Description
This Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a refreshing blend of black tea, sweet cherry juice, and fresh cherries, perfect for warm days. Easy to prepare, it combines rich flavors with a hint of vanilla, making it a delightful drink to impress your guests. Serve it chilled over ice, garnished with mint and extra cherries for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or your favorite tea)
- 1 cup cherry juice (preferably 100% juice)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Additional cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a medium-sized pot.
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and add the 4 black tea bags. Let the tea steep for about 5-7 minutes.
- After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags and stir in 1/2 cup of sugar while the tea is still warm.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the tea mixture.
- Once the tea has cooled slightly, pour in 1 cup of cherry juice and stir well to combine.
- Pit and slice fresh cherries in half or add frozen cherries directly to the mixture.
- Add the cherries to the tea mixture and give it a gentle stir.
- Transfer the tea mixture to a large pitcher. Chill in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours or let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the chilled cherry pie iced tea over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and additional cherries if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a more intense cherry flavor, consider adding a splash of cherry syrup or a few tablespoons of cherry preserves.
- Substitute sugar with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Experiment with different types of tea, such as green or herbal tea.
- For a fizzy twist, add a splash of sparkling water or club soda just before serving.
- Rim glasses with sugar for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes