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
Scale
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.
