Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a refreshing twist on a summer classic, blending the juicy sweetness of cherries with the smooth, earthy flavor of black tea. It tastes like a slice of cherry pie in a glass—fruity, a little tart, and just the right amount of sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this iced tea captures the essence of a cherry pie without the oven. The combination of cherry juice, real fruit, and a touch of vanilla makes it feel cozy and indulgent, yet it’s still light and thirst-quenching. It’s perfect for warm afternoons, BBQs, or anytime I want a cool drink with a unique flavor.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

black tea bags
water
cherry juice or cherry pie filling (strained)
fresh or frozen cherries
vanilla extract
lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
sugar or honey (to taste)
ice
mint sprigs or lemon slices (optional for garnish)

directions

1. I bring water to a boil and steep black tea bags for about 5–7 minutes, depending on how strong I want the tea.

2. I remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.

3. In a small saucepan, I simmer fresh or frozen cherries with a bit of sugar and a splash of water until they break down and release their juices. I strain the mixture to get a smooth cherry syrup.

4. I stir the cherry syrup or cherry juice into the cooled tea, then add a dash of vanilla extract and lemon juice if I want a touch of acidity.

5. I chill the tea in the fridge until it’s nice and cold.

6. To serve, I pour the tea over ice and garnish with extra cherries, lemon slices, or mint sprigs.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 cups (2–4 servings).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour (or more)
Cook time (for cherry syrup, optional): 5–10 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use green tea for a lighter base or hibiscus tea for a floral, tart note. I’ve also added a splash of sparkling water or lemon-lime soda just before serving for a fizzy twist. If I’m feeling bold, I turn it into a cocktail with a shot of bourbon or vodka.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover iced tea in a pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always stir before serving again, especially if the cherry syrup settles. I don’t reheat this one—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use cherry pie filling?

Yes, I warm it slightly and strain out the thickest parts to get a smooth syrup. It gives that classic cherry pie flavor with less work.

What kind of tea works best?

I usually stick with black tea for its bold flavor, but I’ve tried oolong and even rooibos with great results.

Can I make it sugar-free?

Absolutely—I skip the sweetener or use a natural option like stevia or monk fruit. The cherries already add some natural sweetness.

Can I use store-bought cherry juice?

Yes, just make sure it’s 100% juice or a blend without too much added sugar for a fresher taste.

How do I keep it from getting watered down?

I use frozen cherries as ice cubes, or make cherry-tea ice cubes to keep the flavor strong as it chills.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Iced Tea is one of those drinks I turn to when I want something special and cooling with a little nostalgic twist. It’s sweet, fruity, and just different enough to stand out—perfect for sipping slowly on a sunny day or serving to guests who appreciate a refreshing surprise.