Nothing says “summer in a glass” quite like Cherry Pie Iced Tea. This utterly refreshing drink captures all the nostalgia of a freshly baked cherry pie while being cool, light, and thirst-quenching. Brimming with the bold essence of black tea, sweet-tart cherry juice, and a whisper of almond extract, it’s the ultimate companion for sunny afternoons, backyard gatherings, or whenever you want to feel a little extra joy. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this drink brings a playful twist to classic iced tea with a splash of pure cherry bliss.

Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Cherry Pie Iced Tea counts—each one brings something special to the table, from vibrant color to layers of flavor. These are all easy to find and come together magically for a drink that’s much more than the sum of its parts!

Black tea bags: These make a sturdy, robust base that holds up beautifully to the fruit and adds gentle tannins.
Boiling water: Necessary for extracting maximum flavor from the tea bags—freshly boiled is best.
100% cherry juice: The secret to that true cherry pie essence without artificial flavors; look for pure juice for best results.
Sweet or tart cherries (fresh or frozen): Adds juicy bursts of real fruit and a pretty pop of color—no need to thaw frozen ones first.
Lemon juice: A splash brightens everything, balancing sweetness and tying the whole drink together.
Honey or sugar: Customizable to your liking—either adds just the kiss of sweetness you want.
Almond extract: Just a dash delivers that unmistakable “pie” aroma and a subtle nutty note.
Ice cubes: Essential for serving—iced tea should be frosty and refreshing!
Fresh mint and cherry slices (optional): Totally optional but delightful for garnish and extra visual appeal.

How to Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Start by placing your black tea bags in a spacious, heatproof pitcher or a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over them, allowing the tea to steep for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step ensures your Cherry Pie Iced Tea will have a rich base without becoming bitter. Once your timer beeps, remove and discard the tea bags. Let the brewed tea cool down to room temperature before moving ahead.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Mixture

Meanwhile, take a small saucepan and add your cherries (no need to thaw if you’re using frozen!), honey or sugar, and a couple tablespoons of water. Set the heat to medium and let everything simmer for about 5 to 6 minutes, gently mashing the cherries as they soften. You’re creating a vibrant, syrupy burst of cherry flavor—don’t rush it! When done, you can strain the mixture for a smoother texture, or keep the mashed cherries for more rustic charm. Set aside to cool thoroughly.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Now the magic happens: Pour in the cherry juice, a generous splash of lemon juice, and almond extract into your cooled tea. Stir in the luscious cherry mixture (strained or chunky—your call!). Mix well, then tuck the pitcher in the fridge and chill for at least one hour. This lets all the flavors meld and the tea become perfectly cold and crisp.

Step 4: Serve Over Ice

When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with plenty of ice cubes. Pour the Cherry Pie Iced Tea over the ice, letting those gorgeous pink hues glow. Don’t forget to crown each glass with fresh mint and a few cherry slices if you’re feeling fancy. Sit back and enjoy every refreshing, pie-inspired sip!

How to Serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Garnishes

Part of the delight is in the presentation. A sprig of fresh mint or a few cherry slices turn each glass of Cherry Pie Iced Tea into a showstopper. The mint gives a pop of green and a cooling aroma, while cherry slices show off the drink’s vibrant pink-red color. For an extra-special touch, try threading cherries onto a cocktail skewer as a cute stir stick.

Side Dishes

This iced tea pairs wonderfully with light, summery fare. Think picnic spreads like chicken salad sandwiches, watermelon wedges, or a savory quiche. It’s also lovely alongside buttery shortbread cookies or a slice of lemon loaf. A glass of Cherry Pie Iced Tea helps highlight both sweet and savory snacks with its balanced tartness and gentle sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your Cherry Pie Iced Tea unforgettable, serve it in mason jars for a rustic vibe or vintage tea glasses for retro glam. For a party, set up a “tea bar” with little bowls of extra cherries, citrus wheels, and fresh herbs so guests can garnish their drinks to their taste. Feeling playful? Try a sparkling version by topping glasses with chilled club soda right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cherry Pie Iced Tea keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in a lidded pitcher or jar to preserve its brightness. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s a treat to have on hand for spontaneous refreshment. Stir gently before pouring, as fruity bits can settle over time.

Freezing

For a longer hold, pour leftover Cherry Pie Iced Tea into ice cube trays and freeze. These cubes are perfect for quick chill-downs or for tossing into sparkling water for a fruity twist. You can also freeze cherries and mint in the cubes for eye-catching, flavorful ice that won’t water down your drink as it melts.

Reheating

This is one tea best enjoyed cold, but if you like, you can gently warm it to room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as rapid heating can dull the fresh fruit flavors. Instead, just let it sit at room temp for a few minutes if you accidentally over-chilled your glass. For anything left over, simply pop back in the fridge or serve over fresh ice.

FAQs

Can I use green tea instead of black tea?

Absolutely! Green tea will give Cherry Pie Iced Tea a lighter, more delicate flavor. The cherry and almond notes still shine, but the overall taste will be a bit milder. Just be sure not to over-steep the green tea, as it can become bitter quickly.

Is it necessary to strain the cherry mixture?

Nope—it’s up to you! Straining creates a smoother drink, but leaving the mashed cherries adds texture and an extra “real fruit” feel. Both versions are delicious, so just go with what sounds most appealing to you (or split the batch and do half and half!).

Can I make Cherry Pie Iced Tea sugar-free?

Yes! You can easily swap the honey or sugar for your favorite zero-calorie sweetener, or skip it entirely if your cherry juice and cherries are sweet enough. Play around to find the level of sweetness that works for you.

How can I make a sparkling version?

After the tea is fully chilled, pour it into glasses and top each with club soda or sparkling water. This transforms Cherry Pie Iced Tea into an effervescent, party-ready drink. Add the sparkling element just before serving to retain all that lovely fizz.

What if I can’t find almond extract?

No worries—while almond extract gives the classic “pie” flavor, you can leave it out and the iced tea will still be wonderful. For a creative twist, try a dash of vanilla extract, or simply enjoy the bright cherry flavors on their own.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a lifelong iced tea enthusiast or just love anything reminiscent of fresh-baked pie, make some Cherry Pie Iced Tea and let your taste buds celebrate. It’s simple, beautiful, and guaranteed to become your go-to for sunny days—don’t miss out on this creative, flavor-packed twist on a summer classic!

Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Cool off on a hot day with this refreshing Cherry Pie Iced Tea. A delightful blend of black tea, cherry juice, fresh cherries, and a hint of almond extract. Perfect for a summer gathering or a relaxing afternoon.

Ingredients

Scale

Black Tea Base:

4 black tea bags
4 cups boiling water

Cherry Mixture:

1 cup cherry juice (100% juice)
1/2 cup pitted sweet or tart cherries (fresh or frozen)
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Ice cubes, fresh mint, and cherry slices for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Black Tea Base: Steep black tea bags in boiling water, then cool to room temperature.
Make Cherry Mixture: Cook cherries, honey/sugar, and water until soft. Let cool.
Combine Ingredients: Mix cherry juice, lemon juice, and almond extract with the cooled tea. Stir in the cherry mixture.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice, garnished with mint and cherry slices.