Refreshing Cherry Pie Tea

This refreshing Cherry Pie Iced Tea transforms ordinary black tea into a delightful summer treat with homemade cherry syrup infused with vanilla and butter extracts for an authentic pie flavor experience. The sweet-tart balance makes it perfect for backyard gatherings or as a special afternoon refreshment.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hot summer when my family was craving something special but refreshing. Now it has become our signature drink for weekend barbecues, with guests always asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Frozen pitted cherries: give this drink its vibrant color and fruity foundation without the work of pitting fresh ones
• Granulated sugar: balances the natural tartness of cherries and helps create the syrup consistency
• Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea: provides the perfect neutral base that allows the cherry flavor to shine
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth that mimics a pie crust flavor
• Butter extract: is the secret ingredient that creates that authentic pastry taste
• Cake batter extract: optional but adds an extra layer of dessert-like complexity
• Fresh cherries for garnish: not only look beautiful but signal to guests what flavors await

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Cherry Base:

Combine frozen cherries, sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. As the mixture warms, gently mash the cherries with a wooden spoon or potato masher to release their juices. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and begins to take on a syrupy consistency. The vibrant red color will deepen as it cooks, indicating the flavors are concentrating beautifully.

Strain the Mixture:

Place a fine mesh strainer over a heat-safe bowl and pour the cherry mixture through. Use the back of a spoon to press firmly against the cherry solids, extracting as much flavorful liquid as possible. This step ensures your tea will have the flavor without any pulp or seeds. The resulting syrup should be smooth and glossy.

Finish the Syrup:

To the strained cherry liquid, add lemon juice for brightness, vanilla extract for warmth, and butter extract for that distinctive pie crust note. If using, add the cake batter extract as well. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all flavors. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using. The syrup will thicken further as it cools to room temperature.

Assemble the Tea:

In a large pitcher or individual glasses filled with ice, combine 2 cups of cold Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea with 4 tablespoons of your homemade cherry pie syrup. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure the syrup is evenly distributed throughout the tea. The color should transform to a beautiful ruby red.

Serve and Garnish:

Pour the finished tea into tall glasses filled with fresh ice. Add fresh cherries on top as a garnish, and if desired, include a slice of lemon on the rim. The presentation should be visually striking with the rich red color and fresh fruit garnish.

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The butter extract truly makes this recipe special. I discovered this ingredient by accident when baking cherry pies and noticed how it enhanced the crust flavor. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of butter to her cherry pies, and this extract captures that same magic in liquid form.

Make Ahead Options

The cherry pie syrup can be prepared up to two weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes it incredibly convenient for entertaining as you can prepare a batch of syrup whenever you have time, then quickly mix refreshing drinks whenever guests arrive. The syrup actually improves after a day or two as the flavors meld and develop more complexity. For best results, bring the syrup to room temperature before stirring into cold tea to ensure it dissolves properly.

Creative Variations

While this recipe creates a perfect cherry pie flavor, you can easily customize it to your preferences. For a spiced version, add a cinnamon stick and two whole cloves to the cherry mixture while cooking. For a more adult beverage, stir in an ounce of bourbon or rum per serving. You might also try substituting green tea for a lighter flavor profile or adding fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist. My personal favorite variation includes a splash of coconut milk for a creamy cherry pie à la mode experience.

Serving Suggestions

This Cherry Pie Iced Tea pairs beautifully with simple butter cookies or shortbread to complement the pie flavors in the drink. Serve it at afternoon gatherings in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful color. For a special presentation, freeze some of the cherry syrup in ice cube trays and use these flavored ice cubes in the tea. As they melt, they maintain the flavor rather than diluting it. For children's parties or alcohol-free events, serve this alongside a sparkling water option so guests can adjust the sweetness to their preference.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen for the syrup?

Yes, fresh cherries work beautifully in this syrup. You'll need to pit them first, and you might need to add a little more water as fresh cherries don't release as much liquid as frozen ones when cooking.

→ How long does the cherry syrup keep in the refrigerator?

The cherry syrup will keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The high sugar content helps preserve it.

→ Can I use a different type of tea as the base?

Absolutely! While black tea provides a classic base that complements the cherry flavor, you could experiment with green tea for a lighter option or even an herbal tea like hibiscus for added fruitiness.

→ What can I substitute for the butter extract?

If you don't have butter extract, you can use a small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of melted butter or omit it entirely. The vanilla extract will still provide that dessert-like quality to the syrup.

→ Is there a way to make this drink less sweet?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of cherry syrup added to the tea, starting with just 1-2 tablespoons per cup and adjusting to taste. You can also reduce the sugar in the syrup recipe by up to half.

→ Can I make this into a cocktail?

This makes an excellent base for a cocktail! Try adding 1 oz of bourbon or vodka per serving for an adult version. The cherry flavors pair particularly well with bourbon.