Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There's something magical about the way a cold glass of Cherry Pie Iced Tea captures the essence of summer. The sweet-tart cherry flavor, mellow black tea, and warm hints of vanilla and almond blend together to taste just like a slice of cherry pie in a glass—cool, refreshing, and completely crave-worthy.

this Recipe

This recipe was born one warm afternoon when I had leftover cherry pie filling in the fridge and no idea what to do with it. Instead of baking another pie, I decided to swirl it into a batch of fresh-brewed tea—and the result was a chilled drink that immediately earned a spot in my go-to summer beverage lineup.

Ready to make a pitcher of your new favorite tea? Let’s dive into the delicious details.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Get ready to fall head over heels for this vibrant, fruity twist on traditional iced tea. Cherry Pie Iced Tea is not only beautiful to look at, but every sip brings a burst of flavor that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.

First, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a pitcher in less than 15 minutes—no fancy tools or skills required.

It’s also perfectly budget-friendly. Using pantry staples like black tea bags and canned cherry pie filling means you won’t need a trip to the specialty store to enjoy a gourmet-tasting drink.

The flavor is out of this world. Imagine sweet cherries, comforting vanilla, and a whisper of almond blended with smooth black tea—each sip is like enjoying dessert in liquid form.

And finally, it’s ideal for entertaining or everyday sipping. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, lounging on the patio, or just want something fun to drink with dinner, this iced tea fits right in.

Keep reading to find out exactly what you’ll need to make it.

Ingredients Notes

This Cherry Pie Iced Tea comes together with simple ingredients, but each one plays an important role in achieving that signature cherry pie flavor.

Black tea serves as the base. I recommend using standard black tea bags, like English breakfast or orange pekoe. Their bold flavor holds up beautifully against the sweetness of the cherries and adds depth to the final drink.

Cherry pie filling is the star of the show. This thick, fruity blend brings not only intense cherry flavor but also natural sweetness and body. Be sure to blend or strain it well before adding to the tea to avoid chunks of fruit if you prefer a smoother texture.

Vanilla extract adds that unmistakable baked-good flavor that makes this tea taste like pie. Just a teaspoon is enough to bring warmth and softness to the drink.

Almond extract is optional but highly recommended. A little goes a long way—just a drop or two brings that classic cherry-almond combo to life and mimics the flavor of pie crust beautifully.

You’ll also need ice, cold water, and optionally, a touch of honey or sugar if you like things a bit sweeter. No fancy equipment required—just a blender or strainer, a heatproof pitcher, and a long spoon for mixing.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Making this tea is as simple as brewing, blending, and chilling—and the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Start by brewing your tea. Boil about four cups of water and steep 4–5 black tea bags for 5 to 7 minutes. You want a strong, rich tea base that won’t get lost once chilled and diluted. Remove the bags and let the tea cool slightly.

While the tea is steeping, prepare the cherry base. Scoop 1 cup of cherry pie filling into a blender with ½ cup of water. Blend until smooth, or strain through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a pulp-free version. You can also mash the filling with a spoon if you don’t have a blender handy.

In a large pitcher, combine the warm tea with the blended cherry mixture. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a small splash (⅛ teaspoon) of almond extract. Taste the mixture—if you'd like it sweeter, now is the time to stir in a tablespoon of honey or sugar while the tea is still warm.

Once everything is well mixed, fill the rest of the pitcher with cold water and ice—about 3 more cups of water and plenty of ice cubes to chill it down fast. Stir well again and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Serve over ice with fresh cherries or a lemon wheel if you’re feeling fancy. The total hands-on time is under 15 minutes, and the reward is a unique, crowd-pleasing beverage that tastes like summer.

Storage Options

Cherry Pie Iced Tea stores beautifully in the refrigerator, making it a great make-ahead option for parties or weekly meal prep.

Keep any leftover tea in a tightly sealed pitcher or mason jar. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, though you might find the almond extract mellows a bit over time.

If you plan to make a large batch ahead of time, consider storing the tea base (without ice) to avoid dilution. Simply mix the tea, cherry, and extracts and chill. Add ice just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

You can also freeze the blended cherry mixture in small portions to use later. Just defrost and stir into fresh tea when you're ready to enjoy a glass.

To reheat (if you want to serve warm for a cozy winter drink), simply warm a mug in the microwave or on the stove until just heated through. It tastes like a warm cherry pie cider—unexpected and wonderful.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly customizable depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving.

For a decaf version, simply use decaffeinated black tea bags. You’ll get all the flavor without the buzz—perfect for evening sipping or kids’ tea parties.

To make it sugar-free, opt for a no-sugar-added cherry pie filling or make your own by simmering fresh or frozen cherries with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. Skip the added honey or sugar in the recipe and sweeten to taste.

Want to turn this into a sparkling tea? Replace some of the cold water with unflavored sparkling water or club soda right before serving. The bubbles add a fun, festive twist.

For a boozy brunch drink, add a splash of amaretto or cherry liqueur. It takes the tea from family-friendly to party-ready in just seconds.

Feeling adventurous? Try a peach pie variation by swapping the cherry pie filling for peach and using a dash of cinnamon instead of almond extract. It’s a whole new summer flavor profile you’ll fall in love with.

Don’t be afraid to play with the formula—half the fun of recipes like this is making them your own. Whether you stick to the classic or put your own twist on it, this Cherry Pie Iced Tea is sure to be a repeat favorite.

Print