Unbelievably Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea in 3 Easy Steps

Nothing beats the sticky heat of summer like a tall glass of homemade cherry iced tea. I discovered this recipe by accident when my cherry tree went wild one July – now it’s our family’s go-to thirst quencher at every backyard BBQ. The magic happens when sweet cherries meet bold black tea, creating this vibrant pink drink that’s somehow both refreshing and bursting with flavor.

My kids go crazy for it – they call it “summer in a glass” and always beg me to make extra pitchers when their cousins visit. What I love most (besides how easy it is) is that perfect balance between fruity and refreshing – not too sweet, not too tart, just pure cherry bliss over ice. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never go back to those boring store-bought mixes again.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Iced Tea

Here’s what makes this drink absolutely irresistible:

• Insanely refreshing: That first sip of cold cherry goodness will revive you faster than jumping in a pool on a hot day
• Simple to whip up: Just mash, steep, chill – even my 10-year-old can make it (with supervision!)
• Totally customizable: Like it sweeter? Add honey. Prefer tart? Extra lemon. It’s your perfect sip
• Summer essential: The ultimate thirst-quencher for picnics, porch swings, or just surviving your kid’s baseball practice

Cherry Iced Tea Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for that perfect pitcher of cherry bliss:

• 4 cups water – filtered makes the cleanest tasting tea
• 3 black tea bags – I’m partial to orange pekoe for its bold flavor
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (trust me, this prep is worth it!)
• 1/4 cup sugar – this is our sweet spot, but adjust to your taste
• 1 lemon, freshly squeezed – none of that bottled stuff
• Ice cubes – lots and lots of ice
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional but pretty)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No fresh cherries? Frozen work in a pinch (thaw first!). Swap sugar for honey if you prefer, and lime juice makes a fun twist on the lemon. The mint is purely for looks – I often skip it when I’m feeling lazy. The real magic comes from those fresh cherries and good black tea, so don’t compromise there!

How to Make Cherry Iced Tea

Alright, let’s get brewing! Here’s my foolproof method for creating the perfect pitcher of cherry iced tea:

1. Boil the water – Bring those 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in your favorite saucepan. I like using my blue enamel pot – not sure why, but tea just tastes better in it!
2. Steep the tea – Drop in those 3 tea bags and let them work their magic for exactly 5 minutes. Set a timer – any longer and it gets bitter, any shorter and you lose that rich tea flavor.
3. Cherry mash time! While the tea cools, take your halved cherries and sugar, and mash them together in a bowl until juicy. I use a potato masher, but the back of a fork works too (just gets a little messy!).
4. Combine the magic – Pour your cooled tea over the cherry mixture and stir in that fresh lemon juice. The color change is instant – from brown tea to this gorgeous ruby pink!
5. Patiently wait – Here’s the hardest part: refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better). The flavors need time to become best friends.
6. Serve it up – Fill glasses with ice, pour your chilled tea, and garnish with mint if you’re feeling fancy. First sip? Pure summer happiness!

Tips for Perfect Cherry Iced Tea

Three things I’ve learned through many pitchers:

• Taste and adjust sugar while the tea is still warm – it blends better!
• For maximum flavor, let it chill overnight – trust me, it’s worth the wait.
• If you don’t like pulp, strain through a fine mesh sieve before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Iced Tea

This cherry iced tea screams summer gathering! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or burgers – the fruity tartness cuts through rich flavors perfectly. It’s a picnic superstar too, especially with fresh fruit salads and cold sandwiches. For extra pizzazz, float lemon slices or a few whole cherries in each glass. My secret? A quick sprig of mint makes it look fancy without any real effort!

Storing Your Cherry Iced Tea

This cherry iced tea stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 days – if it lasts that long in your house! Always give the pitcher a good shake before pouring, as the fruit tends to settle. Whatever you do, don’t freeze it – the texture turns weird and the flavors go flat. I learned that lesson the hard way last summer!

Cherry Iced Tea Nutrition Information

Just so you know, these nutrition facts are estimates based on our exact ingredients – your mileage may vary depending on substitutions!

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g

Compared to soda or juice, this homemade version lets you enjoy sweetness without all the artificial stuff. Bonus: those cherries sneak in some antioxidants too!

Cherry Iced Tea FAQs

Can I use decaf tea bags instead?
Absolutely! Decaf black tea works just fine if you’re watching your caffeine. The flavor stays bold enough to stand up to the cherries. I sometimes make a half-caff version for late afternoon sipping by using 2 regular and 1 decaf tea bag.

How can I make my cherry iced tea stronger?
Two ways: either steep the tea for an extra minute (but don’t go over 7 minutes – it gets bitter), or add an extra tea bag. My husband likes his “tea with some cherry” rather than “cherry tea,” so I’ll use 4 bags when making it just for him.

What are the best cherries to use?
Bing cherries are my favorite – sweet with just enough tartness. Rainiers work beautifully too if you like a milder flavor. Avoid sour cherries unless you enjoy pucker-power! Frozen sweet cherries are perfectly fine when fresh aren’t in season.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Please do! This recipe scales up perfectly. Just use a bigger pot for boiling water and a large pitcher for chilling. I regularly make triple batches for summer parties – it disappears faster than you’d believe!

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