Cherry Iced Tea
Cherry Iced Tea is a refreshing blend of sweet cherries and classic iced tea that’s perfect for hot days or anytime you need a cool, tasty pick-me-up. The bright, fruity…
By Fatima
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Reading time: 5 min
Cherry Iced Tea is a refreshing blend of sweet cherries and classic iced tea that’s perfect for hot days or anytime you need a cool, tasty pick-me-up. The bright, fruity flavor of cherries pairs so well with the smooth, mellow black tea, creating a drink that’s both lively and soothing.
I love making this tea when I’m looking for something simple but special. Adding fresh or frozen cherries gives it a natural sweetness and a pop of color that always makes it feel like a little treat. Sometimes I even toss in a few slices of lemon or a sprig of mint to give it extra zing.
It’s great to serve chilled with plenty of ice, especially at gatherings or just relaxing on the porch. I always find that this cherry iced tea gets everyone smiling and reaching for seconds — it’s just one of those drinks that feels like summer in a glass, no matter the season.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fresh Cherries
- These give the tea its fruity, natural sweetness and vibrant color. If fresh cherries aren't available, frozen ones work well too. For an even stronger cherry flavor, add a splash of cherry juice or syrup.
- Black Tea Bags
- Choose a bold black tea like Assam or English Breakfast for a rich base. If you prefer, green tea or herbal tea can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Sugar
- Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cherries. You can substitute with honey, agave, or a sugar-free sweetener based on your taste or diet.
How Can I Make the Cherry Flavor Really Stand Out in Iced Tea?
To get a bright cherry taste, simmer cherries with water before adding tea. This draws out the juice and sweetness. After simmering:
- Steep the tea bags in the cherry-infused water while still warm for 5-7 minutes.
- Press the cherries gently when straining to get extra flavor without pulp.
- Add sweetener while warm so it dissolves completely.
- Chill the tea thoroughly—cold tea tastes fresher and more refreshing.
Following these steps helps you get a nicely balanced, flavorful cherry iced tea every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for simmering cherries and brewing tea all in one pot.
- Fine mesh strainer – helps remove cherry pulp and tea leaves for a smooth drink.
- Pitcher – for mixing and chilling the tea before serving.
- Spoons – for stirring in sugar and pressing cherries to release extra flavor.
- Glasses or mason jars – keep your iced tea looking cool and inviting.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add fresh mint leaves while steaming for a cool, herbal twist that brightens the drink.
- Swap black tea for green tea to give the tea a lighter, earthier note.
- Mix in slices of fresh lemon or lime to balance sweetness with citrus zing.
- Try ginger slices simmered with cherries for a warm, spicy kick.
How to Make Cherry Iced Tea?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tea:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
For the Cherry Flavor:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup cherry juice or cherry syrup (optional, for enhanced cherry flavor)
Other:
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint or lemon slices for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and simmer, plus cooling time. Plan for about 1 to 2 hours total so the tea can chill fully in the refrigerator before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Simmer the Cherries:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the pitted cherries, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. This softens the cherries and lets their flavor infuse the water.
2. Brew the Tea:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the black tea bags to the cherry water. Let the tea steep for 5 to 7 minutes depending on how strong you like it.
3. Strain and Sweeten:
Take out the tea bags and strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing the cherries gently to get out more flavor. While still warm, stir in the sugar until it dissolves. For a stronger cherry taste, add cherry juice or syrup now if you want.
4. Chill and Serve:
Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled cherry iced tea over them. Garnish with fresh cherries, and if you like, add mint leaves or lemon slices for extra freshness.
Enjoy your cool, fruity cherry iced tea!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work well! Just thaw them completely before simmering, and you can use them straight from frozen if you prefer a quicker method. They may release a little more juice, making the tea even fruitier.
How Can I Make This Recipe Sugar-Free?
You can substitute the granulated sugar with honey, agave syrup, or a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Add the sweetener while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily.
Can I Prepare Cherry Iced Tea Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the tea a day in advance and chill it in the fridge. The flavors actually meld and deepen when it sits overnight, making it taste even better.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tea?
Store leftover cherry iced tea in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving since some separation may occur.