One of my favorite things to make in the spring/summer is a large pitcher of 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 fresh cherry 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 (with extra ice).
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 love to make tea with black cherry black tea (a loose tea), for the most cherry flavor. Cherry juice the tartness, and ginger a bit of spice. I sweeten it with honey, but you can use stevia or a non-sugar sweetener instead.

For the Tea:

Tart cherry juice – it gives the tea that deep tart 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. If you can, use a loose leaf tea rather than a tea bag. And soak the loose leaf with a loose tea infuser.
Fresh ginger – is the best, if you can't find fresh organic minced ginger try a fresh canned pre minced
Honey – The best sweetener for this iced tea. If you prefer a sugar-free option, try monk fruit or stevia.
Filtered Water – To brew the tea.

Ingredients for Cherry Ginger Iced Tea images and list

Tip: Use Tart Cherry Juice!

I prefer tart cherry juice for this recipe because it has a bold, tangy taste that’s great in this tea. If using regular cherry juice, start with less honey and adjust to taste.

Garnish Ideas:

Fresh cherries (especially during cherry season) – Add right before serving.
Fresh Mint sprigs – A fresh, light touch.
Lemon slices – If you love citrus, add a few for extra citrus.

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

First bring water to a boil. Add the black tea bags or loose tea diffuser. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Minced Ginger and Sweeten

Remove the tea bags (or loose tea diffuser). Stir in the ginger and honey while the tea is still slightly warm.

Step 3: Add Cherry Juice and Chill

When it cools, pour in the tart cherry juice and stir. Pour the tea to a glass 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

Add ice to glasses 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. It's so perfect in the spring and hot summer days.

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 Cherry Tea, Try These Next

If you love cherry ginger iced tea, try these fresh juices:

Refreshing Jugo de Lulo – A tangy, citrusy juice made from lulo, also known as “little orange.”
Passion Fruit Juice – Sweet, tart, and full of tropical flavor.
Wild Blueberry Water – Light, fruity, and perfect for staying hydrated (wild blueberries).
Colombian Coconut Limeade – A creamy, tropical limeade blended with coconut milk.

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.

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!

Olga