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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Just steep, mix, and chill.
- Great to keep in the fridge – Make a big batch and enjoy it for days.
- The best balance of flavors – Tart, sweet, and a little spice from the ginger.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium pot
- Strainer
- Pitcher
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients You’ll Need (With Substitutions!)
I make this tea with black cherry black tea, which really brings out the cherry flavor. Cherry juice adds tartness, while ginger gives it that little kick. I sweeten it with honey, but you can use stevia or a non-sugar sweetener instead.
For the Tea:
- Tart cherry juice – Gives the tea that deep cherry flavor. Regular cherry juice is sweeter and works too.
- Organic Black tea (or cherry black tea, if available) – Cherry black tea will add even more cherry flavor.
- Fresh ginger – I highly recommend fresh ginger, but fresh organic minced ginger is a great option too.
- Honey – A natural sweetener. For a sugar-free option, try monk fruit or stevia.
- Water – For brewing the tea.
Tip: Use Tart Cherry Juice!
Tart cherry juice has a deep, slightly tangy taste that works really well in this tea. If using regular cherry juice, start with less honey and add more if needed.
For Serving:
- Fresh cherries – Added before serving for extra fruitiness.
- Mint sprigs – A fresh garnish.
- Lemon slices (optional) – If you like a little citrus flavor.
For exact quanities and measurements see the recipe card below.
Tips
Use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t in season – They work just as well.
Steep the tea just right – Too long, and it can turn bitter.
Chill before serving – Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours for the best taste.
How to Make Cherry Ginger Iced Tea
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Bring water to a boil. Add the black tea bags and sliced fresh ginger, then turn off the heat. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Minced Ginger and Sweeten
Remove the tea bags and discard them. Stir in the minced ginger and honey while the tea is still warm.
Step 3: Add Cherry Juice and Chill
Pour in the tart cherry juice and stir. Transfer the tea to a pitcher, then add fresh cherries and fresh mint leaves (if using). Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until cold.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Fill glasses with ice and add a few fresh cherries to each glass. Pour the cold cherry ginger tea over the ice, then garnish with mint and lemon slices if using.
Tip: Make It Ahead!
This tea tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. You can make it the day before and just stir before serving.
If You Love This, Try These Next
If you love cherry ginger iced tea, here are a few other refreshing drinks to try:
I love making these in big batches and keeping them chilled in the fridge. Let me know which one you try next!
How to Serve It
I love pouring this over ice with fresh cherries and a slice of lemon. If I want something a little different, I mix it with sparkling water for some fizz.
Leave a Comment
I love reading your comments, and I try to get to all of them! Have you made cherry ginger iced tea before? Let me know how you serve it!
Cherry Ginger Iced Tea
Cherry ginger iced tea – made with black cherry black tea, fresh ginger, and honey (or a non-sugar sweetener). Refreshing and easy to make in big batches.
-
1 Small Pot or Kettle
-
1 Measuring cups
-
1 Sharp Knife
-
1 Cutting Board
-
1 Pitcher
For the Tea:
- 4 cups water
- 3 black tea bags or cherry black tea, if available
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger thinly sliced
- ½ tbsp fresh ginger minced
- ¼ cup honey adjust to taste
- 1½ cups tart cherry juice
- ½ cup sliced fresh cherries (added to pitcher)
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves optional, for chilling
For Serving:
- ½ cup fresh cherries pitted
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Lemon slices optional
-
Brew the Tea – Bring water to a boil. Add tea bags and sliced ginger, then turn off the heat. Steep for 5-7 minutes.
-
Add Minced Ginger and Sweeten – Remove tea bags and discard them. Stir in minced ginger and honey while warm.
-
Add Cherry Juice and Chill – Pour in tart cherry juice and stir. Transfer to a pitcher, add fresh cherries and fresh mint leaves if using, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
-
Serve Over Ice – Fill glasses with ice and fresh cherries. Pour in chilled tea and garnish with mint and lemon slices.
Tip: Adjust the Sweetness
For a sweeter tea, add more honey. If using regular cherry juice, start with less honey and add more as needed. For a sugar-free option, use monk fruit or stevia.
