This Easy Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea is a perfect summer drink! With sweet cherries and smooth tea, it’s both tasty and cooling. Just brew, mix, and chill for a fun treat!
I love sipping this while relaxing on my porch. If only it could make the ice cream truck come around more often! 🍦 Grab a glass and enjoy the sunshine!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: This is the base of our iced tea and offers a robust flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to substitute with green tea or herbal tea for a caffeine-free option.
Cherry Juice: You can use store-bought cherry juice or concentrate, but if you want to keep it fresh, consider blending ripe cherries and straining the juice yourself. For a different fruit flavor, try using cranberry juice or pomegranate juice.
Honey or Sugar: While I like honey for its natural sweetness, feel free to use agave syrup or maple syrup as alternatives. You can also adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness.
Fresh or Frozen Cherries: I enjoy using frozen cherries as they add a cooling effect to the tea. If you’re allergic to cherries or don’t have them on hand, berries like strawberries or raspberries work nicely.
How Do You Steep Tea Perfectly?
Steeping tea correctly is crucial for achieving the best flavor. Here’s how to do it simply:
- Start by boiling the water. Remove from heat immediately once it reaches a boil.
- Add the black tea bags into the hot water and let them steep for 5-7 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor, but be careful not to let it steep too long to avoid bitterness.
- Always remove the tea bags once the time is up!
Once steeped, adding your sweetener while the tea is still warm helps it dissolve more easily. This extra step makes sure your iced tea is well-mixed and flavorful.
Easy Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 cup cherry juice or cherry concentrate
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cherries (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cherry iced tea will take about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. So, in total, expect a little over 1 hour to enjoy this refreshing drink!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Water:
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan or kettle. This is the first step to making sure your tea is nice and strong!
2. Steep the Tea:
Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and add the 4 black tea bags. Let them steep in the hot water for about 5-7 minutes. Remember, the longer you steep, the stronger the flavor, but don’t steep too long as it can get bitter! When ready, take the tea bags out.
3. Sweeten the Tea:
While the tea is still warm, stir in your honey or sugar until it’s fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your preference—make it as sweet or light as you like!
4. Combine with Cherry Juice:
Let the tea cool down to room temperature, then pour it into a pitcher. Add in the cherry juice or cherry concentrate and mix well. This will give your iced tea that delicious cherry flavor!
5. Add Cherries:
If using fresh or frozen cherries, toss them into the pitcher and give it a gentle stir. They’ll add an extra burst of flavor and color to your drink.
6. Chill Out:
Pop the pitcher into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour. This will make your tea nice and refreshing when served!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy, grab a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes. Pour the chilled cherry iced tea over the ice. If desired, you can garnish with a slice of lemon and a fresh cherry on top!
Now sit back, sip, and enjoy this refreshing cherry iced tea on a warm day!
FAQ for Easy Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea
Can I Use Green Tea Instead of Black Tea?
Absolutely! You can substitute black tea with green tea for a lighter flavor. Just steep the green tea bags for 3-5 minutes to avoid bitterness, as green tea can become too bitter if steeped too long.
How Sweet Should I Make This Iced Tea?
The sweetness really depends on your personal preference! Start with 1/4 cup of honey or sugar and taste the tea. If you like it sweeter, gradually add more until it’s just right for you!
Can I Store Leftover Cherry Iced Tea?
Yes, you can store leftovers! Keep the iced tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a little stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle.
What Other Fruits Can I Add?
Besides cherries, you can get creative with other fruits! Try adding fresh strawberries, raspberries, or even lemon slices for a refreshing twist. They’ll complement the cherry flavor beautifully!
