Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There’s something nostalgic and oh-so-refreshing about a tall glass of iced tea on a warm afternoon—but add a splash of cherry pie flavor, and suddenly, you’ve got a summer drink that’s pure magic. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea is sweet, tart, and full of cozy dessert notes that will transport you to a backyard barbecue or a picnic in the park.

I came up with this recipe after hosting a summer potluck where a cherry pie and a pitcher of sweet tea were the stars of the table. The idea of combining the two into one glass was too tempting to pass up—and after a few experiments, this vibrant, ruby-red tea became a staple at every gathering. It’s quick, affordable, and absolutely bursting with charm.

Ready to turn heads at your next get-together? Let’s steep into it.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Get ready to meet your new signature summer drink. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea isn’t just another sweet tea—it’s a conversation starter.

First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and some frozen or fresh cherries, you can whip up a batch in no time. Most of the prep is hands-off, so it's perfect for multitasking before a party.

It’s budget-friendly too. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just black tea, sweetener, and cherries. A little almond extract is the secret that brings the pie flavor to life, without the cost or hassle of baking.

Then there’s the flavor. It tastes exactly like cherry pie—with rich fruitiness, a hint of vanilla, and a whisper of almond. The black tea base balances the sweetness beautifully, making it both refreshing and indulgent.

And let’s not forget the wow factor. This tea is stunning to look at. That deep cherry hue, especially when served in mason jars over crushed ice, looks like something out of a Southern cookbook. Your guests won’t stop talking about it.

Whether you're making a pitcher for a cookout or just treating yourself to something special, this tea delivers a little bit of summer joy in every sip.

Ingredients Notes

This drink comes together with a small but powerful lineup of ingredients that mimic the flavor profile of classic cherry pie.

Black tea is the foundation of this recipe. You can use standard tea bags or loose-leaf if you prefer. Choose a strong variety like English breakfast or orange pekoe, which can stand up to the sweetness of the cherries and sugar.

Cherries are the star of the show. You can use frozen, pitted sweet cherries for convenience and consistency, or fresh cherries when they’re in season. Either way, simmering them into a syrup releases their natural juices and enhances their pie-like richness.

Sugar sweetens both the cherry syrup and the tea itself. Adjust to your taste, but I’ve found that around ½ to ¾ cup of sugar balances the tartness of the cherries nicely without making the drink cloying.

Almond extract is the secret ingredient that pulls everything together. Just a tiny splash adds that classic "pie crust" note, rounding out the cherry flavor and giving it that unmistakable dessert twist. Use it sparingly—a little goes a long way.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and enhances the pie illusion. Combined with almond, it creates that rich, bakery-sweet aroma that makes this tea so comforting.

You’ll also want a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the cherry solids after simmering, and a large heatproof pitcher for steeping the tea and combining all the ingredients.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Creating this nostalgic yet refreshing beverage is easier than baking a pie—promise! Here's how to bring it all together.

Start by preparing the cherry syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine your cherries (about 2 cups), sugar, and a splash of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, mashing the cherries lightly as they cook. After about 10 minutes, you should have a thick, juicy mixture that smells just like pie filling.

While the syrup is cooking, steep your tea. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then remove it from heat and add 4–6 black tea bags, depending on how strong you like it. Let them steep for 5–7 minutes, then remove the bags and set the tea aside to cool slightly.

Once the cherry mixture has cooked down, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Press down on the solids to extract as much juice as possible—you want every drop of that rich cherry flavor.

Now, combine the cherry syrup with the tea in your pitcher. Stir well to blend the flavors. Then add your almond and vanilla extracts—start with ¼ teaspoon of each, then adjust to taste.

Fill the rest of the pitcher with cold water and give it one final stir. You can taste and add more sugar here if you’d like it sweeter.

Let the tea chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or until completely cold. When ready to serve, pour over crushed ice and garnish with fresh cherries or a lemon wedge for a pop of brightness.

This entire process takes about 30 minutes of active time, plus chilling. It’s perfect for making a few hours ahead or even the night before.

Storage Options

This Cherry Pie Iced Tea keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or party planning.

Store any leftovers in a sealed pitcher or glass jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days.

If you're planning to serve it later, you can also freeze the cherry syrup in small portions and thaw it when you're ready to mix up a fresh batch. Just steep the tea when needed and stir in the thawed syrup.

Avoid adding ice to the pitcher until you're ready to serve—this keeps the flavor concentrated and prevents dilution.

To reheat as a warm tea, you can gently warm a cup in the microwave or on the stove. The cherry and almond notes are just as comforting when served hot!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can tailor the flavor to your preferences—or what you’ve got on hand.

If you’re out of black tea, try green tea or hibiscus tea for a lighter, more floral version. Just keep in mind that green tea steeps faster and can become bitter if overdone.

Want to cut down on sugar? Substitute the sugar with honey, agave, or a stevia blend. You may need to adjust quantities since sweetness levels vary, but the base flavor will still shine.

You can even turn this into a sparkling tea by mixing it with seltzer or club soda before serving. It’s a fun, fizzy twist that works great for brunch or festive occasions.

Feeling bold? Add a shot of bourbon or spiced rum to your glass for a grown-up version that tastes like cherry pie à la mode. Just be sure to stir well and sip responsibly.

If almond extract isn't your thing, omit it entirely or replace it with just a bit more vanilla for a simpler, sweeter take. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version that feels extra cozy.

No matter how you make it, this tea invites creativity. Experiment, adjust, and make it your own.

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