Cherry Iced Tea
Cherry Iced Tea is a refreshing twist on a classic favorite, blending the bold flavor of black tea with the sweet and tangy taste of cherries. It’s bright, cool, and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cherry Iced Tea is a refreshing twist on a classic favorite, blending the bold flavor of black tea with the sweet and tangy taste of cherries. It’s bright, cool, and just perfect for sunny days or whenever you need a cool pick-me-up. The deep red color from the cherries makes it as pretty as it is delicious.
I love making this iced tea when friends come over because it’s easy to whip up and everyone always asks for the recipe. I like to add a few fresh cherries or a slice of lemon on top—it makes the drink feel special without any extra fuss. It’s a simple way to feel like you’re treating yourself, even on a busy day.
One tip I’ve learned is to brew the tea a little stronger than usual so the cherry flavor really comes through once it’s chilled. This tea is great to keep in the fridge for a couple of days, which is perfect for those hot afternoons when you want something cold and tasty without having to start from scratch every time. It’s a nice way to make your day a little sweeter, one sip at a time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: This is the base of your iced tea. I like using strong black tea like Assam or English Breakfast for bold flavor. If you prefer caffeine-free, try rooibos or herbal black tea.
Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries work well. Fresh cherries give a bright, natural flavor, while frozen are great when fresh aren’t in season. You can substitute cherry juice if you’re short on time.
Sugar: Sugar sweetens the tea and helps balance the tartness of cherries. Honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup are tasty alternatives for a different twist or if you want a natural sweetener.
Lemon: Lemon adds a fresh, zesty hint that elevates the drink. You can swap with lime or skip it if you like a smoother cherry taste.
How Do You Get the Best Cherry Flavor in Iced Tea?
Getting that fresh cherry taste means making a small cherry syrup first and then mixing it into your tea. Here’s how:
- Simmer cherries with sugar and a little water until soft. This releases their juices and sweetness.
- Mash the cherries gently to get more flavor but don’t overdo it, or your syrup can become cloudy.
- Strain the mixture to remove bits, leaving a smooth cherry syrup.
- Mix the syrup with brewed tea—brewed a bit stronger than usual—so the flavors stay vibrant when iced.
This step is key because cherries don’t naturally infuse well in tea unless heated to draw out their essence.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large saucepan – perfect for boiling water and brewing the tea evenly.
- Small saucepan – great for heating cherries and sugar to make the cherry syrup.
- Fine mesh strainer – helps remove cherry bits for a smooth drink.
- Pitcher – ideal for combining and chilling the tea before serving.
- Stirring spoon – for mixing syrup and tea together smoothly.
- Glasses and ice cube trays – to serve your refreshing iced tea cold.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use green tea instead of black for a lighter, more delicate flavor that pairs well with cherries.
- Add fresh mint leaves during brewing or as a garnish for a refreshing herbal twist.
- Stir in a splash of sparkling water just before serving for a bubbly cherry iced tea.
- Mix in a few sliced strawberries with cherries when making syrup for a sweeter fruit combo.
Cherry Iced Tea Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cherry juice or cherry nectar (optional for extra cherry flavor)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cherries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and brew the tea, plus 1-2 hours to chill the iced tea so it’s nice and cold. The total time is mainly waiting for the tea to cool and chill in the refrigerator.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brew the Tea:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the black tea bags. Let them steep for 5 to 7 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea.
2. Make Cherry Syrup:
While the tea is steeping, combine cherries, sugar, and ½ cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the cherries soften. Mash the cherries a little to release their juice.
3. Strain and Combine:
Strain the cherry mixture through a fine sieve into a large pitcher to remove the cherry solids, pressing to extract all the juice. Remove the tea bags from the brewed tea and discard them. Stir the cherry syrup into the tea. If you’d like to boost the cherry flavor, add the optional cherry juice or nectar now.
4. Chill and Serve:
Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then put it in the fridge to chill for 1 to 2 hours. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the chilled cherry iced tea, and garnish with fresh cherries, lemon slices, and mint if you like. Stir gently and enjoy your refreshing Cherry Iced Tea!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen cherries work great and are actually easier because they’re already pitted and soft. Just thaw them before cooking to help release their juices quickly.
How Can I Make This Tea Less Sweet?
You can reduce the sugar or skip it entirely if you prefer. The natural sweetness from cherries adds flavor, so taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
Can I Prepare Cherry Iced Tea in Advance?
Absolutely! Make the tea and cherry syrup ahead of time, then store them combined in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Iced Tea?
Keep leftovers in a sealed pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve over fresh ice and garnish just before drinking for the best taste.
