made at home: cherry coconut iced tea

Cherry Coconut Iced Tea

• 1 lb. rainier cherries (pitted)
• 1/3 cup of shredded/sweetened coconut
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla abstract
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 4-5 black tea bags 
• 9 cups of water

   Combine the cherries, coconut, sugar, vanilla, water, and lemon juice into a large pot. Place ob the stove top and bring to a boil for about 20 minutes. Smash the cherries into the size of the pot after taking off the heat. Add the tea bags and let the mixture sit for 1 to 2 hours. After setting, strain the liquid over a bowl and squeeze the solids to get all the juices/tea out (some of my little pieces of coconut came through the strainer, but I was fine with that). Pour into a pitcher and serve over ice, and store in the refrigerator.

   This summer, I have kind of had this obsession with brewing iced teas. Almost everyday I will grab a jar, a package of tea, some water, and let the sun do its work. I had some Rainier Cherries that were almost to the state of tossing out, so I decide to make some flavored iced tea combination. The cherry and coconut have such complementing tastes, I knew this tea was going to be a delight. This sweet, refreshing tea is a perfect drink for any tea lover on a warm summer's afternoon. Enjoy!