Cherry Iced Tea
Quench your thirst with Cherry Iced Tea, a refreshing Summer Drink that brings the sweet, nostalgic flavors of cherry pie to a chilled glass. Made with smooth Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea and a homemade cherry syrup, this delightful beverage is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or relaxing in the summer sun. Ready in just 15 minutes, this Cherry Iced Tea is easy to whip up and bursting with flavor. Follow our simple recipe to create a drink that’s sure to become a warm-weather favorite!
Ingredients
For the Cherry Syrup:
- 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp butter extract
- 1/2 tsp cake batter extract optional, for a bakery-like note
For the Iced Tea:
- 2 cups Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea chilled
- 4 tbsp cherry syrup
- Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup frozen cherries, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften. Mash the cherries with a spoon as they cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Strain the Syrup: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the cherries to extract maximum liquid. Discard the solids. Stir in 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp butter extract, and 1/2 tsp cake batter extract (if using). Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Mix the Iced Tea: In a pitcher or large glass, combine 2 cups chilled Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea with 4 tbsp cherry syrup. Stir well to blend flavors. Adjust syrup for desired sweetness.
- Serve: Pour over ice in glasses, garnish with fresh cherries if desired, and enjoy immediately as a chilled Summer Drink.
Notes
- Cool Syrup Fully: Let the syrup reach room temperature to keep the tea cold and refreshing.
- Taste and Adjust: Add more syrup for a sweeter Cherry Iced Tea or less for a lighter flavor.
- Use Fresh Ice: Fresh ice ensures the drink stays cold without diluting the taste.
- Maximize Syrup: Press cherries firmly when straining to get every drop of flavor.
- Store Syrup Properly: Keep leftover syrup refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.