Name: Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup frozen pitted cherries; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup water; Pinch of salt; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon butter extract; ½ teaspoon cake batter extract (optional); 2 cups Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea; 4 tablespoons cherry pie syrup; Fresh cherries for garnish

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This delightful Cherry Pie Iced Tea blends the sweet-tart essence of ripe cherries with the warm notes of vanilla, butter, and a hint of cake—just like a classic cherry pie, but in a tall, chilled glass. I like serving this when I want something nostalgic yet totally refreshing, especially on hot summer days. It’s a drink that feels like dessert without being heavy. Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this recipe irresistible because it captures the flavors of a cherry pie without turning on the oven. The balance of fruity brightness and rich pie-like depth makes it more than just a flavored tea—it’s an experience. I can make the syrup ahead of time, customize the sweetness, and impress guests with a drink that feels both fun and gourmet. Plus, it’s completely caffeine-adjustable depending on the tea I use.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup frozen pitted cherries
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter extract
½ teaspoon cake batter extract (optional)
2 cups Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea
4 tablespoons cherry pie syrup
Fresh cherries for garnish

Directions

I start by combining frozen cherries, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan.
I heat it over medium, gently mashing the cherries as they soften and release their juices.
Once the mixture thickens a bit, I take it off the heat—it’ll thicken more as it cools.
I strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing the cherries to get every last drop of syrup, and discard the solids.
While the syrup is still warm, I stir in the lemon juice, vanilla, butter extract, and cake batter extract if I’m using it. I let it cool completely.
To serve, I mix 4 tablespoons of the cherry syrup with 2 cups of cold unsweetened black tea.
I pour it over ice and garnish with fresh cherries for that extra visual pop.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 cups of Cherry Pie Iced Tea.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serving size: 1 cup

Variations

When I want to shake things up, I try a few different spins:

I swap black tea for green tea for a more herbal twist.
I use almond extract instead of butter extract to mimic almond-flavored pie crust.
I blend the cherry syrup with sparkling water for a fizzy mocktail version.
I add a splash of bourbon for an adults-only treat.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover cherry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I usually make a double batch and keep it chilled so I can whip up another glass in seconds. Once mixed with tea, I keep the iced tea refrigerated and drink it within 2 days for the freshest flavor. I never reheat this one—it’s meant to stay cool and crisp.

FAQs

How do I make this tea less sweet?

I just reduce the amount of cherry syrup I mix into the tea. Starting with 2 tablespoons instead of 4 works great if I want it lighter.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes, I use fresh pitted cherries when they’re in season. They work just as well and bring a vibrant, just-picked flavor.

Is the cake batter extract necessary?

Not at all. I often skip it if I don’t have it on hand. The vanilla and butter extract are enough to get that cherry pie vibe.

Can I make the syrup ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make the syrup a few days ahead and store it in the fridge. It makes assembling the iced tea super quick when I need it.

What kind of tea works best?

I usually use Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea, but any good-quality unsweetened black tea will work. For a twist, I sometimes try Earl Grey or even green tea.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Iced Tea is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the flavor of dessert without the effort of baking. It’s fruity, refreshing, and layered with cozy notes that make every sip special. Whether I’m hosting a brunch or just need something delicious to sip on the porch, this recipe hits the sweet spot every time