish. This brightens up the drink and balances the sweetness beautifully – especially if you're serving it on a really hot day.

You can also make it boozy. A shot of bourbon or spiced rum takes this tea into adult summer cocktail territory, turning it into a Southern-inspired sipper perfect for BBQs and backyard parties.

And if cherries aren’t your thing? Try this recipe with peaches, blackberries, or even plums. The pie-like treatment works with so many fruits – just swap in your favorite and follow the same syrup process.

No matter how you tweak it, don’t be afraid to experiment. This iced tea is as playful as it is delicious, and every version brings a little something new to the table.

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