Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This iced tea is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with the deep flavors of black tea, the fruity punch of fresh cherries, and the aromatic kick from ginger. Sweetened with honey, this drink offers a natural sweetness without being overpowering. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on a hot summer day or served at gatherings for a unique twist on regular iced tea.
Ingredients
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4 cups water
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2 black tea bags
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1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or 1/2 cup cherry juice)
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1-2 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
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2-3 tbsp honey (optional, adjust to taste)
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Ice cubes
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Boil the water and steep the black tea bags for 5-7 minutes, then remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool slightly.
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While the tea is steeping, peel and slice the fresh ginger. Pit and halve the cherries, or use cherry juice if preferred.
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In a separate small saucepan, combine the ginger and cherries (or cherry juice) with 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
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Strain the ginger and cherries from the liquid and add the infused mixture to the brewed tea in a large pitcher. Stir to blend the flavors.
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If you prefer a sweeter tea, add honey to taste while the mixture is still warm and stir until it dissolves completely.
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Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
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Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Cherry Ginger Iced Tea over the ice. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 5-10 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Sweeteners: If you prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as an alternative to honey.
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Fruit options: Add other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to customize the flavor.
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Spice it up: For extra heat, add more ginger or even a dash of cayenne pepper to bring a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the iced tea in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
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Reheating: This tea is best served chilled, but if you want to enjoy it warm, simply heat it up gently on the stove.
FAQs
Can I use bottled cherry juice instead of fresh cherries?
Yes, bottled cherry juice works well and will save you time. Use about 1/2 cup of juice in place of fresh cherries.
Can I make this iced tea ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this iced tea the night before and store it in the fridge overnight for even better flavor infusion.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the tea?
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to the tea while it’s still warm. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like stevia or agave syrup.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen cherries will work just as well as fresh cherries. You can use them directly without thawing.
Can I make this without ginger?
Yes, you can skip the ginger for a milder flavor, but it will change the overall profile of the drink.
Is Cherry Ginger Iced Tea caffeine-free?
Since it is made with black tea, it does contain caffeine. If you prefer a caffeine-free version, try using a decaffeinated black tea.
Can I serve this tea hot instead of cold?
This tea is delicious as an iced beverage, but you can enjoy it warm if you prefer. Just skip the chilling step and serve it hot.
Can I add alcohol to this iced tea?
Yes, this tea pairs well with alcohol. Try adding a splash of rum or vodka for an adult twist.
How long will the iced tea stay fresh in the fridge?
This iced tea will stay fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
What other herbs can I use in this tea?
You can add herbs like mint, basil, or thyme for a different flavor twist.
Conclusion
Cherry Ginger Iced Tea is a delicious and refreshing beverage perfect for summer days. With its balance of sweetness from the cherries and honey and a bit of zing from fresh ginger, it’s a drink that will impress your guests and keep you cool. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s the ultimate iced tea for warm weather enjoyment!
Cherry Ginger Iced Tea
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage, Iced Tea
- Method: Stovetop, Infusion
- Cuisine: American, Refreshing Drinks
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cherry Ginger Iced Tea is a vibrant and refreshing drink that combines the bold flavors of black tea, sweet cherries, and the zing of fresh ginger. This naturally sweetened iced tea is perfect for hot summer days, offering a balance of tart and sweet with a kick of spice. It’s easy to make, customizable with fruit variations, and perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
4 cups water
2 black tea bags
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or 1/2 cup cherry juice)
1–2 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
2–3 tbsp honey (optional, adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Instructions
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Boil the water and steep the black tea bags for 5-7 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.
-
Peel and slice the fresh ginger. Pit and halve the cherries, or use cherry juice if preferred.
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In a small saucepan, combine the ginger and cherries (or cherry juice) with 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Strain the ginger and cherries from the liquid, then add the infused mixture to the brewed tea in a large pitcher. Stir to blend the flavors.
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Add honey to taste while the tea is still warm, and stir until dissolved.
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Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
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Serve the tea over ice cubes and enjoy!
Notes
Sweetener alternatives: Try maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer something other than honey.
Fruit variations: You can experiment with raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a unique flavor twist.
Spice it up: For an extra zing, increase the ginger or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
