This Easy Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea is perfect for a hot day. It combines cool tea with sweet cherry flavor for a drink that’s both tasty and hydrating!
Making this tea is a breeze! Just brew, mix in some cherry juice, and chill. I love serving it with ice and fresh cherries on top—so pretty and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: This is the base for our cherry iced tea. You can use regular black tea or even green tea if you prefer a lighter flavor. For a caffeine-free option, opt for herbal tea.
Cherry Juice: Unsweetened cherry juice is best for controlling sweetness. If you can’t find it, use any cherry drink mix or even cranberry juice for a different twist.
Simple Syrup: This adds sweetness, but you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup. To skip the sweetness completely, try a sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Fresh Cherries: Garnishing with fresh cherries makes a lovely presentation. If cherries are out of season, feel free to use frozen cherries or omit them altogether.
How Do I Brew Perfect Black Tea for My Iced Tea?
The brewing process is crucial for getting the right flavor. Here’s how to brew your tea perfectly:
- Start with fresh, cold water for boiling, as this affects the tea’s taste.
- Boil the water and let it cool slightly. It should be around 200°F (just off the boil) for black tea.
- Steep the tea for 5-7 minutes; longer might make it bitter. Adjust this time based on your taste preference.
- Once steeped, cool your tea quickly by pouring it into a pitcher or glass. This also helps preserve its flavor.
By following these steps, you’ll have a deliciously brewed tea to serve as the foundation for your cherry iced tea!
Easy Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups brewed black tea, cooled
- 1 cup cherry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active preparation time. After brewing the tea, you’ll just let it cool for a bit before serving. If you want to chill the iced tea even more, consider refrigerating for about an hour before enjoying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brew the Black Tea:
Start by brewing 4 cups of black tea. You can use tea bags or loose leaf—whatever you prefer! Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes, then remove the tea bags or strain loose leaves. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature or place it in the refrigerator to chill completely.
2. Combine Ingredients:
Once your tea is nice and cool, grab a large pitcher. Pour in the cooled black tea and add the cherry juice. Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors together. Don’t forget to taste it! If you want it sweeter, add the simple syrup and stir again. You can add more or less syrup based on your preference—sweeten it just right for you!
3. Serve Over Ice:
Grab your favorite glasses and fill them with ice cubes. Pour the cherry iced tea over the ice until the glasses are full. This will keep your tea super refreshing!
4. Add Some Fun Garnishes:
If you like, add fresh cherries and a slice of lemon to each glass for a pretty and tasty garnish. Not only does this look nice, but it also adds some extra flavor.
5. Enjoy!
Serve your cherry iced tea right away and enjoy the cool, refreshing taste. Perfect for any sunny day or backyard gathering!
Can I Use Green Tea Instead of Black Tea?
Absolutely! Green tea will give your iced tea a lighter flavor, making it just as refreshing. Just remember that the steeping time might be shorter—around 3-5 minutes should work!
What If I Don’t Have Cherry Juice?
No worries! You can substitute cherry juice with another fruit juice like cranberry or pomegranate for a different taste. Just keep in mind that sweetness may vary, so adjust the simple syrup accordingly.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Iced Tea?
Store any leftover cherry iced tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, avoid adding ice until you’re ready to serve to prevent dilution!
Can I Make This Recipe Sugar-Free?
Yes! You can use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of simple syrup to keep it sugar-free. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as these sweeteners can be sweeter than sugar.
