Cherry Pie Iced Tea Recipe

There’s something magical about sipping an ice-cold glass of Cherry Pie Iced Tea on a sunny afternoon. The tart cherry flavor swirled with warm pie spices and mellow black tea creates a drink that tastes just like summer in a glass.

I first dreamed up this recipe after a family picnic, when I had leftover cherry pie filling and sweet tea in the fridge. A quick stir and a bit of experimenting led to what’s now our favorite backyard beverage – refreshingly fruity, a touch nostalgic, and surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you're hosting a barbecue, lounging by the pool, or just need a little pick-me-up, this iced tea delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into why this drink might just be your new summer obsession.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

If you love sweet tea and cherry pie, prepare to be smitten. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea brings together the best of both in one delightful, thirst-quenching drink.

To start, it’s ridiculously easy to make. You only need a handful of ingredients – most of which you probably already have at home. Just brew some tea, stir in cherry pie filling, and chill!

It’s also a huge hit with guests. Whether you’re pouring it into mason jars at a cookout or serving it over ice at brunch, it always gets people talking. The vibrant color alone makes it look impressive, even though it takes just minutes to prepare.

Budget-wise, this drink is a win. A can of pie filling and some basic tea bags are all you need to transform everyday staples into something special – no pricey ingredients required.

And let’s not forget how versatile it is. Want it sweeter? Add a drizzle of honey. Looking for something with a kick? A splash of bourbon turns this into a grown-up treat. The base is simple, but the options are endless.

Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every summer.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of Cherry Pie Iced Tea lies in its simplicity, but choosing the right ingredients can take it from good to unforgettable.

Black tea is the foundation of this recipe. I recommend using standard black tea bags – Lipton or Luzianne work great – for that classic Southern iced tea vibe. Steep it a little longer than usual to get a bold, rich flavor that stands up to the sweetness of the cherries.

The secret weapon here is cherry pie filling. Yes, the canned kind! It adds intense cherry flavor, built-in sweetness, and even a bit of texture from the fruit. Stirred into the warm tea, it melts beautifully and infuses every sip with pie-like goodness.

Lemon juice adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness. Fresh-squeezed is ideal, but bottled works in a pinch. Don’t skip it – it gives the drink a bright, clean finish.

If you want to amplify the dessert-like quality, a dash of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla extract adds that nostalgic pie flavor. Just a little goes a long way, so start small and taste as you go.

You'll also need a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth if you want a smoother texture. While I enjoy having bits of cherry in my glass, straining makes for a more refined presentation if that’s your style.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Making Cherry Pie Iced Tea couldn’t be easier, and it comes together in under 15 minutes (plus chilling time). Here’s how to get it just right.

Start by brewing your tea. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then steep 4–5 black tea bags for about 7–10 minutes. You want a strong brew since you’ll be diluting it with ice and cherry filling later. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.

While the tea is still warm, stir in about 1 cup of cherry pie filling. Use a whisk or spoon to break up the filling so it blends evenly. If you want your tea completely smooth, strain out the solids at this point – otherwise, leave them in for added texture and flavor.

Add 1–2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and stir. Taste and adjust – if you want more tartness, add more lemon. If it’s too strong, dilute with cold water.

Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then pour it into a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The flavors deepen as it chills, so don’t skip this step.

To serve, pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices or fresh cherries. You can even add a sprig of mint for a fancy finish. This tea keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days – if it lasts that long!

Storage Options

Cherry Pie Iced Tea is just as delightful on day two – if not better – thanks to those bold cherry flavors continuing to infuse.

Store any leftovers in a sealed glass pitcher or container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, although you might notice the cherry bits settling at the bottom. Just give it a good stir before serving.

If you plan to make it ahead for a party, you can brew the tea and mix in the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Wait to add ice until serving to avoid dilution.

For longer storage, you can even freeze this tea in ice cube trays. Drop the frozen cubes into your glass for an extra-cold, flavor-packed option that won’t water down your drink.

To reheat – though it’s best served cold – simply warm it gently in a saucepan if you want to turn it into a cozy cherry tea for cooler days. It transforms beautifully!

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Cherry Pie Iced Tea is how adaptable it is to your tastes and what you have on hand. Here are some delicious twists to try.

Swap the cherry pie filling for fresh or frozen cherries blended with sugar. It gives a fresher flavor and lets you control the sweetness. Just simmer the cherries with a little water and strain out the solids for a smoother texture.

Use green tea or hibiscus tea for a different flavor profile. Green tea gives a lighter, grassy backdrop that pairs well with fruit, while hibiscus adds tang and a vivid red hue.

If you're avoiding added sugar, try a no-sugar-added cherry pie filling or even make your own with fresh cherries, honey, and cornstarch. You can also sweeten the tea naturally with stevia or agave syrup.

Add a splash of bourbon or rum for a boozy version perfect for summer nights. Just a shot per glass is enough to elevate it into a cocktail-style drink.

Don’t forget about fizz! Top your glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing cherry spritz effect.

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