Ingredients
- Water: 8 cups
- Black tea bags: 4
- Fresh cherries, pitted and halved: 1 cup
- Sugar: 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Ice cubes: As needed
- Cherry juice: 1/2 cup
- Fresh mint sprigs: For garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on desired strength. Remove tea bags and discard.
- Step 2: In the same saucepan, combine the pitted and halved cherries, sugar, and remaining 4 cups of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the cherries soften slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Step 3: Remove the cherry mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the cherry mixture. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, discarding the solids.
- Step 4: Add the brewed tea, cherry juice, and lemon juice to the pitcher with the strained cherry mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the cherry iced tea for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
- Step 6: Serve the cherry iced tea over ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and extra cherries, if desired.
Notes
- Store leftover cherry iced tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the flavor is best within the first 24 hours.
- While not ideal, you can add a splash of boiling water to a single serving to slightly warm it, but avoid fully reheating to preserve the fresh flavor.
- Garnish each glass with a sugar-rimmed edge and a cherry for an extra-special presentation.
- For a bolder cherry flavor, muddle a handful of fresh cherries directly in your glass before adding the iced tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American