Ingredients
For the Homemade Cherry Syrup
- 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cake batter extract (optional)
For the Cherry Pie Iced Tea
- 2 cups Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea
- 4 tablespoons cherry pie syrup
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the cherries for syrup – In a saucepan, combine frozen cherries, granulated sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, mashing the cherries as they soften. Let the mixture simmer until the liquid slightly thickens; it will thicken more as it cools.
- Strain the syrup – Pour the cherry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or measuring cup. Press the cooked cherries to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
- Add extracts and cool – Stir in lemon juice, vanilla extract, butter extract, and the optional cake batter extract into the warm cherry syrup. Set aside to cool completely.
- Combine with tea – In a pitcher or glass, stir four tablespoons of the cooled cherry pie syrup into 2 cups of cold Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea. Adjust syrup amount for sweetness, if desired.
- Serve and garnish – Pour over ice and garnish with fresh cherries for an extra special touch. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- You can double or halve the syrup based on your needs.
- The syrup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use fresh cherries when in season for an even brighter flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter tea, add a bit more syrup to taste.
- The cake batter extract is optional but adds a lovely bakery note.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Sugar: 61g
- Sodium: 198mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 87g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
