Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There's something magical about sipping an ice-cold glass of Cherry Pie Iced Tea on a warm afternoon. It’s the perfect balance of tart cherries, sweet pie-like warmth, and refreshing brewed tea—like dessert in a glass, without the fork or oven.

this Recipe

I created this recipe after a summer trip to Door County, Wisconsin, famous for its cherries. Inspired by a slice of homemade cherry pie and a tall glass of iced tea, I wondered—what if I could combine the two? The result was this cooling, slightly nostalgic drink that now makes regular appearances at our picnics and porch hangouts.

Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking to elevate your daily iced tea routine, this recipe is for you. Let’s explore what makes it so special.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to summer beverage. Cherry Pie Iced Tea isn’t just another flavored tea—it’s a celebration of cherry season, comfort, and refreshment all in one glass.

First, it’s shockingly easy to make. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or freezer.

It’s also incredibly refreshing. The mix of chilled black tea and cherry pie syrup over ice is just what you need when the heat ramps up.

This recipe is budget-friendly and family-approved. Using frozen cherries or even canned pie filling means you can enjoy this treat without breaking the bank.

Finally, it's versatile and customizable. You can make it sweeter, tangier, or even give it a fizzy twist depending on your mood. It also pairs beautifully with summer meals like grilled chicken, burgers, or fruit salads.

Now let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this tea to life.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cherry Pie Iced Tea lies in its nostalgic flavor and the clever combination of classic ingredients. Each plays a unique role in building the signature “cherry pie” vibe.

Black tea serves as the foundation. I recommend using a bold black tea like English breakfast or Darjeeling to stand up to the sweetness of the cherries. You’ll want it strong but not bitter, so don’t oversteep.

Cherries are the soul of this recipe. I usually go for frozen sweet cherries for convenience, but fresh cherries (pitted, of course) work beautifully in season. Even canned cherry pie filling can be used in a pinch, giving it an extra dessert-like quality.

Cinnamon and vanilla are the secret pie-like ingredients. These two additions infuse the cherry syrup with cozy, familiar warmth, mimicking that classic pie filling flavor.

Sugar or honey brings balance and sweetness. I personally prefer a touch of honey for its richness, but granulated sugar will give you a clean, sweet finish. Adjust to taste depending on the cherries' natural sweetness.

To strain the syrup and steep the tea, you’ll need a fine-mesh sieve, a saucepan, and a large pitcher for assembling and chilling the finished tea. A muddler or potato masher also comes in handy for breaking down the cherries.

How to Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Creating this irresistible iced tea is easier than you think. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Start by brewing your tea. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and steep 4–6 black tea bags for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature, or place it in the fridge to chill.

While the tea is cooling, prepare your cherry pie syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned), ½ cup of water, ¼ to ⅓ cup of sugar (or honey), ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring often.

As the cherries soften (about 10 minutes), use a spoon or masher to gently crush them and release their juices. You’ll want the mixture to look like a thick cherry compote with a syrupy texture.

Once done, pour the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring cup. Press the solids gently to extract as much syrup as possible, then discard or save the solids for spooning over yogurt or ice cream.

To assemble the iced tea, combine the cooled tea with the cherry syrup in a large pitcher. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then chill until cold.

When ready to serve, pour the cherry pie iced tea over a tall glass of ice. Garnish with fresh cherries, a cinnamon stick, or a lemon wedge for extra flair.

From start to finish, the process takes around 30 minutes. What you get is a jewel-toned, flavor-packed iced tea that tastes just like summer in a glass.

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Storage Options

This tea stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Just keep it in a sealed pitcher or container to prevent it from picking up any fridge odors.

If you made extra cherry syrup, you can store that separately in a small jar or bottle in the fridge for up to a week. It’s also great over pancakes or stirred into lemonade!

You can even freeze the cherry syrup in ice cube trays for future use—pop one or two into your next glass of tea for an instant flavor boost.

To re-serve, simply stir the tea well (since some syrup may settle), pour over fresh ice, and garnish as desired.

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Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or what you have on hand.

Try green tea or herbal tea for a lighter version. Green tea will offer a more delicate background, while hibiscus or rooibos blends complement the cherry flavor beautifully.

Add lemon juice for brightness. A tablespoon of fresh lemon juice can balance the sweetness and add a tangy lift, especially if your cherries are extra sweet.

Use sparkling water for a fizzy treat. Mix the cherry syrup with chilled sparkling water and a splash of tea for a cherry pie spritzer.

Make it a cocktail. Add a splash of bourbon or vodka to turn this tea into a grown-up party drink with a dessert twist.

Go sugar-free. Use monk fruit or stevia for a low-sugar option. Just remember that sugar alternatives vary in strength, so start small and taste as you go.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. This drink invites creativity, and you might just land on your own signature version!

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