When the heat of summer kicks in, few things satisfy like a tall, icy glass of something refreshing. And this Cherry Iced Tea brings a whole new level of flavor to your typical tea game. Inspired by the nostalgic taste of cherry pie, this drink is bold, sweet, slightly buttery, and absolutely addictive. It’s a homemade cherry syrup mixed with unsweetened black tea, making it the perfect not-too-sweet refresher.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, relaxing on your porch, or just want something special in your cup, this cherry iced tea will surprise you in the best way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cherry Pie Syrup:
- 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp butter extract
- ½ tsp cake batter extract (optional, for extra dessert-like flavor)
For the Tea:
- 2 cups Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea (or your favorite brand)
- 4 tbsp cherry pie syrup
- Ice, fresh cherries for garnish
How to Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Step 1: Cook the Syrup
In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, water, and salt. Cook on medium heat while mashing the cherries. Allow it to reduce until slightly thickened. It’ll continue to thicken as it cools.
Step 2: Strain and Flavor
Strain the cooked mixture using a fine mesh strainer. Press the fruit to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the pulp. Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla, and butter extract while the syrup is still warm. Let it cool.
Step 3: Mix and Serve
In a glass of cold unsweetened iced tea, stir in 4 tablespoons of your cherry pie syrup. Top with ice and garnish with fresh cherries. Sip and enjoy!
You can easily double or triple this recipe for larger gatherings or keep it on hand for quick solo servings.
Why This Tea Tastes Like Dessert
The magic is in the syrup flavoring. The addition of butter extract (or melted butter) mimics the rich, flaky texture of a pie crust. A touch of vanilla adds warmth, and lemon juice balances the sweetness. It’s like cherry pie in a glass—but cooler and more hydrating.
Pair It Like a Pro
This iced tea shines on its own but goes beautifully with light pastries or fruit-based desserts. Try it with our Pistachio Lemon Cake Loaf for a vibrant flavor combo. Or pair it with Blackberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes for an elegant afternoon treat.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftover syrup for up to 1 week in an airtight jar.
- Make tea in batches and keep chilled for quick refreshment.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 115 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 87g |
| Sugar | 61g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 198mg |
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes! Just pit them and use the same measurement. Frozen is often more accessible and just as flavorful.
Q2: What type of tea works best?
Unsweetened black tea is ideal because it lets the cherry syrup shine. Green tea is a milder option if preferred.
Q3: How can I make this drink more tart?
Add more lemon juice to the syrup or include a splash of cranberry juice in the final mix.
Q4: Can I use this syrup in other drinks?
Absolutely. Try it in lemonade, club soda, or drizzled over ice cream.