Sweet Cherry Iced Tea

This homemade Cherry Pie Iced Tea transforms ordinary black tea into a delightful summer treat that tastes just like a slice of cherry pie in liquid form. The secret is in the homemade cherry syrup that infuses the tea with sweet cherry flavor and hints of vanilla that mimic a buttery pie crust.

I created this recipe last summer when I had an abundance of cherries and wanted something special for a backyard barbecue. It was such a hit that my neighbors now request I bring a pitcher to every summer gathering.

• Frozen pitted cherries fresh cherries can be substituted when in season for brighter flavor
• Granulated sugar creates the syrup base and balances the natural tartness of cherries
• Water helps create the perfect syrup consistency
• Salt a tiny pinch enhances all the flavors without making the drink salty
• Lemon juice brightens the cherry flavor and adds a subtle tang
• Vanilla extract adds warmth and complements the cherry flavor beautifully
• Butter extract creates that pie crust essence without actual butter
• Cake batter extract optional but adds a lovely bakery note to the final drink
• Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea provides the perfect base without competing sweetness
• Fresh cherries for garnish makes the presentation Instagram worthy

How To Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Create Cherry Base:

Combine frozen cherries, sugar, water, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As the mixture warms, gently mash the cherries with a potato masher or fork to release their juices. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy. The cherries should be completely broken down and the liquid should coat the back of a spoon.

Strain The Mixture:

Place a fine mesh strainer over a heat safe bowl. Pour the cherry mixture into the strainer and use the back of a spoon to press firmly against the solids, extracting as much syrup as possible. Take your time with this step to ensure you get every drop of that precious cherry flavor.

Flavor The Syrup:

Discard the cherry solids or save them for another use like topping yogurt. While the syrup is still warm, stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, butter extract, and cake batter extract if using. The warm syrup will help the flavors blend together perfectly. Allow the mixture to cool completely before using.

Assemble The Tea:

For each serving, add two tablespoons of cherry pie syrup to one cup of cold unsweetened black tea. Stir well to combine. Taste and add additional syrup if desired for a sweeter drink. Fill glasses with ice and pour the flavored tea over the ice.

Garnish And Serve:

Add fresh cherries as a garnish by placing them on the rim of the glass or floating them in the drink. For an extra special presentation, skewer cherries on cocktail picks. Serve immediately while ice cold.

My favorite part of this recipe is watching people take their first sip. There's always a moment of surprise when they taste how much it really does capture the essence of cherry pie. My daughter actually requests this instead of actual pie for her summer birthday celebrations now.

Make It A Pitcher

When entertaining, scale this recipe up to fill a pitcher. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed. For a standard 2quart pitcher, use 8 cups of tea and 1 cup of syrup as a starting point. Add the syrup gradually, stirring and tasting until you reach your desired sweetness level. Keep in mind that the drink will taste slightly less sweet when thoroughly chilled and served over ice.

Creative Variations

This cherry pie tea concept works beautifully with other fruit combinations too. Try substituting blueberries or peaches for the cherries to create different pie flavors in beverage form. For an apple pie version, simmer diced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg along with the sugar and water. The extract combinations can also be adjusted to highlight different pie crust notes. Almond extract pairs particularly well with cherries for a more sophisticated flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This beverage pairs wonderfully with summer desserts, especially vanilla ice cream or shortbread cookies. It also complements savory barbecue foods by providing a sweet counterpoint. For a special occasion, serve in mason jars with striped paper straws and a sprinkle of pie crust crumbles on top for the ultimate pie tea experience. Consider creating a tea bar where guests can adjust their own sweetness levels by providing the syrup and tea separately.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does the homemade cherry syrup last?

The homemade cherry syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays and thaw as needed.

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cherries work wonderfully in this syrup. You'll need to pit them first, and you might need to add a little extra water (about 1-2 tablespoons) since frozen cherries release more liquid when thawed.

→ What can I substitute for the butter extract?

If you don't have butter extract, you can use a small amount (¼ teaspoon) of melted butter or substitute with additional vanilla extract. The drink won't have the exact same pie-like quality but will still be delicious.

→ Can I make this with a different type of tea?

Absolutely! While black tea provides a robust base that complements the cherry syrup well, you can experiment with green tea for a lighter flavor or even herbal teas like hibiscus for an extra fruity dimension.

→ Is there a way to make this sugar-free?

Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar in the syrup with a natural sweetener like monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol. You may need to adjust quantities to taste, as these sweeteners often have different sweetness levels than sugar.

→ How can I turn this into an alcoholic beverage?

This tea makes an excellent base for cocktails. Consider adding 1-2 oz of bourbon, vodka, or rum to each serving. For a sparkling version, add a splash of prosecco or champagne.