Description
Cherry Iced Tea is a refreshing twist on classic iced tea, blending the natural sweetness of cherries with rich brewed tea. This easy-to-make beverage is perfect for hot days, offering a fruity, slightly tart flavor complemented by optional lemon juice and fresh mint garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherry Syrup
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
Tea
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or any tea of your choice, like green or herbal)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
To Serve
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make Cherry Syrup: In a small saucepan, simmer the pitted cherries, sugar, and 1/2 cup water over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Mash the cherries gently to release their juices, then strain the mixture through a fine sieve to separate the syrup. Set aside and let it cool to room temperature.
- Brew the Tea: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and steep the tea bags in the hot water for 4-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength. Allow the brewed tea to cool to room temperature.
- Combine Tea and Syrup: In a large pitcher, mix the cooled brewed tea and the cherry syrup thoroughly. Add lemon juice if you prefer a brighter, tangier flavor profile.
- Chill and Serve: Add ice cubes to the pitcher and stir to chill the tea evenly. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Pour the cherry iced tea into individual glasses filled with ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices for an extra refreshing touch before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar amount to taste depending on the sweetness of your cherries and personal preference.
- You can substitute black tea with green or herbal tea for different flavor profiles.
- For a smoother syrup, you can use a blender to puree cherries before simmering.
- If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, add more cherries or reduce the amount of water when making the syrup.
- The tea can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
