This Cherry Iced Tea is the perfect drink to cool off during the hot summer days! It’s made with fresh cherries, tea, and a hint of sweetness—just delightful.
What I love most is how easy it is to make. You can sip this yummy drink while lounging by the pool or hanging out with friends. Trust me, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Tea: Black tea is great for a strong flavor, but you can use green tea or herbal tea like hibiscus for a lighter option. I love trying different teas based on my mood!
Cherries: Fresh cherries are delicious, but frozen cherries work too. If cherries are out of season, try using other fruits like raspberries or peaches instead for a unique twist.
Sweetener: I recommend honey for its natural flavor, but you can use sugar, agave syrup, or even a sugar substitute if you’re looking to cut down on sugar. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for its bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but the flavor might be a little different.
How Can I Blend the Cherry Puree Perfectly?
Blending the cherry puree well helps to extract maximum flavor, but you want to make sure you don’t have any large chunks. Here’s how:
- Pit and halve the cherries for easier blending.
- Blend until smooth and watch out for splatters—cover the blender lid with a towel.
- If you like a clearer drink, strain the blended cherries through a fine mesh sieve to remove any leftover bits.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth cherry flavor infuses your iced tea beautifully!
Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or your preferred tea)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice cubes or crushed ice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Cherry Iced Tea takes about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator, making it perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy afternoon refreshment!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Water:
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. It’s important to use fresh water to get the best flavor from the tea!
2. Steep the Tea:
Remove the pot from heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for about 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how strong you’d like your tea. The longer you steep, the richer the flavor will be.
3. Blend the Cherries:
While the tea is steeping, take your pitted and halved cherries and place them in a blender. Blend them until smooth! If you like a smoother drink, you can use a fine mesh sieve afterward.
4. Sweeten the Tea:
Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and stir in your honey or sugar while the tea is still warm. This helps the sweetener dissolve better. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
5. Mix Cherry Juice and Lemon:
Pour the strained cherry juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the sweetened tea. Stir everything together so the flavors blend well.
6. Chill the Tea:
Let the tea come down to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. Chill it for at least an hour to ensure it’s nice and cold when served.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your cherry iced tea, fill glasses with ice cubes or crushed ice. Pour the chilled cherry tea over the ice, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh mint leaves if you like. Sip and enjoy the refreshing taste of summer!
FAQ for Refreshing Cherry Iced Tea
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries?
Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen cherries work wonderfully in this recipe. If using frozen cherries, just note that you might need to blend them a bit longer to achieve a smooth puree.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Tea?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or sugar according to your taste. Start with the lower amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired sweetness. Remember to stir well while the tea is still warm for optimal dissolving!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the cherry iced tea a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and it will stay tasty for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving as the flavors may settle while it chills.
What To Do If I Don’t Have Black Tea?
No problem! You can substitute black tea with green tea, herbal tea, or even flavored teas like hibiscus or peach to create a different flavor profile. Just steep for the same amount of time, adjusting based on the type of tea you choose!
