cherry iced tea

Oh, my friends, I am SO excited to share this recipe with you today! If there’s one thing that screams “summer” louder than a screen door slamming shut, it’s a perfectly chilled glass of iced tea. And not just any iced tea, but this magnificent cherry iced tea. I can practically taste it now – that sweet, slightly tart burst of cherry mingling with the brisk, refreshing notes of black tea. My mom used to make this for us on scorching hot afternoons, and honestly, just the aroma of it brewing takes me right back to those carefree days. It’s like a hug in a glass, and it’s unbelievably easy to whip up, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a million things. Forget those watery, overly sweet store-bought versions; this homemade cherry iced tea is the real deal, a true taste of sunshine that’s even better than my grandmother’s lemonade, and that’s saying something!

What is Cherry Iced Tea?

So, what exactly is this magical elixir? At its heart, cherry iced tea is a delightful fusion of two beloved classics: perfectly brewed black tea and the vibrant essence of cherries. Think of it as your everyday iced tea, but with a dazzling, fruity upgrade that completely transforms it. It’s not overly complicated; we’re essentially infusing the natural sweetness and a gorgeous ruby-red hue from fresh or frozen cherries into a strong batch of brewed tea, then chilling it down to perfection. The “iced” part is crucial, of course – it’s meant to be sipped cold, ice cubes clinking merrily in the glass. It’s essentially a sophisticated, yet incredibly approachable, homemade beverage that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough for a casual Tuesday afternoon treat. No fancy equipment needed, just a little bit of love and a few good ingredients.

How do you make iced tea?

Quick Overview

This cherry iced tea recipe is all about infusing flavor. We start by brewing a strong batch of black tea, then we’ll gently simmer some cherries to release their delicious juice and color. The two get married together, strained, and then chilled to absolute perfection. The magic happens in letting those cherry flavors really meld with the tea. It’s a straightforward process that relies on good ingredients and a little patience to let everything chill out and develop. You’ll end up with a vibrant, deeply flavored iced tea that’s worlds away from anything you can buy in a bottle.

Ingredients

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8 cups of water
6-8 black tea bags (or 4 tablespoons of loose leaf black tea – I prefer a good quality English Breakfast or Orange Pekoe for this)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste – you can always add more later!)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, but it brightens everything up)

For the Cherry Infusion:
2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if using frozen, no need to thaw)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your cherries)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brew the Tea Base

Grab a large saucepan or heatproof pitcher and bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, remove it from the heat. Add your tea bags or loose leaf tea (if using loose leaf, make sure it’s in an infuser or a tea ball). Let the tea steep for about 5-7 minutes. Don’t let it steep for too long, or it can get bitter! I learned that the hard way. Once steeped, remove the tea bags or infuser. Stir in the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until it’s completely dissolved. If you’re using lemon juice, add it now. This will be your tea base. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the cherries.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Infusion

In a separate medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of cherries and 1/2 cup of water. Add the 1/4 cup of sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries have softened and released their juices, and the liquid has thickened slightly. You’ll see that gorgeous red color start to develop – it’s so pretty! Gently mash some of the cherries with the back of your spoon to help release even more flavor and color.

Step 3: Strain the Cherry Mixture

Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl or a heatproof measuring cup. Carefully pour the cherry and liquid mixture into the sieve. Use a spoon to press down on the cherries, extracting as much of that flavorful, ruby-red juice as possible. Discard the cherry solids (or save them for another use, like topping yogurt!). You should have a beautiful, concentrated cherry syrup. Let this cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Now for the best part! Pour the strained cherry infusion into your slightly cooled tea base. Stir everything together until it’s beautifully combined and you have that lovely, rosy hue. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust the sweetness. If you like it sweeter, add a tablespoon of sugar at a time, stirring until dissolved. If you want it tangier, add a touch more lemon juice. Once you’re happy with the flavor, cover the pitcher or container and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and develop fully. The longer it chills, the deeper and more complex the flavor will be.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses generously with ice. Pour your perfectly chilled cherry iced tea over the ice. Garnish with a few fresh cherries, a slice of lemon, or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy. Take a sip. Ahhh, pure bliss!

