If you’re hunting for the ultimate summer refreshment that combines nostalgia, fruity sweetness, and just the right touch of tart, look no further! Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a gorgeous, flavorful twist on classic iced tea, packed with real cherries, a hint of cherry pie filling, and brightened up with fresh lemon juice. It’s a celebration in a glass, reminiscent of a sun-soaked picnic—whether you’re serving it by the pitcher to friends or keeping a personal stash in your fridge for those lazy, hot afternoons. This drink straddles the line between comforting and exhilarating, making it a standout any time you need a splash of joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cherry Pie Iced Tea is in its approachable list of ingredients—each one pulls its weight when it comes to delivering big flavor, vivid color, and irresistible aroma. You might already have everything on hand, which means you could be a sip away from something special.
- 4 cups water: This is the base for brewing your tea, ensuring a deep, robust flavor that anchors the entire drink.
- 4 black tea bags: Choose your favorite, as this sets the tea’s backbone; black tea brings strength and a subtle, earthy depth.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted): The heart of our fruity flavor—fresh or frozen cherries both work beautifully for that just-picked sweetness.
- 1/4 cup cherry pie filling: An unexpected but fun shortcut, the pie filling adds thick, syrupy cherry notes that round out the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Fresh squeezed is best, offering a balancing brightness that lifts every sip.
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste): Sweetener is crucial; start with this amount and tweak based on your preference and your cherries’ tartness.
- 2 cups cold water: This addition cools and dilutes the brew, bringing it to perfect sipping strength.
- Ice cubes: Essential for serving—lots of ice transforms this into a refreshing, thirst-quenching treat.
- Fresh cherries and lemon slices for garnish (optional): These add a festive, vibrant look, making each glass just a little extra special.
How to Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Begin by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Once the water boils, remove it from the heat, then steep your black tea bags for 5–7 minutes. This allows the tea to get good and robust without edging into bitterness. After steeping, discard the tea bags and let the tea cool off a bit while you move on to the fun stuff—the cherries!
Step 2: Blend the Cherry Base
In a blender or food processor, combine your pitted fresh or frozen cherries with the cherry pie filling. Blend until perfectly smooth, creating a bright, fruity puree that smells just like summer itself. If you want a clear, elegant tea, pour this mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to strain out skins and solids, but don’t worry if a few bits sneak through—it adds a little rustic charm!
Step 3: Sweeten and Brighten
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and your chosen sweetener—whether honey or sugar—into the pitcher with your cherry mixture. Stir well until the sweetener is fully dissolved, then add your cooled brewed tea. Give everything a thorough stir so that every pour is evenly flavored, balancing tart, juicy cherries with the lush tea.
Step 4: Chill and Refresh
Add 2 cups of cold water and pop the whole pitcher into the fridge to chill for at least 1–2 hours. This helps meld the flavors while letting the tea get extra cold and thirst-quenching. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour the Cherry Pie Iced Tea over, and top with a few fresh cherries and lemon slices for garnish, if you like.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Garnishes
Elevate your Cherry Pie Iced Tea by adorning each glass with a skewered fresh cherry or a wheel of lemon perched on the rim. Not only does this add a pop of color, but these little touches hint at the flavors within. For an extra treat, freeze cherries into your ice cubes—you’ll end up with a gorgeous, jewel-toned glass as the ice melts.
Side Dishes
This tea has enough charm to be the focal point at any gathering, but it really shines alongside summery snacks. Try pairing it with buttery shortbread cookies, tea sandwiches, or a fresh fruit salad. If you’re hosting a picnic, simple cheese plates and crackers will beautifully complement Cherry Pie Iced Tea’s sweet, tart, and slightly floral notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine by serving Cherry Pie Iced Tea in mason jars for a country-fair vibe, or alongside mini pies on a dramatic tiered cake stand. At parties, turn it into an interactive bar by providing club soda, citrus wedges, and fun stirrers so guests can craft their perfect glass. For a “dessert in a drink” effect, top each glass with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Cherry Pie Iced Tea at its peak, store any leftovers in a tightly sealed pitcher or jar in the refrigerator. It’s best within 2–3 days for maximum freshness; give it a good stir before pouring, as the cherry puree may settle at the bottom. If you’ve added garnishes, strain them out before storing to preserve the crispness and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage or a frosty twist, pour the tea into ice cube trays and freeze. These ice cubes make a wonderful addition to the next batch, keeping your drink cold without dilution and adding a slow-release hit of cherry flavor. You can also blend frozen cubes for a Cherry Pie Iced Tea slushie!
Reheating
While Cherry Pie Iced Tea is meant to be enjoyed cold, if you crave a warm cherry-tea beverage, gently heat a portion on the stovetop without letting it boil. Stir well to reincorporate any settled bits of cherry puree, and serve in your favorite mug for a cozy, pie-inspired treat.
FAQs
Can I use green tea instead of black tea?
Yes! Green tea works beautifully and offers a lighter, more delicate base that lets the cherry flavors shine even more. Just reduce the steeping time to 2–3 minutes so you don’t overpower the cherries with a grassy flavor.
Is it possible to make Cherry Pie Iced Tea vegan?
Absolutely—just use sugar or another plant-based sweetener instead of honey. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so you can serve this to everyone around the table without worry.
Can I make this drink less sweet or more tart?
Of course! The balance of sweet and tangy is totally up to you. Adjust the amount of sweetener to suit your taste, and if your cherries are extra sour, you can hold back some lemon juice or add a bit more sugar.
What if I don’t have cherry pie filling?
No worries—you can simply increase the amount of fresh or frozen cherries, or even use a tablespoon of cherry preserves in its place. The pie filling just adds extra depth and a hint of nostalgic “pie” richness.
Can I make a sparkling version of Cherry Pie Iced Tea?
Yes! For a fun, fizzy twist, swap in one cup of club soda or sparkling water for part of the cold water just before serving. Stir gently to maintain those lively bubbles, and enjoy the extra effervescence.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about sharing a glass of Cherry Pie Iced Tea, especially when you see those ruby hues glinting in the sunlight and taste that signature burst of summer flavor. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a favorite in your own home—it’s pure, simple joy in a glass. Cheers to brighter sips and sweeter days!
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Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
Cool off with a refreshing Cherry Pie Iced Tea that combines the flavors of sweet cherries, tangy lemon, and a hint of pie filling in a delightful drink perfect for summer.
Ingredients
Tea Base:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
Cherry Blend:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1/4 cup cherry pie filling
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
Additional:
- 2 cups cold water
- ice cubes
- fresh cherries and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Tea: Boil 4 cups of water, steep tea bags for 5–7 minutes, discard bags, and let cool.
- Create Cherry Blend: Blend cherries and cherry pie filling, strain into a pitcher, add lemon juice and sweetener.
- Mix: Combine brewed tea, cold water, and cherry blend in the pitcher.
- Chill: Refrigerate until cold (1–2 hours).
- Serve: Pour over ice, garnish with cherries and lemon slices.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness based on cherry tartness.
- For fizz, swap 1 cup water with club soda before serving.
- Decaf or green tea can be used as an alternative.
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