Cherry Ginger Iced Tea Recipe – Refreshing & Easy to Make
One of my favorite things to make in the spring and summer is cherry ginger iced tea. It’s perfect for making in big batches, keeping in the fridge, and serving over ice in my favorite mason jar.
When cherries are in season from May to July, I love adding fresh ones for an extra touch. The tea is tart from the cherry juice, warm and slightly spicy from the ginger, and just sweet enough from the honey—so refreshing and easy to sip all day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (or about 1 ½ cups cherry juice)
- 1-2 inches of fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups water (for steeping)
- 4-5 black tea bags (or green tea if you prefer)
- 1-2 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, adjust to sweetness preference)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for extra zest)
Instructions:
Make Cherry-Ginger Syrup:
- In a saucepan, add the cherries, ginger slices, and about 1 cup of water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the cherries are softened and the flavors infuse.
- Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash the cherries and release their juices.
- Strain the mixture into a bowl or pitcher, discarding the solids, and set the liquid aside to cool.
Brew the Tea:
- In another saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and add your tea bags.
- Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool.
Combine & Sweeten:
- Once both the cherry-ginger syrup and brewed tea have cooled to room temperature, mix them together in a large pitcher.
- Add honey or sugar to taste if you like it sweeter. Stir well to dissolve.
Serve:
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the cherry-ginger tea over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices if desired.
- Enjoy your refreshing Cherry Ginger Iced Tea!
Personal Experience
This drink has a nice balance of fruity cherry sweetness and the spicy kick from the ginger. It’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon. Do you think you’ll give it a try?
