Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There's something irresistibly nostalgic about the sweet, fruity scent of cherry pie — and now you can sip that same cozy flavor on a hot summer day. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea blends the boldness of black tea with juicy cherries and a touch of vanilla for a refreshingly unique twist on a Southern classic.

I came up with this recipe one July afternoon when I had leftover cherries from a baking session and a pitcher of plain iced tea that needed a little extra love. A few simple ingredients later, and this cheerful, ruby-red tea quickly became a crowd favorite at our family barbecues.

It’s sweet, slightly tart, and infused with that warm, pie-like essence — perfect for sipping on the porch or serving at your next gathering. Let’s dive in and make this summery treat happen.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Get ready to fall head-over-heels for a tea that tastes like dessert in a glass. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea delivers the best of both worlds — the comfort of pie and the refreshment of iced tea.

It’s quick and easy. With just a few steps and no fancy equipment, you can whip up this tea in under 20 minutes (plus chilling time). It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for when you need something special but simple.

Perfect for summer parties. The vibrant color and familiar cherry-pie flavor make it a standout at barbecues, bridal showers, and lazy afternoon hangouts. Serve it in mason jars with fresh cherries for extra charm.

Budget-friendly and flexible. Using frozen cherries keeps things affordable, and you probably have the other ingredients in your pantry already. You can even swap out the tea or sweetener based on what you have.

A fun twist on a classic. This isn’t your average iced tea. With its sweet vanilla notes and deep cherry flavor, it’s got a homemade dessert vibe that turns every glass into a treat.

Whether you're hosting friends or just want to elevate your own afternoon break, this iced tea brings a little joy to every sip.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe is built around bold, beautiful ingredients that evoke the comforting flavors of a cherry pie — no baking required!

Black tea forms the foundation here. I recommend using strong, unsweetened black tea bags (like English Breakfast or Orange Pekoe). They stand up well to the richness of the cherry and vanilla without getting lost. You’ll need about four bags to brew a concentrated base.

Frozen dark cherries are the secret to that pie-like flavor. They’re easy to keep on hand and typically sweeter than fresh ones out of season. Once simmered, they release a rich, almost jammy quality that makes this tea feel extra indulgent.

Vanilla extract ties the whole theme together. Just a splash gives the drink that warm, baked-goods aroma — subtle, but powerful. It’s the little touch that transforms fruit tea into something that tastes like dessert.

Lemon juice brightens things up and balances the sweetness. It’s not overpowering but gives just enough acidity to keep the drink refreshing and lively on the palate.

Sweetener is totally adjustable. I like to use simple syrup or honey because they dissolve easily, but feel free to swap in agave, maple syrup, or even stevia if you're going lower sugar.

As far as equipment goes, you'll just need a saucepan, a pitcher, and a fine mesh strainer. A wooden spoon is helpful too, especially for gently pressing the cherries to release all their flavor.

How to Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Creating this fruity, dessert-inspired iced tea is easier than pie — really! Here’s exactly how to bring it to life in your kitchen.

Start by brewing your tea. Bring about 3 cups of water to a near boil and steep the black tea bags for 5–7 minutes. You want a strong brew here so it doesn’t get diluted when chilled. Once it’s ready, remove the tea bags and let the liquid cool slightly.

While the tea steeps, start on the cherry mixture. In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen cherries, 1 cup of water, and your sweetener of choice (start with ¼ cup and adjust to taste). Simmer this over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cherries should soften and release a deep red juice.

Now for the flavor boost — add your vanilla extract and a couple tablespoons of lemon juice to the cherry mixture. Stir and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Then remove it from heat and cool slightly.

Strain the cherry mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Press down gently on the fruit with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. You can discard the solids or save them to spoon over yogurt or ice cream later.

Combine the strained cherry syrup with the brewed tea in the pitcher. Add cold water (about 3 more cups) and give it a good stir. Taste and adjust for sweetness or acidity if needed.

Let the pitcher chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours, or until nice and cold. Serve over ice with a few extra cherries and a lemon slice if you like — it’s a beautiful touch.

From start to finish, the hands-on time is under 20 minutes, with most of the magic happening as it chills. Perfect for prepping ahead!

Storage Options

Cherry Pie Iced Tea stores beautifully and gets even better as the flavors meld.

Keep it in a sealed pitcher or mason jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Give it a stir before serving, as some of the cherry sediment may settle.

If you’re making it in advance for a party, you can prep the cherry syrup separately and combine it with tea and water just before serving to save fridge space.

Want to freeze it? You can pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for fruity tea cubes. These are great for keeping your glass cold without watering it down.

To reheat (if you’re curious!), you can actually serve this warm like a cherry-vanilla tea latte. Just warm a cup gently on the stove or in the microwave — it’s surprisingly cozy on cool evenings.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a dream for customizers — you can tailor it to your taste or pantry in countless ways.

Try switching out the black tea for green or white tea if you prefer something milder. Green tea with cherry is especially lovely and lighter on caffeine.

Fresh cherries can absolutely be used when in season. Just pit and halve them first, and use the same quantity. You might want to simmer them a little longer to help break them down.

Add a little spice for a deeper “pie” flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or a clove added while the cherries simmer can bring out more baked-good vibes.

Make it a mocktail! Add a splash of sparkling water right before serving, or even a sprig of mint for a garden party twist.

And yes — you can spike it. A shot of bourbon or amaretto turns this into a charming adult beverage with serious cherry pie cocktail vibes.

This is one of those recipes that invites you to play. Whether you’re making it for kids or company, feel free to experiment with flavors and garnishes that make it your own.

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