There’s nothing quite like a glass of iced tea on a hot afternoon—but when it’s infused with juicy cherries and fresh lemon, it becomes something truly special.
This Cherry Iced Tea is vibrant, slightly tart, naturally sweet, and perfect for sipping in the sunshine.
I love making this ahead for gatherings or just to keep chilled in the fridge for a refreshing treat anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally sweetened and customizable
Packed with fruity cherry flavor
Easy to make in large batches
Refreshing and hydrating
Gorgeous to serve with lemon and cherry garnish
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Black tea bags – Classic bold base, decaf or regular
Fresh cherries – Halved and simmered for rich, natural sweetness
Lemon juice – Adds brightness and balances the fruitiness
Sugar or honey – Adjustable based on taste preference
Ice cubes – For that crisp, chilled finish
Optional garnish – Lemon slices, cherry halves, mint sprigs
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use ripe cherries for the best color and natural flavor.
You can freeze fresh cherries in advance to save prep time.
Adjust sugar/honey gradually—it’s easier to add more than take away.
Don’t skip straining the cherry infusion—smooth texture matters!
Steep tea separately from cherries to keep the flavor balanced.
How to Make Cherry Iced Te
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Rinse cherries thoroughly.
Remove stems and pits using a cherry pitter or paring knife.
Halve the cherries to help release their flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Brew the Tea Base
Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle simmer.
Remove from heat and add black tea bags.
Steep for 5–7 minutes depending on your preferred strength.
Remove the tea bags and discard.
Step 3: Create the Cherry Infusion
In a separate saucepan, combine halved cherries with 2 cups of water and sugar or honey.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10–15 minutes until cherries soften and the liquid turns deep red.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Strain the cherry mixture through a fine sieve into a large pitcher.
Press the cherries gently to extract maximum juice.
Add the brewed tea and lemon juice to the pitcher. Stir well.
Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Fill glasses with ice. Pour chilled Cherry Iced Tea over the ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh cherries.
Add a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.
What to Serve It With
Summer BBQ dishes
Fresh salads
Light finger sandwiches
Fruit tarts or lemon bars
As a mocktail base with sparkling water
Variations / Substitutions
Use frozen cherries if fresh aren’t in season
Add a cinnamon stick during simmering for a cozy flavor
Swap black tea with green tea for a lighter version
Use agave or maple syrup for vegan sweetening
Try blending the cherry mixture before straining for extra flavor
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight pitcher in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze leftover tea in ice cube trays for quick flavor bursts in other drinks.
Serving tip: Shake or stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! Frozen cherries work well—just simmer a bit longer until soft.
How sweet is this tea?
You control the sweetness. Start low and adjust to your liking.
Do I need to strain the cherry mix?
Yes, for a smooth finish and no pulp, strain with a fine sieve.
Is this recipe caffeine-free?
Use decaf black tea for a caffeine-free version.
Can I make this a sparkling drink?
Absolutely—just mix with sparkling water before serving.
What kind of tea works best?
Black tea gives a bold base, but green or white tea also work beautifully.
Can I skip the lemon juice?
Lemon brightens the drink, but you can skip or reduce it if preferred.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Iced Tea is the perfect way to hydrate and delight. Its ruby-red color is beautiful in a glass, and the flavor hits the sweet spot between fruity and refreshing.
Make a pitcher and keep it chilled—you’ll reach for it all summer long.
