There's something irresistibly refreshing about sipping a glass of Cherry Pie Iced Tea on a warm afternoon. With the sweet-tart essence of cherries and subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon, this drink tastes like summer in a glass – nostalgic, cooling, and comforting all at once.

I first came up with this recipe after a cherry-picking trip with my kids. With an overabundance of fresh cherries and a craving for something cold, I decided to blend the flavors of my favorite dessert – cherry pie – into a sweet, fruity iced tea. Now, it’s a must-have at every backyard BBQ and picnic we host.

Let’s dive into why this recipe needs to be your next go-to drink!

Why You'll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

If you love drinks that are equal parts nostalgic and refreshing, you’re going to be obsessed with this Cherry Pie Iced Tea.

To start, it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you're brewing tea bags or steeping loose-leaf, this recipe is as simple as boil, steep, mix, and chill. No fancy equipment needed – just a pot, a pitcher, and a love for flavor.

It’s also budget-friendly. Cherries are the star here, and you can use fresh, frozen, or even jarred pie cherries depending on what’s in season or on sale. A splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon take it to the next level without breaking the bank.

And let’s talk about how versatile it is. Prefer green tea over black? No problem. Want to make it a sparkling iced tea with soda water? Go for it. You can even turn this into a mocktail or cocktail with the right additions.

Most importantly, it tastes like cherry pie – but in a cool, drinkable form. The fruit-forward tea gets a gentle sweetness from the cherries, a hint of spice from cinnamon, and that signature dessert flavor from vanilla. It’s pure comfort in a glass.

This drink isn’t just a beverage – it’s an experience. Let’s break down what makes it so special.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe relies on a handful of flavorful ingredients that come together in a surprising, satisfying way. You’ll likely have most of them on hand already, and the few you may need to grab are inexpensive and easy to find.

Black tea forms the backbone of this iced tea. I recommend using strong black tea bags like English Breakfast or Assam, which hold up well against the sweetness of the cherries. If you’re caffeine-sensitive, you can swap in a decaf version or even try rooibos for a naturally sweet alternative.

Cherries, of course, are the heart of this recipe. I love using fresh pitted cherries in summer, but frozen cherries work just as well year-round. For a pie-like flavor, sour cherries (like Montmorency) give you that classic tartness, while sweet cherries add a deeper, smoother note.

Vanilla extract is the secret to that “pie” flavor. Just a teaspoon rounds out the cherry and tea flavors with warm, dessert-like notes. It’s amazing what this simple pantry staple can do in a drink.

Cinnamon sticks add subtle warmth without overpowering the cherry flavor. Letting them steep with the cherries while the tea chills infuses the drink with a gentle spice that complements the overall pie-like profile.

You’ll also need a medium saucepan, a heat-proof pitcher, and a fine mesh strainer if you're using fresh cherries. For serving, tall glasses filled with ice are the way to go – and a sprig of mint or a cherry garnish never hurts.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Creating this refreshing drink is easier than baking an actual cherry pie, and just as rewarding.

Start by boiling about four cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once the water reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and drop in your black tea bags. Let them steep for about 5–7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Then remove the bags and let the tea cool slightly.

While the tea is steeping, add your pitted cherries (about 2 cups) to a small saucepan with a half cup of water and a cinnamon stick. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, until the cherries are soft and releasing their juices.

After simmering, use a fine mesh strainer to separate the cherry mixture. You’ll want the liquid, not the solids – although you can save the softened cherries as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal later!

Pour the cherry-cinnamon liquid into your tea, then add the vanilla extract and stir. Taste it and add sweetener if desired – I usually go for a few tablespoons of honey or simple syrup, but sugar or agave work just as well.

Transfer the entire mixture to a pitcher and chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Once it’s icy cold, pour over glasses filled with ice and garnish with extra cherries or a lemon slice if you like.

From start to finish, the process takes about 20 minutes of active time and a couple hours of chilling. You’ll end up with a tea that’s bright, fruity, a little spicy, and deeply satisfying.

Storage Options

This Cherry Pie Iced Tea keeps beautifully in the fridge, which makes it ideal for prepping ahead of time.

Store any leftovers in a sealed glass pitcher or mason jar in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4–5 days, though the flavor may mellow slightly after the second day.

If you used fresh cherries and didn’t strain them out completely, you may want to give the tea a stir before each pour, as some sediment or pulp may settle at the bottom.

Avoid freezing this tea, as the texture and flavor can change once thawed. Instead, chill it well and enjoy within the week for best results.

To re-serve, simply pour over fresh ice. If you're serving for guests, a cherry garnish and sprig of mint take it from casual to celebration-worthy in seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

The base of this recipe is ripe for creative twists. Whether you're working with dietary preferences or just feeling adventurous, there are endless ways to adapt it.

For a sparkling version, replace half the water with chilled soda water or seltzer right before serving. It adds a lovely fizz and makes the drink feel extra fancy – perfect for brunch or a summer party.

Swap out the black tea for green tea if you want something lighter and a bit grassy. Hibiscus tea is another great option and will deepen the red color while adding a slightly tart, floral edge.

Make it a cocktail by adding a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or cherry liqueur. This turns it into an adult version of cherry pie that’s perfect for happy hour or dinner parties.

Want a sugar-free version? Skip the sweetener entirely or use a stevia or monk fruit alternative. The cherries provide a natural sweetness on their own, so you might not even miss it.

And for a fun twist, try blending it with frozen cherries and ice for a slushy-style iced tea. Kids love this one – and adults do too.

With just a few ingredients and some creative flair, you can turn a simple glass of tea into something memorable. Cherry Pie Iced Tea is the kind of drink that brings people together – nostalgic, refreshing, and totally customizable. Once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your summer lineup.