ππ₯€ Cherry Pie Iced Tea
Ingredients (Makes about 4 servings):
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4 cups water
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4 black tea bags (English Breakfast or your favorite strong black tea)
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1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries (or cherry pie filling, drained slightly)
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ΒΌ β Β½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tsp vanilla extract (to mimic the pie crust aroma)
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Ice cubes
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Fresh cherries and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
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Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions:
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Brew the tea:
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Bring water to a boil.
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Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 5β7 minutes (stronger tea gives better flavor).
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Remove tea bags and stir in sugar until dissolved.
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Let tea cool to room temperature.
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Prepare cherry syrup:
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In a small saucepan, combine cherries, a splash of water (about ΒΌ cup), and sugar (if desired for extra sweetness).
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Simmer over medium-low heat for 5β8 minutes until cherries soften and syrup thickens slightly.
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Mash some cherries with a fork for extra flavor.
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Strain the syrup through a fine sieve to remove solids, pressing down to extract juice.
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Let syrup cool.
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Mix the iced tea:
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In a pitcher, combine cooled tea, cherry syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
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Stir well.
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Serve:
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Fill glasses with ice.
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Pour cherry pie iced tea over ice.
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Garnish with fresh cherries, lemon slices, and mint if using.
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Tips:
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For a boozy twist, add a splash of bourbon or rum.
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Use sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy cherry pie spritz.
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Adjust sweetness and cherry flavor by varying syrup amount.
Want a sweet tea, herbal version, or maybe a frozen slushie twist? Iβve got you!