Cherry Iced Tea
Cherry Iced Tea is a refreshing and fruity twist on a classic favorite. It combines the crisp, bold flavor of iced tea with a sweet burst of cherry that brightens…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cherry Iced Tea is a refreshing and fruity twist on a classic favorite. It combines the crisp, bold flavor of iced tea with a sweet burst of cherry that brightens every sip. Whether you’re looking for a cool drink on a hot day or something to enjoy with friends, this cherry-flavored iced tea is a perfect pick-me-up.
I love making Cherry Iced Tea because it’s incredibly simple to whip up but feels special enough to serve at gatherings. Adding a handful of fresh cherries or a splash of cherry juice gives it that lovely color and a natural sweetness that balances the slight bitterness of tea. Sometimes I like to add a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon for an extra fresh twist.
For me, Cherry Iced Tea brings back memories of summer afternoons and lazy weekends on the porch. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the moment. I usually serve it over plenty of ice with a straw, and it’s always a hit whether I’m hosting guests or just treating myself.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: Black tea gives a rich, robust base perfect for iced tea. You can substitute with green tea for a lighter taste or caffeine-free herbal tea if you want no caffeine.
Cherries: Fresh cherries add natural sweetness and tartness. If fresh aren’t available, frozen cherries work well too. For convenience, cherry juice or even cherry syrup can boost the flavor.
Sugar or Sweetener: Adjust sweetness to your liking. I like simple sugar, but honey, agave, or maple syrup are tasty alternatives. For a low-calorie version, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Lemon: Lemon adds brightness and balances the sweet cherry flavor. You can skip or replace it with lime or orange slices for a slight twist.
How Do You Get the Smoothest Cherry Flavor in Your Iced Tea?
The key step is pureeing and straining the cherries to get a smooth juice without bits.
- Puree cherries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Use a fine mesh sieve to press the juice out, leaving behind skins and pits. This keeps the tea clear and silky.
- Adding cherry juice while the tea is warm helps the flavors blend better.
This method gives a fresh cherry flavor that mixes perfectly without gritty texture or pulp in your iced tea. It’s a simple step that really elevates your drink.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil water and steep the tea comfortably.
- Fine mesh sieve – perfect for straining cherry puree, keeping your tea smooth.
- Blender or food processor – makes quick work of pureeing the cherries.
- Pitcher – for mixing and chilling the tea before serving.
- Glasses and straws – for serving your refreshing drink just like in the picture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use green tea instead of black for a lighter, floral flavor that pairs nicely with cherry.
- Add a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick that brightens the drink.
- Stir in fresh mint leaves to add a cool, herbal note great on hot days.
- Try mixing in a little vanilla extract or almond extract to bring subtle warmth and depth to the cherry flavor.
How to Make Cherry Iced Tea
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tea and Cherry Blend:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- ½ cup cherry juice (optional, for stronger flavor)
- ¼ to ½ cup sugar or sweetener (adjust to taste)
For Serving:
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cherries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus about 1 hour for the tea to cool and chill in the refrigerator. Once chilled, it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brew the Tea:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Remove the pot from heat and add the black tea bags. Let the tea steep for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired strength.
2. Prepare Cherry Juice:
While the tea is steeping, place the pitted cherries in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Then, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids and extract clear cherry juice.
3. Sweeten and Mix:
Take out the tea bags from the brewed tea and stir in your sugar or sweetener while the tea is still warm, so it dissolves completely. Pour in the cherry juice from the puree, and if you want an extra cherry punch, add a splash of cherry juice.
4. Chill and Serve:
Let the tea cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until nicely chilled. Serve the cherry iced tea over plenty of ice, garnish with fresh cherries and lemon slices if you’d like, and enjoy with a straw!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen cherries work perfectly—just thaw them first to make pureeing easier. This helps you enjoy cherry iced tea year-round.
How Can I Make This Tea Less Sweet?
Simply reduce the sugar or sweetener to your taste. You can also skip the added cherry juice if you want a more subtle cherry flavor without extra sweetness.
Can I Prepare Cherry Iced Tea Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the tea and cherry juice in advance, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just stir well before serving and add fresh ice.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Iced Tea?
Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir gently before pouring over fresh ice to enjoy the best flavor.