This Cherry Pie Iced Tea blends bold black tea with a luscious homemade cherry pie syrup that’s rich with vanilla, butter, and a kiss of lemon.
It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet—like sipping cherry pie on ice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tastes like cherry pie in a glass
Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and tea tannins
Customizable syrup—make it stronger or subtler
Refreshing for summer parties or porch sipping
Easy to double or store for later
Ingredient Highlights
Frozen pitted cherries – Convenient and full of flavor, great for making syrup year-round.
Sugar & water – The base of the syrup for sweetness and consistency.
Lemon juice – Adds brightness and balance to the cherry syrup.
Vanilla & butter extract – Gives that signature cherry pie flavor.
Cake batter extract – Optional, but gives it a nostalgic bakery twist.
Unsweetened black tea – Gold Peak or your favorite brand works perfectly.
Fresh cherries – Garnish for a picture-perfect glass.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use a fine mesh strainer to get all the syrup from the fruit.
Let the syrup cool fully before mixing with tea.
Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking.
Use leftover syrup for cocktails, lemonades, or desserts!
How to Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Step 1: Make the Cherry Pie Syrup
In a saucepan, combine frozen cherries, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt.
Cook over medium heat, mashing the cherries as they soften.
Simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 2: Strain the Syrup
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on the cherries to extract all the juice.
Discard solids.
Step 3: Flavor the Syrup
Stir in lemon juice, vanilla extract, butter extract, and cake batter extract (if using).
Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Mix with Tea
In a tall glass or pitcher, combine 2 cups of cold unsweetened black tea with 4 tablespoons of cherry pie syrup.
Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Serve Cold
Add ice and garnish with fresh cherries.
Serve immediately for the most refreshing flavor.
What to Serve It With
Grilled summer dishes like burgers or chicken
Cherry pie or vanilla cupcakes for dessert
Spicy snacks to balance the sweetness
Brunch spreads with fruit salads or waffles
Variations & Substitutions
Use fresh cherries if in season—just pit before cooking
Try green tea or oolong for a lighter twist
Add a splash of sparkling water for fizz
Make a cocktail by adding bourbon or vodka
Storage & Leftovers
Store extra syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week
Brew tea ahead of time and chill for quick assembly
Avoid mixing the tea and syrup too far in advance—assemble fresh for best taste
Freeze syrup in ice cube trays for quick flavor boosts
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, just make sure to pit them first.
Frozen is more convenient and consistent in flavor.
Is cake batter extract necessary?
No, it’s optional—but it adds a subtle bakery note that enhances the pie flavor.
Can I use sweetened tea?
Unsweetened tea is best since the syrup already adds sugar.
But adjust to taste!
How long does the syrup last?
Up to a week in the fridge in a sealed jar.
What if I don’t have butter extract?
Skip it or replace with a tiny bit of melted butter for richness.
Can I make it decaf?
Absolutely—use decaf black tea if you prefer.
Does it need to be served over ice?
Yes, it’s best cold. The syrup is sweet and concentrated, so ice helps balance it.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Pie Iced Tea is pure summertime joy—sweet, tart, and loaded with real fruit flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, lounging poolside, or just need a midday treat, this iced tea is a delicious, nostalgic sip of cherry pie in liquid form.
