Let’s talk about summer in a glass. You know that feeling when you’re sweating buckets after doing absolutely nothing and all you want is something cold, crisp, and slightly sweet? That’s where this cherry iced tea slides in like your best friend with air conditioning. It’s got real cherries, not just the fake syrupy stuff, and a tea base that actually tastes like tea. We’re not making candy water here. The best part? It’s as simple as boiling water. If you can steep a bag of tea and pit a cherry (or just buy the pre-pitted kind — no judgment), you can make this. Whether you’re sitting on the porch, lounging poolside, or stuck at your desk with a fan aimed directly at your face, this drink gives you a moment to exhale. It’s also the kind of thing that impresses guests — looks fancy, drinks easy. This is my go-to when I want something pretty but not fussy. And yes, you can absolutely spike it. Just saying. It fits right in with all your favorite recipes and drinks, especially if you’re into cherry recipes, recipe smoothie ideas, or smoothie recipes that veer into refreshing territory. It’s one of those recipes smoothie lovers can sip all afternoon — a recipe drinks fans will ask you to bring to every barbecue.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cherry Iced Tea Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cherry Iced Tea
4) How to Make Cherry Iced Tea
5) Tips for Making Cherry Iced Tea
6) Making Cherry Iced Tea Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cherry Iced Tea
8) Try these Beverages next!
9) Cherry Iced Tea Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This iced tea blends black tea with real cherries for rich flavor
Great for summer and easy to customize for any crowd
Prep and steeping take less than 30 minutes total
Add mint, lemon, or even a splash of bourbon if you’re feeling bold

2) Easy Cherry Iced Tea Recipe

We’ve all been there. It’s hot, the air barely moves, and your shirt sticks to your back like cling wrap. That’s when I reach for something cool that doesn’t come out of a can. I’m talking homemade cherry iced tea. It’s one of those drinks and smoothie recipes that actually feels like a reward for enduring the sun. Just sweet enough. Properly tart. Satisfying without being syrupy.

When I make this, I usually lean into the ritual of it. Tea bags steeping. Cherries bubbling down into something between a compote and a syrup. No fancy gadgets, no mystery ingredients. This is the kind of thing that sits beautifully next to your favorite cherry recipes or recipe smoothie experiments. It’s a breeze to make, and you feel like you made something real.

This recipe fits neatly into that category of drinks and smoothie recipes that don’t require much fuss but give you a sense of calm and control. Perfect for those afternoons when you want flavor and freshness but don’t want to mess up the kitchen or your mood.

3) Ingredients for Cherry Iced Tea

6 black tea bags: Pick a tea that actually tastes like tea. Something strong enough to stand up to the cherries but smooth enough that it won’t turn bitter if you steep it a little long.

4 cups water: This is for steeping your tea bags. Use clean water since it’s your base.

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted: I like fresh if I can get them. Frozen works great, too. Either way, they bring that natural tart-sweet flavor that defines this drink.

1/3 cup sugar (adjust to taste): You can nudge this up or down depending on your sweet tooth. I err on the side of less and let the cherries shine.

4 cups cold water: This balances the steeped tea and cherry syrup, bringing everything to a drinkable temperature fast.

Ice cubes: Serve over plenty of these. No one wants warm iced tea.

Fresh mint or lemon slices (optional): These add a finishing touch. Brightness. A hint of flair if you’re serving this to friends or just treating yourself like company.

4) How to Make Cherry Iced Tea

Step 1: Bring four cups of water to a boil. Once bubbling, drop in the tea bags. Turn off the heat. Let the tea steep for about five to seven minutes.

Step 2: While your tea steeps, toss the pitted cherries and sugar into a saucepan. Set the heat to medium. Let them cook for ten minutes until the fruit softens and things get a little syrupy.

Step 3: Strain the cherry mixture through a fine mesh sieve right into your pitcher. You want the juice, not the pulp.

Step 4: Remove the tea bags from your brewed tea and pour it into the pitcher with the cherry juice.

Step 5: Add four cups of cold water to bring it all together. Stir well. Let the pitcher chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

Step 6: Serve your cherry iced tea over ice. Add a mint leaf or lemon slice if you’re feeling inspired.

5) Tips for Making Cherry Iced Tea

Use ripe cherries. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on good cherries, your tea will sing. If you’re stuck with frozen, no worries — they still work beautifully.

Don’t skip the strain. You want a smooth drink, not one that catches seeds between your teeth. A fine mesh sieve helps here. Some people like the pulp. Me? Not so much.

This fits snugly into your list of drinks and smoothie recipes you’ll revisit. Make it once, and you’ll start craving it every hot afternoon. You can even toss it into your rotation of recipe smoothie blends if you’re experimenting with tea as a base.

6) Making Cherry Iced Tea Ahead of Time

I often prep this in the morning and let it chill until dinner. It gets better after a few hours. The tea and cherry blend fully, the flavors deepen, and the drink ends up smoother. You don’t need to fuss with it. Once it’s in the fridge, you’re set.

If you want to bring this to a picnic or backyard gathering, keep the tea and cherry base cold in a thermos or mason jar. Add ice and garnish once you’re ready to pour.

This trick keeps everything fresh and stops your ice from watering things down. One more win for drinks and smoothie recipes you don’t have to babysit.

7) Storing Leftover Cherry Iced Tea

Leftover tea? I just keep it in the fridge in a sealed pitcher. It holds up for about three to four days. I’ve found the flavor hangs around without fading.

Before serving again, give it a stir. The cherry bits sometimes settle. Add new ice or a garnish if you’re in the mood.

Cherry iced tea keeps its spot high on my list of recipes and drinks that age well. It’s one of the few cold drinks that doesn’t lose its edge after a night in the fridge.

8) Try these Beverages next!

9) Cherry Iced Tea Recipe