Cherry Pie Iced Tea is the kind of drink that instantly brings a little joy to your day—part classic sweet tea, part summery dessert, and completely irresistible. This vibrant, cherry-forward refresher merges homemade cherry syrup with crisp, bold black tea, capturing all the nostalgia of a cherry pie in a frosty glass. It’s refreshingly fruity, a little bit buttery, and bursting with those deep, delightful pie flavors that make any occasion extra special. Whether you’re hosting a backyard brunch or just craving a sweet escape, Cherry Pie Iced Tea is your delicious ticket to summer-in-a-cup magic!

Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients transforms ordinary iced tea into something spectacular. Each element here plays a unique role, building layers of flavor, color, and refreshment that really set Cherry Pie Iced Tea apart.

Frozen pitted cherries: Offer both natural sweetness and gorgeous color for the perfect pie-inspired syrup.
Granulated sugar: Balances the tart cherries and helps the syrup glisten.
Water: Just a splash to pull the syrup together and gently cook the fruit.
Pinch of salt: Brightens and deepens the cherry flavor—don’t skip it!
Lemon juice: Adds zing and keeps your syrup tasting bright, never flat.
Vanilla extract: That bakery-worthy aroma makes the tea taste just like cherry pie.
Butter extract: You’ll be amazed how this “secret ingredient” gives rich, pie-like flavor.
Cake batter extract (optional): For those who want a hint of sweet, cakey nostalgia (totally optional, but so fun!).
Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea: The crisp, classic base that keeps things balanced and refreshing.
Cherry pie syrup: The flavorful star, made right in your own kitchen.
Fresh cherries (for garnish): A handful of these shiny beauties makes every glass look as stunning as it tastes.

How to Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Step 1: Make the Cherry Pie Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the frozen pitted cherries, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat. As the cherries start to soften, mash them gently against the side of the pan—this releases all those wonderful juices. Keep simmering until the mixture thickens slightly; remember, it’ll thicken further as it cools. The aroma at this point is pure cherry heaven!

Step 2: Strain and Enrich Your Syrup

Once your syrup is thickened, pour it through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Press the cherries firmly to coax out every last drop of syrup (no cherry left behind!). Discard the solids. Now, stir in your lemon juice, vanilla extract, and butter extract (plus cake batter extract if using). Set the syrup aside to cool—a little patience here pays off big in flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Fill a medium pitcher with 2 cups of chilled Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea. Add 4 tablespoons of your homemade cherry pie syrup (adjust to taste for more sweetness or fruitiness). Give everything a good stir. The color should be absolutely stunning—like a summer sunset in a glass!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Pour your vibrant Cherry Pie Iced Tea over tall glasses of ice. Top each glass with a few fresh cherries for garnish. If you’re feeling extra, add a lemon wheel or a sprig of mint. Lean back, take a sip, and savor the pie-inspired magic you’ve just created.

How to Serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Garnishes

There’s no better finishing touch than a handful of glossy fresh cherries on each glass. A lemon wedge or twist adds a spark of contrast, while a sprig of fresh mint keeps things ultra-refreshing. If you want to lean into the pie inspiration, a dollop of whipped cream makes this drink extra indulgent and dessert-like!

Side Dishes

Pair your Cherry Pie Iced Tea with buttery shortbread cookies, miniature scones, or a slice of actual cherry pie for a truly decadent treat. It’s also right at home alongside picnic classics like tea sandwiches, fruit salad, or even a summery charcuterie board. This tea shines with simple, classic snacks.

Creative Ways to Present

For something show-stopping, serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea in mason jars or vintage glassware with colorful paper straws. You could drizzle a little extra cherry syrup down the inside of each glass for a dramatic streaked effect, or serve in a punch bowl at your next summer gathering. Skewer a couple of cherries on a cocktail pick for a playful, party-ready look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cherry Pie Iced Tea or cherry pie syrup in sealed containers in the fridge. The tea keeps its bright flavor and color for up to three days, though you may want to give it a good stir before serving as some syrup might settle at the bottom.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cherry pie syrup for extra convenience. Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze—then just pop out a cube or two and stir into tea whenever you crave that cherry pie flavor. The brewed iced tea itself is best enjoyed fresh, since freezing can dull its crispness.

Reheating

If your cherry syrup thickens too much after chilling, warm it gently in the microwave or over low heat just until pourable (don’t let it boil!). Always cool it again before mixing into iced tea for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes, absolutely! Just remove the pits and use an equal amount of fresh cherries. Frozen cherries are convenient and consistent, but nothing beats the flavor of in-season fresh cherries if you have them.

Can I make Cherry Pie Iced Tea in larger batches?

Of course! This recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully. Mix up a big pitcher before a party and let everyone help themselves to a glass of this unforgettable tea.

Is cake batter extract necessary?

Nope! It adds a playful bakery vibe, but the drink is delicious without it. If you can’t find it or prefer to keep things simple, just leave it out and enjoy the pure cherry-vanilla pie flavors.

What other teas work with this recipe?

While Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea is classic, feel free to try this with strong home-brewed black tea, green tea, or even a lightly sweetened herbal blend. Just aim for a base that’s crisp and not too delicate, so those cherry pie notes shine through.

Can I use sweetened tea or reduce the sugar?

If you prefer a less sweet drink, cut the syrup back or use less sugar in the cherry syrup. You can also use sweetened tea for an extra-sweet treat, but the real depth comes from balancing tart cherry and vanilla flavors with the unsweetened tea for a true Cherry Pie Iced Tea experience.

Final Thoughts

With every sip of Cherry Pie Iced Tea, you get the perfect blend of nostalgic pie flavor and cool summery refreshment. This recipe is just waiting to become your new favorite tradition for sunny afternoons, family celebrations, or whenever you need a little lift. Try it, share it, and let the fun, cherry-spangled memories begin!