Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (150 grams) Fresh or Frozen Pitted Cherries
  • 1 cup (200 grams) Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup (240 mL) Filtered Water (for syrup)
  • 4 bags Quality Black Tea Bags (English Breakfast, Assam, or Ceylon)
  • 4 cups (960 mL) Boiling Water
  • 2 cups (480 mL) Cold Water (for immediate cooling)
  • 1 cup (240 mL) Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • Extra Cold Water (As needed for assembly)
  • Ice
  • Fresh Cherries and Lemon Slices (For garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place the cherries, sugar, and 1 cup of filtered water into a medium saucepan.
  2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved (about 3 minutes).
  3. Infuse & Macerate: Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon or muddler to gently press the cherries against the side of the pot to extract maximum juice.
  4. Strain and Cool: Pour the entire mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Press firmly on the solids to extract all liquid, discarding the pulp. Allow the finished syrup to cool completely to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator (approx. 30 minutes).
  5. Brew Strong Tea: Place the 4 black tea bags into a large pitcher. Pour 4 cups (960 mL) of boiling water directly over the bags. Steep the tea for 5 minutes maximum, then remove the bags immediately to prevent bitterness.
  6. Quick Cool & Chill: Stir in 2 cups (480 mL) of cold water immediately. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator until completely cold (45–60 minutes).
  7. Measure and Mix Lemonade Base: In a separate container, whisk together the chilled Cherry Simple Syrup and the fresh lemon juice.
  8. Combine Components: Pour the syrup/lemon mix into the large pitcher of chilled black tea. Stir thoroughly. If the mixture is too strong, top up with a little extra cold water until the flavor is perfectly balanced.
  9. Serve: Fill tall glasses with plenty of ice. Pour the Cherry Arnold Palmer over the ice. Garnish each glass with a few fresh cherries and a lemon slice or wedge.