Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There's something magical about sipping a tall glass of cherry pie iced tea on a warm afternoon. The deep ruby hue, the sweet-tart cherry flavor, and just a hint of cinnamon and vanilla—it’s like a slice of pie in your glass.

I first whipped this up after a summer picnic when I had leftover cherry compote and no more crusts to bake. A little black tea, some creativity, and suddenly I had the most refreshing drink that instantly transported me to Grandma’s kitchen. It's quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for everything from porch swings to potlucks.

Let’s dive into what makes this iced tea a must-try.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite summer sipper. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea isn’t just a thirst-quencher—it’s a nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly simple to pull together.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you're using fresh cherries, frozen, or even canned cherry pie filling, this recipe takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. No fancy equipment needed—just a saucepan, a strainer, and a pitcher.

It’s also budget-friendly. Black tea bags, a scoop of cherries, and pantry staples like cinnamon and vanilla are all you need. No pricey syrups or store-bought concentrates here.

And let’s talk about versatility. Want it sweeter? Add more honey or sugar. Craving a fizzy kick? Pour it over sparkling water. Hosting a party? Spike it with a splash of bourbon or amaretto and serve it in mason jars with a cinnamon stick.

This recipe is also a fun project for kids to help with—especially the part where they mash the cherries. It turns tea time into memory-making.

Now that you’re dreaming of cherry-sweet refreshment, let’s look at what you’ll need to make it.

Ingredients Notes

This Cherry Pie Iced Tea comes together with just a few wholesome ingredients, each one working together to capture that signature dessert-inspired flavor.

Black tea is the foundation of this drink. Choose a good-quality black tea like English breakfast or orange pekoe. Its bold, tannic base holds up beautifully against the sweetness of the cherries and the warmth of the spices.

Cherries bring the star flavor. Fresh cherries are ideal in season, but frozen cherries work perfectly and save you the pitting step. If you’re using cherry pie filling, go light on the sweetener to balance the sugar already included.

Cinnamon and vanilla are what give this tea its “pie” flavor. Just a pinch of cinnamon (or a stick simmered with the cherries) and a splash of vanilla extract mimic the cozy aroma of cherry pie baking in the oven.

Sweeteners like honey, sugar, or even maple syrup can be used based on your preference. I love a tablespoon of honey for a floral note, but plain white sugar keeps things classic.

You’ll also need a medium saucepan, fine-mesh strainer, and a pitcher for chilling. If you like your tea extra clear, consider using cheesecloth to strain out the cherry pulp completely.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Making Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a breeze, and it starts with brewing a strong batch of black tea. Boil about 4 cups of water, then steep 4–5 black tea bags for 5–7 minutes. Remove the bags and let the tea cool slightly while you prepare the cherry mixture.

In a separate saucepan, combine your cherries with a bit of water, cinnamon, and sweetener. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the cherries are soft and bursting. Gently mash them with the back of a spoon to release more juice and flavor.

Remove the cherry mixture from the heat and stir in your vanilla extract. Let it cool for a few minutes before straining through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids. You can press down on the pulp to extract even more cherry goodness.

Now combine the brewed tea and cherry syrup in a large pitcher. Stir well, taste, and adjust sweetness if needed. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour for best flavor—or pour over ice if you just can’t wait.

To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour in your cherry pie tea. Garnish with a fresh cherry, lemon slice, or even a little whipped cream if you're feeling extra indulgent.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20–25 minutes (plus chilling time). The result is a ruby-red refresher that tastes like summer nostalgia in a glass.

Storage Options

This Cherry Pie Iced Tea keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead option for brunches or backyard BBQs. Store it in a sealed glass pitcher or mason jar to preserve the flavor and color.

If you've made a larger batch, consider freezing some in ice cube trays. Cherry tea cubes are perfect for keeping your drink cold without diluting it.

Avoid storing it with lemon slices or other fruit inside the pitcher, as they can become bitter over time. Add those just before serving.

To reheat for a warm variation, simply microwave a mugful or warm it on the stove, then add a little more honey to taste. It's just as cozy served hot in the colder months.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you're adjusting for dietary needs or just experimenting, there’s plenty of room to play.

Try switching the tea base to green tea or hibiscus for a lighter, fruitier spin. Hibiscus especially complements the tart cherry notes with a floral twist and a deep red color.

If you’re avoiding added sugar, use monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Alternatively, a splash of cherry juice concentrate can sweeten and flavor the tea naturally.

For a fizzy twist, mix the cherry syrup with sparkling water instead of tea. It becomes a cherry pie soda—great for kids’ parties or mocktails.

Make it boozy for the adults with a shot of bourbon or spiced rum in each glass. It’s a crowd-pleaser at summer cookouts and makes for a fun signature cocktail.

And if you're craving dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an impromptu cherry tea float. Trust me—you won't regret it.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand. The spirit of this recipe is all about making something special from simple ingredients—and having a little fun while you do.

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