Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a refreshing and fruity twist on classic iced tea, combining the tartness of cherries with the subtle sweetness of pie spices. This drink is perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or any occasion where you need a cool, flavorful beverage. With a hint of vanilla and a touch of cinnamon, it mimics the warm flavors of cherry pie while staying wonderfully refreshing. Whether served as a fun alternative to regular iced tea or as a crowd-pleasing drink at your next gathering, this cherry pie-inspired iced tea is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Pie Iced Tea is the perfect fusion of fruity and spiced flavors that taste just like a slice of cherry pie in a glass. The tart cherries give it a fresh, fruity punch, while the spices—cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of sweetener—bring warmth and depth. The blend of black tea adds just the right level of sophistication and bitterness to balance out the sweetness. It’s a delightful drink that’s easy to prepare, and you can make it in large batches to serve at parties, BBQs, or family gatherings.

Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Ingredients

4 cups water
4 black tea bags (or 4 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice cubes
Fresh cherries and mint (for garnish, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cherry Mixture: While the tea is cooling, add the cherries, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the cherry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp, but leaving it as is will add a bit of texture to your iced tea.
Combine the Tea and Cherry Mixture: Once the tea has cooled to room temperature, pour it into a large pitcher. Add the cherry puree to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
Chill the Tea: Refrigerate the cherry pie iced tea for at least 2 hours or until it’s nice and cold. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Cherry Pie Iced Tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh cherries and mint leaves if desired for a fun, festive touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes (for brewing tea)
Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

Add Lemon: For a citrusy twist, add a few slices of lemon to the tea before chilling. The lemon will complement the cherries and add an extra layer of freshness.
Make It Sparkling: For a fizzy version, top the cherry pie iced tea with club soda or sparkling water just before serving. This will add a refreshing sparkle to the drink.
Sweetener Alternatives: You can swap granulated sugar for honey, agave syrup, or stevia for a different sweetness profile.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for an extra touch of spice that enhances the “pie” flavor.
Storage: Store leftover Cherry Pie Iced Tea in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the tea into ice cubes and use them to chill the tea without diluting it. These cherry ice cubes will add extra cherry flavor as they melt!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought cherry juice instead of fresh or frozen cherries?

Yes, you can use store-bought cherry juice, but be sure to choose one that is pure with no added sugar. You may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe if the juice is already sweetened.

2. Can I make this drink ahead of time?

Yes, this drink can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify.

3. Can I use green tea instead of black tea?

Yes, you can use green tea if you prefer. Green tea will give the iced tea a lighter, more delicate flavor, but it still pairs well with the cherry and spice notes.

4. Can I adjust the sweetness of this drink?

Yes, you can easily adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet iced tea, reduce the amount of sugar. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.

5. Can I make this drink without cinnamon?

If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can skip it, or substitute it with other spices like ginger or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.

6. Can I use a different fruit instead of cherries?

Yes! While cherries are the star of this recipe, you can substitute them with other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a different fruity twist.

7. Can I serve this drink warm?

While this is typically served as an iced tea, you can enjoy it warm if you prefer. Simply skip the ice and serve the cherry pie tea hot—perfect for cooler days.

8. Can I make this drink more tart?

To make the iced tea more tart, you can add more lemon or a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

9. Can I use dried cherries?

While fresh or frozen cherries work best, you can use dried cherries. Just soak them in a bit of warm water for 15-20 minutes before blending them into the puree.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a fun, refreshing drink that perfectly balances fruity, tart cherries with warm spices and a hint of vanilla. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, serving it at a picnic, or simply enjoying it on a relaxing afternoon, this iced tea is a crowd-pleasing beverage that everyone will enjoy. With its delicious flavor, it’s the perfect drink to cool you down while still giving you a comforting, pie-like experience in every sip.