This cherry iced tea is a delightful and refreshing drink, perfect for a sunny day! With sweet cherries and tea, it’s both tasty and easy to make.
Making this drink is so simple! Just brew some tea, mix in cherry juice, and chill it. I love serving it over ice with fresh cherries on top—it’s like summer in a glass!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: I suggest using strong black tea for the best flavor. You can substitute it with green tea for a lighter taste or herbal tea like hibiscus for a caffeine-free option.
Cherry Juice: Cherry juice is key here, but if you can’t find it, you can use cranberry juice for a different twist. Look for all-natural options without added sugars for better flavor.
Simple Syrup: While homemade simple syrup is easy to make, you can use honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener. Just remember to dissolve them well in the tea!
Fresh Cherries: Garnishing with fresh cherries adds a nice touch. If you can’t get fresh cherries, frozen pitted cherries work well too—they’re tasty and chill your drink even more!
How Do You Brew the Perfect Iced Tea?
Brewed tea is the base of our cherry iced tea. To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Use about 1 teaspoon of tea for every cup of water. For stronger flavor, use a bit more.
- Bring water to a boil, then let it cool slightly before pouring over the tea. This prevents bitterness.
- Allow the tea to steep for 4–5 minutes. Adjust the time for stronger or lighter tea according to your taste.
- Let it cool completely before mixing with cherry juice to preserve freshness.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious iced tea ready every time! Enjoy your refreshing cherry iced tea!
Easy Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 cups brewed black tea, cooled
- 1 cup cherry juice or cherry syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons simple syrup or sweetener (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted (optional, for garnish)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lemon slices (optional)
Estimated Time:
This refreshing cherry iced tea takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Allow extra time for the tea to cool, ideally letting it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. So, about 40 minutes total for a delicious treat!
Instructions:
1. Brew the Tea:
Start by brewing 4 cups of strong black tea. You can use your favorite tea bags or loose leaf. Once brewed, let the tea cool down to room temperature. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large pitcher, mix the cooled black tea with the cherry juice or cherry syrup. Stir well to combine. This is where the magic happens—watch the beautiful color and flavor come together!
3. Sweeten It Up:
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of simple syrup or your preferred sweetener to the pitcher. Stir it in to make sure it’s well mixed. Taste your tea and adjust the sweetness based on your preference. You might want it sweeter or just a bit less sweet!
4. Serve Over Ice:
Fill your glasses with ice cubes. This tea is best served chilled, so pouring it over ice will ensure it stays refreshing!
5. Add Garnishes:
If you like, add fresh pitted cherries and lemon slices as garnishes in your glasses. They make the drink look pretty and add a little extra flavor.
6. Enjoy!
Your cherry iced tea is ready to drink! You can enjoy it right away or pop it in the refrigerator to chill even more. Either way, you’ll have a delicious, fruity treat on your hands!
Cheers to a refreshing cherry iced tea!
Can I Use Decaf Tea for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use decaf black tea if you prefer. Just follow the same brewing instructions, and you’ll have a refreshing iced tea without the caffeine.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cherry iced tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal flavor. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle.
Can I Use Other Fruit Juices?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruit juices, like raspberry or cranberry, for a different flavor profile. You can also mix in other berry juices to create your own signature iced tea!
Can I Make This Iced Tea Without Sweetener?
Definitely! If you prefer a sugar-free option, simply skip the sweetener altogether. The natural sweetness from the cherry juice may be enough, but taste it first to find what you like best!
