Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There's nothing quite like the sweet, fruity aroma of cherry pie drifting through the kitchen, but what if you could sip that experience from a glass? This Cherry Pie Iced Tea brings together the tangy brightness of cherries, warm vanilla notes, and the smooth depth of black tea—all over ice.

I first created this refreshing drink on a sweltering summer afternoon when turning on the oven for an actual pie felt criminal. It’s since become a seasonal staple—simple, nostalgic, and surprisingly elegant.

Keep reading to learn why this will be your new favorite summer sip.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Get ready to meet the drink that tastes like summer in a glass. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea isn’t just thirst-quenching—it’s an experience.

First, it’s a breeze to make. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want something fun for a sunny afternoon, it comes together with minimal prep and no fancy equipment.

It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly. You’ll be using common pantry items like black tea bags, frozen cherries, and a hint of vanilla. No need for fresh pie cherries or expensive mixers.

Versatility is another major win. This iced tea is equally welcome at a picnic, barbecue, or cozy brunch. Want it a little sweeter or boozier? There’s room to play with the ingredients.

And finally—it's a real crowd-pleaser. Even those who don’t usually like tea find themselves refilling their glasses. That cherry pie flavor hits just the right nostalgic note.

Ready to steep something special? Let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this Cherry Pie Iced Tea truly special is how it layers simple flavors into something unexpectedly indulgent. Each ingredient plays a unique role in mimicking the experience of biting into a sweet slice of cherry pie.

Black tea is the base of this recipe, lending a deep, slightly tannic foundation that balances the sweetness of the cherries. English Breakfast or Darjeeling are great options, but even standard Lipton will work in a pinch. The key is to brew it strong so the flavor holds up against the chill and added fruit.

Frozen cherries are the real MVP here. They provide bold, consistent flavor without the fuss of pitting fresh fruit. Plus, when simmered gently with sugar and vanilla, they create a syrupy cherry base that’s pure pie in a jar.

Vanilla extract mimics the warm undertones of pie crust and brings that bakery-fresh aroma to the forefront. Just a teaspoon transforms the tea from fruity to full-on dessert-like.

Sugar sweetens the deal, literally. I recommend starting with a quarter cup, but feel free to adjust based on your preference or the tartness of your cherries. You can substitute honey or agave if you prefer natural sweeteners.

No fancy equipment is needed here—just a saucepan, a heat-safe pitcher, and a fine mesh strainer. You’ll also want a large jar or bottle for chilling the tea before serving.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Making this iced tea is as satisfying as sipping it. You’ll start with a quick cherry syrup, steep your tea, and then combine everything into one summery masterpiece.

Start by making the cherry syrup. Add your frozen cherries, sugar, and a bit of water to a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally, gently pressing the cherries with a spoon to release their juices. This will take about 10 minutes, and the aroma will smell like pie filling in the making.

While your syrup is cooking, steep your tea. Bring about 4 cups of water to a near boil and pour it over 4–6 black tea bags in a large heat-safe pitcher. Let them steep for 5–7 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.

Once the cherry mixture is done, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into the tea, pressing the cherries gently to extract every drop of that ruby-red goodness. Discard the solids or save them as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.

Add vanilla extract to the tea and stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. At this point, you can refrigerate the tea for a few hours until chilled, or serve it immediately over ice.

The whole process takes about 25 minutes, start to finish, and yields a generous pitcher of tea—perfect for four to six servings.

Storage Options

This Cherry Pie Iced Tea stores beautifully, which makes it ideal for make-ahead entertaining. Once prepared, keep it in a sealed pitcher or glass jar in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days.

If you want to prep the cherry syrup ahead of time, you can store it separately in the fridge for up to a week. Just mix it into freshly brewed tea when you're ready to serve.

Freezing isn’t ideal for the finished tea, as the flavor can dull and the texture may change. However, you can freeze the cherry syrup in ice cube trays to use later—just pop a few cubes into your next glass of tea.

To reheat (if you somehow want to enjoy this warm), gently warm it in a saucepan until just hot—not boiling—or microwave it in 30-second bursts. But truly, this one is best ice cold.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can tweak it to match your mood, the season, or whatever you have on hand.

Try using green tea instead of black for a lighter, more delicate version. Jasmine tea can also add a floral twist that pairs beautifully with the cherries.

Not a fan of added sugar? Swap it out for honey, agave syrup, or even a dash of stevia. Just keep in mind that different sweeteners may alter the flavor balance slightly.

Want a sparkling version? Top your glass with club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing treat. It turns the tea into a cherry pie soda that’s just as fun to drink as it is pretty to look at.

For an adult twist, stir in a splash of bourbon or cherry liqueur just before serving. It adds depth and complexity, making it perfect for evening gatherings or date-night dinners.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. This recipe is meant to be a starting point—one that invites creativity and customization.

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