Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There's something magical about sipping a glass of Cherry Pie Iced Tea on a warm afternoon. The scent alone—sweet cherries mingling with earthy black tea—feels like summer in a glass, and the taste is every bit as satisfying: fruity, slightly tart, and refreshingly smooth.

this Recipe

I first created this recipe during a backyard BBQ when I wanted something more exciting than lemonade, but still easy enough to make in bulk. This iced tea became an instant favorite, and now it’s our go-to drink all season long—perfect for picnics, parties, or just cooling off on the porch.

If you’re ready for a cool twist on a classic, keep reading to find out why you’ll fall in love with this sweet, tangy iced tea.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Get ready to meet your new favorite summer sip. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea is not just another fruity drink—it’s a charming combination of nostalgic flavors and refreshing simplicity.

First, it’s ridiculously easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients and no fancy equipment needed, you can whip up a batch in under 15 minutes. It’s the kind of drink you can throw together while prepping dinner or getting ready for guests.

Second, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for serving a crowd. You don’t need to spring for fancy syrups or specialty teas—just grab some frozen cherries, a couple of tea bags, and you’re on your way.

Third, it’s versatile and customizable. Want it sweeter? Add more syrup. Prefer a caffeine-free version? Use herbal tea. Want to turn it into a cocktail? A splash of bourbon or vodka transforms this into a stunning adult beverage.

Lastly, the flavor is pure nostalgia. Think cherry pie filling meets Southern sweet tea—with a refreshing twist. It’s familiar, comforting, and yet totally unique.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this has become a must-have for my summer table.

Ingredients Notes

The charm of this drink comes from its simple but thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building that cherry pie vibe.

Black tea is the base of this drink. I typically use standard black tea bags—like Lipton or Luzianne—but you can experiment with Earl Grey or even a smoky variety for depth. Black tea offers the perfect level of tannin to balance the sweetness of the cherries.

Frozen cherries are my secret weapon. They’re sweet, juicy, and available year-round. I prefer dark sweet cherries, but tart cherries work beautifully too if you like a little zing. Let them simmer into a syrup to extract all that flavor.

Sugar (or honey, if you prefer) helps transform the cherries into a pie-like syrup. The key is to simmer the cherries with sugar until they break down slightly—creating a thick, ruby-red base that sweetens the tea naturally.

Lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness. It lifts the entire drink and gives it that fresh, clean finish that keeps you coming back for more.

You’ll also need a fine mesh strainer for filtering the syrup and a large pitcher to combine and chill your tea. If you have a cherry pitter, it’s helpful for fresh cherries—but with frozen, you can skip that step entirely.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Creating this Cherry Pie Iced Tea is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how it all comes together.

Start by boiling four cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove it from heat and steep 4–6 black tea bags for 5–7 minutes. The longer the steep, the bolder the flavor—just don’t overdo it or it’ll get bitter. After steeping, discard the tea bags and set the tea aside to cool.

Meanwhile, make your cherry syrup. In another saucepan, combine 2 cups of frozen cherries with ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water. Bring this to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it bubble for 10–12 minutes, until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens slightly.

Once your syrup has cooled a bit, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher, pressing gently to extract all the juicy goodness. Discard the solids, or save them to spoon over yogurt or ice cream later!

In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea, cherry syrup, and the juice of one lemon. Add two more cups of cold water and stir well. Taste it—you can always add a bit more sugar or lemon depending on your preference.

Chill the tea in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. Pour over ice and garnish with fresh cherries, a lemon wedge, or even a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.

Total time? Around 15–20 minutes of active prep, plus chilling. It’s low-effort, high-reward.

Storage Options

You’ll be happy to know that Cherry Pie Iced Tea stores beautifully in the fridge. Just keep it in a sealed glass pitcher or mason jars to lock in the flavor.

It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first three for maximum brightness and freshness. Be sure to give it a stir before serving, as some settling may occur.

If you want to make the cherry syrup ahead of time, that’s a great option too. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, and you can even freeze it in small portions for future batches.

To reheat or serve warm (yes, it’s great that way too), simply warm the tea gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir before serving, and don’t let it come to a full boil to preserve flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. With just a few tweaks, you can completely change its vibe to match your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Want a caffeine-free version? Swap the black tea for rooibos or hibiscus. You’ll still get that lovely color and fruit-forward flavor, minus the buzz.

Craving something boozy? This tea makes a delightful cocktail base. A shot of bourbon, vodka, or even a splash of amaretto adds a fun adult twist. Serve it in highball glasses with lots of ice.

For a sugar-free option, you can use monk fruit sweetener, stevia, or erythritol. Adjust amounts to taste, as each has a different sweetness level. Just keep an eye on how it dissolves into the syrup.

Want to add more fruit variety? Mix in raspberries, peaches, or strawberries with the cherries for a more complex syrup. Blueberries also pair nicely and create a darker, moodier drink.

Finally, for an even more “pie-like” experience, try adding a splash of almond extract or a cinnamon stick while simmering the syrup. It gives the drink that hint of buttery crust you’d expect from cherry pie.

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