Cherry Lemon Iced Tea
A bright, fruity iced tea combining freshly brewed tea, tart lemon, and sweet cherry for a refreshing summer drink.
What is this drink?
Cherry Lemon Iced Tea is a bright, fruity non-alcoholic iced tea that combines freshly brewed black tea with tart lemon juice and sweet cherry syrup for a refreshing summer drink that balances the tea's tannic depth with beautiful fruit flavors.
Why you'll love it
The familiar comfort of iced tea is elevated by the tart brightness of lemon and the sweet-fruity depth of cherry, creating a drink that is simultaneously refreshing, fruity, and deeply satisfying — like sweet tea's more interesting, sophisticated cousin.
When to serve
Perfect for summer picnics, backyard cookouts, family gatherings, garden parties, or any warm-weather occasion where a beautiful, naturally fruity iced tea is exactly the right refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink.
Pro tip
Make a simple cherry syrup by simmering equal parts pitted fresh cherries and sugar with a splash of water until reduced and fragrant, then strain — the homemade version has a depth and natural cherry flavor that commercial cherry syrup cannot match.
Brewed Black Tea
Strong-brewed and chilled black tea provides the tannic, earthy backbone of this iced tea — it is what makes this a proper tea drink rather than a flavored juice, and its slight bitterness beautifully balances the cherry and lemon sweetness.
Cherry Syrup or Fresh Cherries
Sweet, fruity cherry syrup or muddled fresh cherries provide the drink's most distinctive flavor layer — rich, juicy, and naturally sweet with a beautiful deep color that transforms the tea into a strikingly gorgeous drink.
Swap Options
Use green tea instead of black tea for a lighter, less tannic base. Replace cherry syrup with raspberry or blackberry syrup for a different berry character. Add fresh thyme to the cherry syrup for a herbaceous, grown-up cherry lemon iced tea.
Prepare tea base
Brew black tea, chill it in the fridge or over an ice bath until cold.
Tips:
- •Use strong brew (steep 4–5 minutes) for robust flavor once diluted.
Combine ingredients
In a pitcher or glass, stir chilled tea with lemon juice, cherry syrup, and simple syrup (if using).
Tips:
- •Taste and adjust sweetness with more simple syrup if needed.
Serve over ice
Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the tea mixture over the ice.
Tips:
- •For a smoother texture, strain if you used muddled cherries.
Garnish and finish
Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherries; serve with a straw.
Tips:
- •Lightly muddle a cherry in the glass for extra cherry aroma if desired.
- Make a cherry syrup by simmering equal parts pitted cherries and sugar with a little water, then strain.
- Use iced tea concentrate for faster prep and stronger flavor.
- For a fizzy version, top with a splash of sparkling water before serving.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Green Tea Cherry Lemonade
Replace black tea with chilled green tea for a lighter, more delicate, less tannic base that allows the cherry and lemon to shine more prominently. Green tea's grassy, slightly sweet character creates a more refreshing, less robust variation that is excellent for those who prefer lighter, more floral tea drinks.
Raspberry Lemon Iced Tea
Replace cherry syrup with fresh raspberry syrup for a tarter, more acidic berry variation. Raspberry's sharper, more vibrant character contrasts more assertively with the lemon and creates a brighter, more intensely fruity iced tea with a gorgeous deep-pink color that is visually striking in a clear glass.
Cherry Thyme Iced Tea
Add two fresh thyme sprigs when making the cherry syrup, steeping them with the cherries for a herbaceous, aromatic sophistication that transforms this summer drink into something genuinely complex and grown-up. The thyme's earthy, slightly floral quality elevates the cherry's sweetness into an unexpected but beautifully complementary combination.
Tools that make this drink come together
Tea Kettle or Pot
Boiling water for brewing the tea base is the foundational step of this drink. Steep black tea at full boiling temperature for 4-5 minutes for a robust, full-flavored base that remains present and flavorful even after being diluted by ice and cherry syrup.
Citrus Juicer
Fresh lemon juice is a key flavor component and a citrus juicer extracts it cleanly and efficiently. Pre-squeezed commercial lemon juice lacks the bright, aromatic character of fresh — the small effort of juicing fresh lemons makes a noticeable difference in the final drink's vibrancy.
Small Saucepan
If making homemade cherry syrup — which is strongly recommended for the best possible flavor — a small saucepan simmers pitted cherries with sugar and water into a fragrant, deeply flavored syrup. The homemade version has a fresh, natural cherry depth that commercial syrups cannot match.
Can't Find These?
Use any pot for tea and any fine strainer to clarify the brew. Squeeze lemons by hand over a bowl. Commercial cherry syrup works well if making your own feels too involved. This is an extremely approachable recipe that produces excellent results with whatever basic kitchen equipment is on hand.
The right glass makes a real difference
Tall Clear Glass or Mason Jar
A tall, clear glass or wide-mouthed Mason jar is the perfect vessel for Cherry Lemon Iced Tea — both showcase the drink's stunning deep red-amber color beautifully and provide ample room for a generous amount of ice, the full pour of fruity tea, and an elegant garnish of a lemon wheel and two fresh cherries perched on the rim.
Alternatives
A stemmed iced tea glass creates an elegant, Southern-inspired presentation for garden parties. A large stemless wine glass works beautifully for brunch. Any tall, clear vessel that holds at least 14 ounces accommodates this drink comfortably and shows off its gorgeous color to full effect.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
BLT Sandwich
A classic BLT sandwich on toasted bread pairs effortlessly with cherry lemon iced tea — the sandwich's familiar, satisfying combination of smoky bacon, fresh tomato, and crisp lettuce is a natural match for the sweet-tart, fruity tea, creating a quintessential summer lunch combination.
Cherry Pie or Tart
A slice of classic cherry pie or a petite cherry tart amplifies the iced tea's cherry character in dessert form, creating a cohesive, cherry-forward combination that feels intentionally matched. The pastry's buttery richness and the drink's tart, fruity acidity balance each other beautifully.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
A creamy chicken salad sandwich on soft white bread is a classic Southern picnic pairing for sweet fruity iced tea. The sandwich's mild, creamy character provides a gentle contrast to the tea's tart lemon and sweet cherry, making each sip feel fresh and palate-cleansing between bites.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A summer fruit salad with cherries, peaches, strawberries, and mint echoes the iced tea's fruity character in refreshing side-dish form. Serving the fruit salad alongside the cherry lemon iced tea creates a beautiful, cohesive summer spread that feels coordinated and thoughtfully assembled.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Brew Tea in Bulk
Brew a full liter or more of strong black tea — use twice the usual amount of tea bags for a robust concentrate — then cool completely and refrigerate in a sealed pitcher for up to three days. Having a large batch of brewed tea ready is the most practical make-ahead step for a party or for daily iced tea preparation.
Make Cherry Syrup Ahead
Simmer two cups of pitted cherries with one cup of sugar and half a cup of water for 15 minutes, mash lightly, and strain. The finished cherry syrup keeps refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to two weeks, allowing instant, perfectly sweetened cherry iced tea assembly throughout the week.
Freeze Cherry Lemon Ice Cubes
Mix cherry syrup with lemon juice and freeze in an ice cube tray. Using cherry-lemon ice cubes instead of plain ice means the drink becomes more flavorful rather than diluted as the cubes melt — an elegant trick for elegant presentation and ideal for party punch bowls.
Pre-Mix a Party Pitcher
Combine brewed tea, cherry syrup, and lemon juice in a large pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before an event. The flavors meld and deepen during refrigeration, actually improving the taste. Add ice only at serving time to prevent dilution — never add ice to the pitcher ahead of time.
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