Let’s be honest there’s just something magical about a tall, ice-cold glass of iced tea on a warm day. But what if we took that refreshment to the next level? Enter: Cherry Pie Iced Tea. Yep, you heard that right! This isn’t your average iced tea. Think of it as a sweet little mashup between a classic Southern favorite and the nostalgic flavors of a homemade cherry pie. Tart cherries, warm vanilla notes, a touch of cinnamon it’s basically pie in a glass, and trust me, you’re going to fall in love at first sip.

Whether you’re sipping it on the porch, serving it at a backyard BBQ, or just treating yourself to something a little extra during the week, this tea brings all the comforting, fruity vibes you didn’t know you were missing. Get ready because this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Pie Iced Tea

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: It’s a drink, a dessert, and a mood. Serve it at parties, picnics, or just as a daily pick-me-up.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients, most of which are already in your pantry or fridge.
Quick and Easy: Steep, mix, chill done! It’s that simple to create something truly special.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or even the fruit for your perfect glass.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Cherry Pie Iced Tea

This isn’t just a drink it’s an experience. These ingredients come together to deliver that warm cherry pie flavor in a chilled and refreshing way:

Black Tea Bags: The bold, classic base for this iced tea. Strong enough to stand up to the fruity flavors without overpowering them.
Frozen Cherries: Tart, juicy, and bursting with pie-like flavor. They add a natural sweetness and that iconic cherry red hue.
Vanilla Extract: A little splash creates that warm, cozy pie-filling vibe.
Cinnamon Stick: Infuses the tea with a gentle spice that rounds out the sweetness.
Honey or Sugar: Sweetens the tea to your liking go as light or sweet as your sweet tooth desires.
Water: Can’t make tea without it! Used for steeping and mixing everything together.
Ice Cubes: Essential for that cool, crisp finish.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a gentle boil. This will be the base for steeping your tea and infusing flavor.

Combine Ingredients: Add black tea bags, frozen cherries, a cinnamon stick, and sweetener of your choice to the hot water. Let everything steep together for 5–10 minutes.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: While the tea is steeping, prepare a large pitcher by filling it halfway with ice and setting it aside.

Assemble the Dish: Once steeped, remove the tea bags and cinnamon stick. Stir in vanilla extract, then pour the warm mixture through a fine strainer directly into the prepared pitcher over ice.

Cook to Perfection: (Or in this case, chill to perfection!) Stir well and let the tea cool completely in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the flavors can mingle and intensify.

Finishing Touches: Right before serving, give it one last stir and toss in a few extra cherries or a lemon slice for garnish.

Serve and Enjoy: Pour into tall glasses over fresh ice and sip away. It’s refreshment with a side of nostalgia.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4 glasses
Calories per serving: 70
(Note: will vary depending on sweetener and quantity used)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)

How to Serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with a slice of actual cherry pie for double the fun!
Pair with summer BBQ fare like grilled chicken, burgers, or veggie kebabs.
Make it fancy with a mint sprig, lemon wedge, or sugar-rimmed glass.
Turn it into a mocktail by adding sparkling water and fresh fruit for a fizzy twist.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use strong black tea for the best base flavor. Earl Grey works in a pinch but will add a citrusy note.
Let the tea chill fully it really brings out the cherry pie flavor.
Taste and adjust sweetness before chilling, as cold can dull sweetness a bit.
Want it stronger? Steep the tea longer or use an extra bag.
Try freezing cherries into ice cubes for a fun, fruity garnish that won’t water down the tea.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, just pit and halve them before using. You might want to simmer them slightly to release more flavor.

2. What if I don’t have a cinnamon stick?
You can substitute with a pinch of ground cinnamon, but start small it’s potent!

3. Can I make this tea in advance?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.

4. How long does it last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight pitcher for up to 3–4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.

5. Can I use green tea instead of black?
You can, but the flavor will be lighter and less “pie-like.” Still delicious, just different!

6. Is it okay to use cherry juice instead of cherries?
Yes, but adjust the sweetener accordingly since juice is already sweetened.

7. Can I make this sugar-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.

8. Will it work without vanilla extract?
You’ll miss a bit of the “pie” flavor, but the tea will still be tasty and refreshing.

9. Can I turn this into a cocktail?
Oh yes add a splash of bourbon or vodka for an adult twist. Sip responsibly!

10. Can I double this recipe?
Go for it! Just make sure your pitcher or jug can handle the volume.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Iced Tea is the refreshing twist you didn’t know your summer needed. It’s got all the cozy vibes of your favorite dessert, served up ice-cold with just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for more. Easy to make, lovely to look at, and even better to sip this tea is a total win for backyard hangouts, lazy afternoons, or anytime you want to feel a little extra special. So brew it up, pour yourself a tall glass, and enjoy every delicious, cherry-filled gulp.

Print