There's something magical about sipping a tall glass of iced tea on a warm afternoon, especially when it's infused with the nostalgic sweetness of cherry pie. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea blends the juicy brightness of cherries with the cozy, spiced notes you’d expect from a homemade dessert—served ice-cold and utterly refreshing.

I first created this recipe on a whim after a backyard barbecue, using leftover cherry pie filling and some strong black tea. The result? A crowd-pleaser so addictive that now I make it by the pitcher for every summer get-together. Fruity, slightly tart, and kissed with cinnamon, this iced tea tastes like a slice of pie in a glass.

Let’s dive into what makes this sweet sip so special.

Why You'll Love This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Get ready to meet your new summer obsession. This Cherry Pie Iced Tea takes everything you love about a classic fruit dessert and transforms it into a refreshing beverage you’ll crave all season long.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a little steeping time, you’ll have a flavored tea that tastes like it came straight from a fancy café—but at a fraction of the cost.

It’s also a budget-friendly treat. You can use store-brand black tea bags, frozen or canned cherries, and basic pantry staples to create a drink that feels gourmet without draining your wallet.

Another huge perk? It’s perfect for a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a potluck, or just looking to elevate your iced tea game, this recipe scales beautifully to fit a pitcher, a dispenser, or even mason jars for individual servings.

Lastly, this iced tea is stunning. The deep red hue from the cherries, the gentle cloudiness from the pie filling, and a cinnamon stick or lemon slice garnish make every glass look Instagram-worthy.

Ready to brew your first batch? Let’s look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The charm of this Cherry Pie Iced Tea comes from combining simple, accessible ingredients into something unexpectedly delightful. Each component adds depth and brings that “cherry pie in a glass” experience to life.

Black tea is the foundation here. I recommend using classic black tea bags, like English Breakfast or Orange Pekoe. They hold up well against the bold cherry flavor without overpowering it. If you prefer caffeine-free, rooibos tea is a great alternative with a naturally sweet, earthy note.

Cherry pie filling might seem unconventional for a drink, but trust me—it works. The thick, syrupy mixture provides both flavor and body, giving this iced tea a dessert-like richness. You’ll strain it later, so you get all the flavor without the chunky texture.

Frozen cherries add an extra layer of brightness and a more natural cherry profile. They also help cool the tea quickly, acting as fruity ice cubes that won’t water it down. If fresh cherries are in season, feel free to pit and use them instead.

Lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that balances out the sweetness. Just a squeeze will do, but if you like a bit more zing, you can add more to taste. Don’t skip it—this little detail really wakes up the whole drink.

Cinnamon sticks or vanilla extract are the secret to capturing that baked pie flavor. A cinnamon stick steeped with the tea gives warm, spiced undertones, while a drop of vanilla delivers that unmistakable “fresh from the oven” aroma.

You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe—just a large pot or kettle, a heatproof pitcher, a fine mesh strainer, and a wooden spoon for stirring.

How To Make This Cherry Pie Iced Tea

Bringing this luscious tea together is a breeze. It’s all about layering flavors and giving them just enough time to mingle and chill.

Start by brewing your tea. Bring four cups of water to a boil and steep 4–6 black tea bags for about 5–7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. If you're using a cinnamon stick, add it while the water is still hot so it has time to infuse.

While the tea steeps, prepare your cherry mixture. In a saucepan, combine one cup of cherry pie filling with a splash of water and a cup of frozen cherries. Heat gently over medium-low, just until the cherries begin to break down and the pie filling loosens into a pourable syrup. Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract if you're skipping the cinnamon.

Once both the tea and cherry mixture are ready, strain the cherry blend through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Press down with a spoon to extract all the syrupy goodness, leaving solids behind. Then, pour in the hot tea and stir well to combine the flavors.

Add a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice, tasting as you go to find your preferred balance of tart and sweet. If the tea is too strong or syrupy, feel free to add cold water or ice to dilute it slightly.

Pop the whole pitcher into the fridge and let it chill for at least 1–2 hours. This not only cools the tea but also allows the flavors to meld into something magical. Serve over ice with a few whole cherries or a lemon wheel for garnish.

Altogether, this recipe takes about 20 minutes of active time and just a bit of patience while it cools. What you’re left with is a vibrant, refreshing iced tea that tastes like summer in a glass.

Storage Options

This iced tea keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days, making it ideal for prepping ahead of a party or sipping throughout the week. Store it in a tightly sealed glass pitcher or a lidded jar to keep it fresh.

If you want to freeze it, pour the tea into ice cube trays and use them to chill future batches without dilution. You can also blend the cubes with fresh tea for a frozen slushie-style drink.

Leftover cherry syrup (if you make extra) can be refrigerated in a jar for up to a week. It’s perfect for stirring into plain tea, sparkling water, or even drizzling over vanilla ice cream.

When reheating isn’t required, this iced tea is best served cold. If it separates a bit in the fridge, just give it a quick stir before pouring.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Cherry Pie Iced Tea is how flexible it is. With a few tweaks, you can completely change the flavor profile while keeping the spirit of the drink intact.

For a peach pie twist, swap the cherry pie filling for peach pie filling and use peach slices instead of cherries. Add a touch of nutmeg or a drop of almond extract for a sweet, southern flair.

If you're craving a lower-sugar version, use unsweetened frozen cherries and skip the pie filling altogether. Instead, sweeten to taste with honey, stevia, or maple syrup.

Want a more citrusy vibe? Replace some of the water with orange juice, or steep lemon or orange peel with the tea bags. A few sprigs of fresh mint can also add a refreshing note.

For a cocktail-friendly version, add a splash of bourbon or cherry liqueur just before serving. It turns this innocent iced tea into a grown-up treat perfect for summer evenings.

Don’t be afraid to play around. This recipe is more of a template than a rulebook—once you master the base, you can mix and match flavors to suit your mood or the season.