Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Relax with an ice cold cherry pie iced tea that beautifully marries the flavors of sweet cherries and refreshing tea. This delightful drink is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying on a sunny afternoon. With its vibrant color and delicious taste, Cherry Pie Iced Tea will surely be a hit at any occasion. Easy to prepare and utterly refreshing, this unique beverage offers a twist on traditional iced tea that you won’t want to miss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Flavor: The blend of cherries and tea creates a delightful taste that quenches your thirst.
• Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and easy steps, making this iced tea is a breeze.
• Versatile Drink: Perfect for both casual get-togethers and formal events, this drink fits any occasion.
• Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh cherries, it looks as good as it tastes.
• Lower Sugar Option: You can adjust the sweetness to your preference for a healthier choice.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cherry Pie Iced Tea, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help ensure the process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• saucepan
• fine mesh strainer
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• saucepan: Essential for cooking the cherries and creating the syrup.
• fine mesh strainer: Helps in extracting maximum liquid from the cherries for a rich syrup.
• measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
• stirring spoon: Necessary for mixing ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Cherry Pie Iced Tea:

For the Syrup

• 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon butter extract
• ½ teaspoon cake batter extract (optional)

For the Tea

• 2 cups Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea
• 4 tablespoons cherry pie syrup

For Garnish

• Fresh cherries for garnish

How to Make Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Syrup

1. Add the frozen pitted cherries, granulated sugar, water, and salt into a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, mashing the cherries as they soften.
3. Continue cooking until the liquid thickens slightly; remember that it will thicken more as it cools.

Step 2: Strain the Syrup

1. Use a fine mesh strainer to separate the syrup from the mashed cherries.
2. Press down on the cherries to extract as much liquid as possible.
3. Discard any remaining cherry pulp.

Step 3: Flavor the Syrup

1. Stir in lemon juice, vanilla extract, melted butter extract, and cake batter extract if using.
2. Set aside to cool completely before using.

Step 4: Combine with Iced Tea

1. Take two cups of cold Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea.
2. Stir in four tablespoons of prepared cherry pie syrup into each cup (adjust according to taste).

Step 5: Serve Chilled

1. Pour your Cherry Pie Iced Tea over ice in glasses.
2. Garnish each glass with fresh cherries before serving.

Enjoy your refreshing Cherry Pie Iced Tea!

How to Serve Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Serving Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a delightful experience that adds a refreshing twist to any gathering. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious drink.

Classic Presentation

• Use clear glass cups or mason jars for a rustic feel.
• Add ice cubes before pouring the tea for an extra chill.

Garnished Delight

• Top each glass with fresh cherries for a pop of color and flavor.
• Consider adding a slice of lemon on the rim for added zest.

Cocktail Style

• Serve in cocktail glasses with a cherry on a skewer.
• Add a splash of lumon juice for an adult twist on the classic iced tea.

Picnic Perfect

• Pack Cherry Pie Iced Tea in thermoses for outdoor gatherings.
• Accompany with colorful straws for easy sipping.

Layered Look

• Pour the chilled tea over layered ice and syrup for a stunning visual.
• Use a spoon to carefully layer the syrup at the bottom of the glass.

How to Perfect Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Perfecting your Cherry Pie Iced Tea elevates its taste and presentation. Here are some tips to enhance your drink.

• Choose quality tea: Opt for high-quality unsweetened black tea for a richer flavor base.
• Balance sweetness: Adjust sugar levels based on personal preference; taste before serving.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an exciting twist.
• Chill properly: Ensure your tea is thoroughly chilled before mixing with syrup for the best taste.
• Serve immediately: For peak freshness, serve right after mixing to enjoy vibrant flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Pie Iced Tea can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Savory Scones: Flaky scones with hints of cheese or herbs complement the sweetness of the iced tea.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the rich flavors of the tea.
3. Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches offer protein and can be made with various ingredients to suit any palate.
4. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses paired with crackers provides savory notes that enhance the drink’s sweetness.
5. Veggie Skewers: Grilled or raw veggies on skewers offer crunch and freshness alongside your iced tea.
6. Classic Sandwiches: Finger sandwiches filled with cucumber or smoked salmon make excellent companions for this refreshing beverage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Pie Iced Tea can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch for.

• Using too many cherries: Adding excessive cherries can overpower the tea’s flavor. Stick to the recipe’s measurement for a balanced taste.
• Not straining properly: Failing to strain the syrup effectively may leave chunks in your drink. Use a fine mesh strainer and press down on the cherries.
• Ignoring cooling time: Serving the iced tea warm can ruin its refreshing quality. Allow it to cool before adding ice.
• Skipping garnishes: Garnishing with fresh cherries enhances presentation and flavor. Don’t skip this step for a beautiful drink!
• Over-sweetening: Adding too much sugar can make it overly sweet. Start with less sugar, and adjust according to your taste preference.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep flavors intact.
• Cherry Pie Iced Tea will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Pie Iced Tea

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easy use later.
• It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Cherry Pie Iced Tea

• Oven: Preheat at a low temperature, around 200°F (93°C), and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to avoid boiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherry Pie Iced Tea?

Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a delightful drink combining black tea and cherry syrup, mimicking the flavors of cherry pie. It’s perfect for hot days!

How long does it take to make Cherry Pie Iced Tea?

The total time for this recipe is about 30 minutes, including both prep and cooking time.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used if they are pitted and prepared similarly. The flavor will be just as delicious!

How can I customize my Cherry Pie Iced Tea?

You can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or adjust sweetness levels by modifying the sugar amount.

Is Cherry Pie Iced Tea suitable for kids?

Absolutely! This non-alcoholic beverage is perfect for all ages and makes a fun summer treat.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Pie Iced Tea is a refreshing drink that combines fruity sweetness with the robust flavor of black tea. Its versatility allows for various customizations to suit any palate. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful twist on classic iced tea!