This Cherry Iced Tea is the perfect drink for hot summer days! It’s sweet and a little tangy, with juicy cherry flavors that will keep you cool and refreshed.
Enjoy it all day long, whether you’re lounging by the pool or having a picnic. I love to serve it with fresh mint for that extra zing—it’s like summer in a glass! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: I like using black tea for a rich flavor, but you can also use green tea or herbal tea if you prefer a lighter taste. Just remember, herbal teas may alter the flavor of the iced tea.
Cherry Juice: Tart cherry juice gives a nice balance of sweet and tangy. If you can’t find it, you could use regular cherry juice or even cranberry juice for a different taste.
Honey or Simple Syrup: Honey adds a touch of floral sweetness, while simple syrup is a great choice for a smooth blend. If you need a sugar alternative, consider agave nectar or stevia, keeping in mind they can sweeten differently.
Fresh Cherries & Lemon: Fresh cherries not only garnish but enhance the drink’s flavor. If you don’t have them, go for frozen cherries or skip them altogether. Lemon adds zing but is optional. Lime works well too if you prefer!
How Do You Make the Perfect Iced Tea Without Oversteeping?
Brewing tea properly is crucial for great flavor. Here’s how to avoid bitterness from oversteeping:
- Brew your black tea for just 5 minutes. Set a timer to be safe!
- After brewing, quickly remove tea bags or strain the tea to stop steeping.
- Let the tea cool before refrigerating. This keeps the flavors fresh and bright.
- Always chill the brewed tea for at least an hour to get it refreshingly cold.
Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with a lovely iced tea every time!
Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups brewed black tea, cooled
- 1 cup cherry juice (preferably tart cherry)
- 1/4 cup honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
- Lemon slices, optional for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, optional for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cherry iced tea takes about 10 minutes to prepare and needs about 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. Altogether, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 10 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious summer drink!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brew the Tea:
Start by brewing 4 cups of black tea. You can use your favorite tea bags or loose leaf tea. Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes. This will give it a nice strong flavor. Once the time’s up, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves.
2. Cool the Tea:
Allow the brewed tea to cool down to room temperature. After it’s cool, pop it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so it chills perfectly. This step is super important for a refreshing iced tea!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
After your tea is nice and cold, grab a large pitcher. Combine the chilled black tea with 1 cup of cherry juice. Stir it well to mix everything together.
4. Sweeten to Taste:
Now, it’s time to add sweetness! Stir in your honey or simple syrup. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust based on your taste preference. You can always add more if you like it sweeter!
5. Add Ice:
To make it even cooler, add 1 cup of ice cubes to the pitcher. This will help chill the tea even more and keep it refreshingly cold when served.
6. Serve Your Iced Tea:
Pour the cherry iced tea into glasses. Make it pretty by garnishing with fresh cherries, lemon slices, and mint leaves if you’d like!
7. Enjoy:
Serve immediately and sip on your refreshing cherry iced tea. Perfect for cooling off on a sunny day!
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Cheers to summer!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Tea?
Absolutely! While black tea provides a robust flavor, you can also use green tea, herbal tea, or even fruit-infused teas. Just make sure to adjust steeping times accordingly for optimal flavor.
How Can I Sweeten My Cherry Iced Tea If I’m Avoiding Sugar?
No problem! If you’re looking to avoid sugar, you can use natural sweeteners like stevia, agave nectar, or monk fruit sweetener. Just remember to taste as you add, since these sweeteners can differ in sweetness compared to honey or simple syrup.
Can I Make This Iced Tea Ahead of Time?
Certainly! You can prepare the tea and combine it with cherry juice up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator, and add ice and garnishes just before serving to keep it fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cherry Iced Tea?
Store any leftover iced tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, if it contains ice, it may dilute over time, so consider avoiding adding ice until you’re ready to serve!
