Ingredients
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4 cups water
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4 black tea bags (or cherry-flavored tea bags)
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1½ cups frozen or fresh tart cherries (pitted)
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⅓ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp almond extract (optional, for that “pie” flavor)
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Juice of 1 lemon
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Ice, for serving
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Fresh mint and cherry wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and let steep for 5–7 minutes. Discard the tea bags and let the tea cool.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the syrup into a bowl, pressing the solids to extract all the juices. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
In a large pitcher, mix the brewed tea with the cherry pie syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until fully chilled.
Pour over ice, garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves, and enjoy!