What to Serve It With

This cherry iced tea is so versatile, it’s a chameleon of a drink! For **Breakfast**, it’s the perfect cool companion to a stack of fluffy pancakes or some warm, buttery scones. I love how the tartness cuts through the richness of breakfast foods. If you’re hosting a **Brunch**, this is an absolute showstopper. Serve it in a pretty pitcher with elegant glassware. It pairs wonderfully with quiches, frittatas, or even a beautiful fruit salad. For a light and refreshing **Dessert** option, especially after a heavier meal, this iced tea is ideal. It’s not overly sweet, so it satisfies that craving without being too much. And for those **Cozy Snacks** on a warm afternoon or evening, there’s nothing better. Imagine sitting on the porch with a good book and a tall glass of this – it’s pure relaxation. I’ve also found it to be a fantastic palate cleanser when enjoying lighter fare like grilled chicken salads or delicate fish dishes. My kids, bless their hearts, will drink this any time of day, but they especially love it after school with some simple cookies or fruit skewers. It just makes snack time feel a little more special.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cherry Iced Tea

Making the perfect cherry iced tea is all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years. First, when it comes to the **Tea Base**, quality matters. Using a good black tea will give you a richer flavor that can stand up to the cherries. Don’t be afraid to brew it a little stronger than you normally would for hot tea, as the ice will dilute it. For the **Cherry Infusion**, if you’re using fresh cherries, make sure they’re ripe and flavorful – that’s where the best taste comes from! Frozen cherries are a fantastic shortcut and often have an intense flavor, so don’t shy away from them. When **Straining**, really press those cherries! That’s where all the concentrated goodness is hiding. If you want a smoother tea with absolutely no solids, you can even line your sieve with a cheesecloth. For **Sweetness Adjustment**, always taste and adjust *after* you’ve combined the tea and the cherry infusion. Everyone’s palate is different, and the sweetness of cherries can vary wildly. I always start with a little less sugar than I think I need and add more if necessary. When it comes to **Chilling**, patience is a virtue. Letting it chill overnight really allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully. It’s like a fine wine, but for your tea! If you’re in a pinch and need it faster, you can always brew a double-strength tea and cherry mixture and pour it over a lot of ice, but it won’t have quite the same depth of flavor. For **Ingredient Swaps**, if you don’t have black tea, a good quality green tea can work, though it will result in a lighter, more delicate flavor. You could also experiment with adding a few raspberries or a sprig of mint to the cherry simmering stage for an extra layer of flavor. My biggest mistake early on was trying to rush the chilling process; it just doesn’t develop the same wonderful depth. Trust me on this one, give it time!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Once you’ve made this delicious cherry iced tea, you’ll want to keep it tasting its best. For **Room Temperature** storage, it’s really best to keep it chilled. Iced tea isn’t meant to sit out for extended periods, especially with fruit in it. Once it’s chilled, it’s generally safe to keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container or covered pitcher to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge. I find that a glass pitcher with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly. For **Freezer Instructions**, I don’t typically freeze the liquid tea itself, as the texture can sometimes change a bit, and it can affect the flavor. However, you can make ice cubes out of leftover tea! That way, your iced tea won’t get watered down as it melts, and you’ll have little cherry tea nuggets for your next glass. Freeze the pure cherry infusion in ice cube trays too – they’re great for adding a little extra flavor to plain water or sparkling water. If you’re making a big batch and know you won’t finish it within a few days, consider freezing some of the unstrained cherry mixture (before combining with the tea) in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can then thaw it in the fridge and proceed with making a fresh batch of tea to combine. For **Glaze Timing Advice**, since this is a beverage and not a baked good, the glaze timing isn’t as critical. The key is simply ensuring the tea is thoroughly chilled before serving. The sugar will stay dissolved, and the flavors will be at their peak when cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my friends – the recipe for what I truly believe is the most delightful cherry iced tea you’ll ever sip. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a little moment of summer joy, a taste of nostalgia, and a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly special. I hope you’ll try it and that it brings as much happiness to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s so incredibly easy, and the satisfaction of serving up a pitcher of this vibrant, homemade goodness is just unbeatable. If you love this, you might also enjoy my recipe for Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade or my Fresh Peach Iced Tea – they’re all in the same spirit of easy, refreshing, homemade beverages. Please, let me know in the comments below how your cherry iced tea turns out! I’d absolutely love to hear about any variations you try or any special occasions you serve it for. And if you make it, snap a pic and tag me – I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations!

Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea

A simple and delicious homemade cherry iced tea recipe perfect for a hot summer day. Sweetened with cherry syrup and infused with fresh fruit flavors.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 4 cups Water
• 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar adjust to taste
• 4 bags Black Tea Bags or 4 teaspoons loose leaf tea
• 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cherries pitted and halved
• 0.5 cup Cherry Juice optional, for extra flavor
• Ice for serving
• Fresh Mint Sprigs for garnish
• Fresh Cherry Halves for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Do not boil.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the tea bags and fresh or frozen cherries. Let steep for 5 minutes.
• Remove the tea bags and discard. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing gently on the cherries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
• Stir in the cherry juice, if using. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly chilled.
• To serve, fill glasses with ice. Pour the chilled cherry iced tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and cherry halves, if desired.

Notes

For a sugar-free version, use your favorite sugar substitute or omit the sugar and rely on the natural sweetness of the cherries and cherry juice.