Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There's something undeniably nostalgic about the first sip of Cherry Pie Iced Tea. It’s like summertime in a glass – sweet, tart, and laced with just enough warmth from cinnamon and vanilla to remind you of your favorite homemade dessert.

I first created this recipe on a sweltering July afternoon when the idea of baking felt unbearable, but I still craved the flavor of cherry pie. The result? A refreshing, crowd-pleasing iced tea that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen – with none of the oven heat.

Let’s explore why this fruity, fragrant drink deserves a spot in your summer rotation.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Get ready to meet your new favorite warm-weather beverage. Cherry Pie Iced Tea is not only bursting with flavor, but it also checks every box for a go-to summer refresher.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy afternoons, backyard BBQs, or a quiet moment on the porch.

It’s also budget-friendly. Fresh or frozen cherries, a few tea bags, and pantry staples are all you need – no fancy syrups or store-bought concentrates required.

This iced tea is naturally caffeine-optional and easily customizable. Whether you prefer black tea for a pick-me-up or a decaf herbal blend, the recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.

And let’s not forget its versatility. Serve it ice-cold with a splash of lemon for an afternoon lift, or pair it with dessert to elevate your summer dinner party game. It’s sweet enough to please the kids but sophisticated enough for adults.

Whether you're looking for a picnic-ready drink or just something to sip in the sun, this tea delivers all the flavor of cherry pie without turning on the oven.

Ingredients Notes

Cherry Pie Iced Tea shines because of its thoughtfully chosen, simple ingredients. Each element contributes to that classic, pie-inspired flavor with a refreshing twist.

Start with cherries – fresh or frozen both work wonderfully here. Sweet cherries bring that rich, jammy flavor you associate with pie filling. If you like a bit of tartness, toss in a few sour cherries too. Just be sure to pit them if you’re working with fresh ones.

The tea base is where you can really personalize this drink. I love using black tea for its boldness, which balances the sweetness of the cherries. If you’re caffeine-sensitive, try rooibos or a decaf black tea – both still bring warmth and body.

To mimic the flavor of pie crust, vanilla extract plays a key role. It softens the edges and brings a creamy sweetness that rounds out the fruitiness beautifully.

Cinnamon sticks lend depth and a subtle spice that evokes the comfort of baked pie. Simmering them with the cherries infuses the tea with cozy, homey notes without overpowering it.

Finally, a touch of lemon juice brightens the whole drink. It lifts the sweetness, keeps things fresh, and ensures the tea doesn’t become too heavy or syrupy.

You won’t need any special equipment – just a saucepan, a strainer, and a pitcher. A muddler or wooden spoon helps extract more cherry juice, but even that’s optional.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Making Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a simple process that delivers layered flavor with very little effort. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Start by adding your cherries (fresh or frozen), cinnamon stick, and a bit of water to a medium saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cherries should begin to break down and release their vibrant red juice.

Once the cherries are soft and the water is tinted a deep ruby color, use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash the fruit. This releases even more flavor into the mixture. Be careful not to over-mash – you don’t want pulp in your tea, just juice and essence.

While the cherry mixture continues to simmer gently, bring a separate pot of water to a boil and steep your tea bags. If using black tea, 4–5 minutes is enough. Herbal or rooibos blends can steep a bit longer. Once steeped, remove the bags and set the tea aside.

Strain the cherry mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a heat-safe bowl or pitcher. Discard the solids, then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice while the liquid is still warm. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Combine the cherry base with the brewed tea. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey, sugar, or your favorite sweetener if desired. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours until fully chilled.

When you’re ready to serve, pour over ice and garnish with fresh cherries or lemon slices for a festive touch. The full process takes about 30–40 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being passive. The result is a refreshing tea with the rich depth of cherry pie and none of the fuss.

Storage Options

This iced tea stores like a dream, making it ideal for prepping ahead of parties or keeping a chilled pitcher in the fridge all week long.

In the refrigerator, Cherry Pie Iced Tea will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Store it in a sealed glass pitcher or mason jars to maintain its vibrant flavor and color. Give it a quick stir before serving, as natural settling may occur.

If you’d like to freeze it, pour the tea into silicone ice cube trays and freeze solid. You can add the cubes to sparkling water or lemonade later for a fizzy twist with a punch of cherry flavor.

This drink also travels well. For picnics or outdoor events, store it in an insulated thermos or jug with ice to keep it cool for hours.

To reheat for a warm twist on cold evenings, gently heat a serving on the stovetop until just warm. Add a splash of extra vanilla or a cinnamon stick to enhance the cozy vibes.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to get creative with what you have on hand or tweak it to suit your preferences.

For a sparkling version, simply top each glass with a splash of club soda or flavored sparkling water. It adds a light effervescence that’s perfect for parties or brunches.

If you’re avoiding refined sugar, try sweetening the tea with honey, agave, or maple syrup. Each adds a unique twist – honey brings floral warmth, while maple adds a hint of caramel.

You can swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or even a mix of berries to create a pie-inspired fruit medley. The core method stays the same, and the results are just as delicious.

Want a boozy version for adults? Add a splash of bourbon or cherry liqueur to each glass. The subtle warmth of the alcohol plays beautifully with the vanilla and cinnamon notes.

If you're making this for kids, skip the lemon and boost the sweetness slightly for a more juice-like flavor. Add crushed ice and colorful straws for a fun, fruity mocktail.

No matter how you tweak it, Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a celebration of summer flavors in every sip. So don’t be afraid to experiment – your next favorite variation might be just a cherry away.

Print