Refreshing Instant Pot Iced Tea

Here’s my go-to recipe for instant pot iced tea, which gives you perfect tea every time without having to watch the pot or wait for it to cool down. I love how the instant pot takes all the guesswork out of brewing tea, and you end up with a crisp, refreshing drink in no time.

This has become my summer staple, and I make a fresh batch every few days. My kids actually prefer it to store-bought tea, and it’s so much cheaper than buying it by the gallon. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness exactly how you like it!

What Kind of Tea Should I Use?

For iced tea, you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to choosing your tea bags. Regular black tea like Lipton or Luzianne are classic choices that give you that traditional Southern-style iced tea taste. If you want to mix things up, you can try English Breakfast or Orange Pekoe tea bags – both make excellent iced tea with slightly different flavor notes. For the best results, look for tea bags specifically labeled for iced tea, as they’re usually blended to taste good when chilled and won’t get cloudy when cooled. Just remember that cheaper tea bags might leave you with a bitter taste, so it’s worth spending a little extra on good quality ones that’ll give you a smooth, refreshing drink.

Options for Substitutions

Making iced tea is pretty simple, and there’s plenty of room to switch things up:

• Standard teabags: Feel free to experiment with different tea varieties – green tea, Earl Grey, or herbal teas all work great. Just keep in mind that some teas might need less steeping time. For example, green tea should steep for only 3-4 minutes to avoid bitterness.
• Splenda/Sugar: The sweetener is totally up to you! Try honey, agave nectar, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener. If using honey, start with ¼ cup since it’s sweeter than sugar. For stevia, check the package for conversion rates as brands can vary.
• Water: Water is pretty much non-negotiable here, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can replace 1 cup of the water with coconut water for a tropical twist. Just remember that coconut water adds its own sweetness, so you might want to reduce the sweetener.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making Instant Pot iced tea is using too many tea bags or steeping for too long, which can result in bitter, overly tannic tea that’s unpleasant to drink – stick to the recommended amount and time (3-4 minutes at high pressure) for the perfect balance.

Another common error is adding sweetener while the tea is still hot and not accounting for the fact that cold beverages need more sweetening, so it’s best to start with a little less sugar than you think you need and adjust after cooling.

For the smoothest results, avoid releasing the pressure immediately after cooking – instead, let it naturally release for 5-10 minutes to prevent the tea from becoming cloudy, and always cool your tea to room temperature before adding ice to prevent it from becoming diluted.

A quick pro tip: if you want to make your tea extra clear and smooth, try running it through a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter after cooking to remove any tea particles.

What to Serve With Iced Tea?

Iced tea is such a refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with all kinds of summer foods and snacks! A slice of lemon pound cake or fresh-baked cookies make this drink feel extra special, while classic Southern dishes like fried chicken or pulled pork sandwiches are natural partners for a tall glass of sweet tea. For a casual afternoon, try serving your iced tea with some salty snacks like pretzels or potato chips – the contrast between sweet and salty is really satisfying. If you’re serving it at a party or gathering, keep some fresh lemon slices, mint sprigs, and maybe even some peach slices nearby so everyone can customize their drink.

Storage Instructions

Keep Cool: Pour your freshly made iced tea into a pitcher or glass container with a tight-fitting lid and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days. The flavor is actually best after the first 24 hours when everything has had a chance to meld together!

Serve: Give your tea a quick stir before serving, as some settling might occur. Pour over ice and enjoy! If you find it’s gotten a bit strong in the fridge, just add a splash of cold water to adjust it to your taste.

Make Ahead: This iced tea is perfect for making ahead! I like to brew a batch on Sunday for the whole week. You can even make a double batch – just make sure you have enough room in your fridge to store it.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	20-25 minutes
Total Time	25-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 0-50
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0-25 g

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 4 standard teabags (Lipton black tea recommended for classic flavor)
• 1/4 cup Splenda

Step 1: Prepare for Cooking

Start by ensuring all your ingredients are ready.

Pour everything into your Instant Pot, ensuring you don’t exceed the maximum fill line.

This step is crucial for even cooking and safety while using the Instant Pot.

Step 2: Cook Under High Pressure

Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally for at least 15 minutes.

This gradual release of pressure helps to lock in the flavors and maintain the texture of the ingredients.

Step 3: Cool and Serve

After the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly, so it’s safe to handle.

Then, serve the mixture over ice for a refreshing presentation.

This step is perfect for enjoying a chilled treat or beverage that is both flavorful and satisfying.