Description
A refreshing iced tea with black tea, frozen dark sweet cherries, cherry juice, lemon juice, and a hint of vanilla for a cozy cherry pie-inspired finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups water, divided
- 4 black tea bags
- 2 cups frozen dark sweet cherries
- 1/2 cup cherry juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups ice cubes
- 6 lemon slices, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of the water to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add the frozen dark sweet cherries, cherry juice, and granulated sugar. Stir and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the cherries soften and the sugar dissolves.
- In a separate heatproof pitcher or large jar, pour the remaining 4 cups hot water over the black tea bags. Let steep for 4 to 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
- Strain the warm cherry mixture into the brewed tea, pressing lightly on the fruit to extract flavor.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
- Fill 6 tall glasses with ice cubes and a spoonful of the cooked cherries. Pour the tea over the top and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a tarter version, use tart cherry juice or reduce the sugar slightly.
- Chill the tea base before serving if you want an extra-cold drink without as much dilution.
- A small pinch of cinnamon can be added while simmering the cherries for a warmer pie-like note.
- Store leftover tea in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 82
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cherry iced tea, frozen cherry tea, summer tea drink, fruity iced tea, homemade iced tea