If you’ve ever wished your iced tea could capture the nostalgic warmth and sweetness of a homemade dessert, then you are in for a real treat with this Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe. This delightful beverage marries the deep, robust flavor of black tea with the luscious, sweet-tart essence of cherries and hints of vanilla and butter extract that remind you of a slice of cherry pie on a sunny afternoon. It’s refreshingly unique, perfectly balanced, and easy enough to whip up whenever you want a glass of something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for creating the magic behind this Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role—from the vibrant cherries that bring natural sweetness and color, to the extracts that lend those unmistakable dessert-like notes.
- Frozen pitted cherries (1 cup): Frozen cherries ensure year-round availability and blend beautifully for a rich cherry flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Balances the tartness of the cherries with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps gently simmer the cherries into a fragrant syrup base.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances overall flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming one-dimensional.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and lifts the syrup, keeping it fresh and lively.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a creamy, warm note reminiscent of baked goods.
- Butter extract (1 teaspoon): Gives the syrup that buttery, pie-crust vibe without any actual butter.
- Cake batter extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love an extra hint of indulgence, this adds a sweet, nostalgic twist.
- Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea (2 cups): The sturdy tea base that keeps the drink refreshing and perfectly balanced.
- Cherry pie syrup (4 tablespoons): The star ingredient that infuses the tea with luscious cherry flavor.
- Fresh cherries for garnish: Optional, but they add a beautiful finishing touch and a pop of natural flavor.
How to Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cherry Syrup
Start by combining your frozen cherries, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. The magic begins here as you gently heat the mixture over medium heat. As the cherries soften and break down, they release their vibrant juices, creating the base of your cherry pie syrup. Cooking it until the liquid thickens just slightly is key—it hasn’t turned syrupy yet, but will continue to thicken as it cools, keeping it perfectly pourable for your tea.
Step 2: Strain the Syrup
Once your cherry mixture has cooked down, strain it through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Press the cherries gently to extract every drop of juice and flavor. Discard the solids as the syrup you get is what really counts for that smooth finish. This process ensures your drink stays clear and lovely without any pulp getting in the way of sipping enjoyment.
Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers
While your cherry pie syrup is still warm, fold in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, butter extract, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the cake batter extract. This combination is what transforms your simple cherry syrup into the unforgettable heart of the Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe. Let it cool completely to marry all those flavors perfectly before moving forward.
Step 4: Combine Syrup with Tea
Now for the fun part—mix four tablespoons of your homemade cherry pie syrup with two cups of cold, unsweetened black tea. This ratio strikes the perfect balance between tea and cherry sweetness. Stir gently to combine and pour over ice to bring that refreshing chill to life.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Serve your Cherry Pie Iced Tea in your favorite glass, generously filled with ice, and don’t forget a few fresh cherries perched on top for visual appeal and an extra burst of cherry goodness. This final touch makes every sip feel like a celebration of all the flavors within.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cherries are your go-to garnish—they echo the star ingredient and add a bright, inviting pop of red against the dark cherry tea. For a little extra flair, consider a thin slice of lemon or a sprig of mint to add a refreshing aroma and lift the presentation even more.
Side Dishes
Pair this iced tea with desserts that can echo or complement its flavors. Think buttery shortbread cookies, a slice of classic cherry pie, or even a plate of vanilla almond biscotti. If you want something savory, light cheese and charcuterie boards work wonderfully, as they contrast nicely with the sweetness in the tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve your Cherry Pie Iced Tea in mason jars or vintage glassware for a nostalgic feel. You can also layer the syrup and tea separately over ice and stir at the table for a playful visual effect. Add cocktail umbrellas or colorful reusable straws for a festive party vibe that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover cherry pie syrup, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This syrup is versatile and can be drizzled over pancakes, mixed into sparkling water, or saved for another round of Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe on a warm day.
Freezing
While the iced tea itself is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cherry syrup in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into a freezer bag. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need for future homemade iced tea or creative uses in desserts and cocktails.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy a warm variation, simply heat the cherry syrup gently on the stove or in the microwave and stir it into hot black tea. This twist can be a cozy treat when the weather isn’t quite right for iced tea but you still crave that cherry pie flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work beautifully, especially when they are in season. Just pit them and proceed as you would with the frozen cherries. The syrup might taste even more vibrant and fresh.
What if I don’t have cake batter extract?
No worries at all. The cake batter extract is optional and simply adds a tiny extra layer of sweetness and nostalgia. Your syrup will still be delicious with just the butter and vanilla extracts.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just double-check that your extracts are vegan-friendly to keep it plant-based.
How long does this iced tea stay fresh?
Once mixed, the iced tea is best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal flavor and freshness. Keep it refrigerated and add fresh ice right before serving for the best experience.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Definitely. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the sugar when making the syrup or use less syrup when mixing with the tea. It’s an easy recipe to customize to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe is one of those feel-good, crowd-pleasing creations that can brighten up any day with its charming mix of flavors. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet moment, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite. So grab your ingredients, have fun stirring up that cherry pie magic, and get ready to sip on something utterly delightful!
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Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a refreshing and flavorful beverage combining the tartness of cherries with the rich aroma of vanilla and butter extracts, enhanced by black tea. Perfect for a summer refreshment, it brings the nostalgic essence of cherry pie into a cool, thirst-quenching drink.
Ingredients
Cherry Syrup
- 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cake batter extract (optional)
Beverage
- 2 cups Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea
- 4 tablespoons cherry pie syrup
- Fresh cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Cherry Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the frozen pitted cherries, granulated sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, gently mashing the cherries as they start to soften and break down.
- Thicken Syrup: Continue cooking until the liquid thickens slightly, bearing in mind it will become thicker as it cools. This step ensures the cherry flavor is concentrated and syrupy.
- Strain Mixture: Strain the cherry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing the cherries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solid cherry pulp left behind.
- Add Flavor Extracts: While the syrup is still warm, stir in lemon juice, vanilla extract, butter extract, and if using, cake batter extract. Mix well and allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature.
- Mix Iced Tea: In a glass or pitcher, combine 4 tablespoons of the cooled cherry pie syrup with 2 cups of cold Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea, mixing gently to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Pour the cherry pie iced tea over ice cubes and garnish with fresh cherries for an inviting presentation. Enjoy immediately for the best refreshing taste.
Notes
- The cake batter extract is optional but adds a subtle sweet depth inspired by baked goods.
- Ensure the syrup cools fully before mixing with tea to avoid diluting the flavors.
- Frozen cherries work well as they release flavor without the need for fresh cherries year-round.
- This recipe makes approximately 2 servings and can be easily doubled or tripled for larger batches.
- Use unsweetened black tea to control the sweetness and let the cherry syrup shine.
