We are head-over-heels for this Instant Pot blackberry iced tea recipe. The blend of juicy, fresh blackberries, fragrant basil, and lemon juice is a real thirst quencher!
It’s perfect chilled, over ice as the ultimate thirst-quencher. Obviously, we love it on hot days, but it’s sippable year-round. Sweet, fruity, and easy to customize, you’ve got to try this berry-based, herby tea. The whole family will love it.
And if you love this iced tea recipe, be sure to check out our other summer favorites like zesty pasta salad, our classic Italian sub sandwich or our chile lime shrimp kabobs!
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- It scales up: The Instant Pot can handle a larger batch!
- Naturally sweetened: Made with honey, this tea is a great alternative to sugary drinks.
- So easy: The Instant Pot makes brewing this tea quick and hassle-free, perfect for busy lives!
- Homemade feels: There’s nothing better than a pitcher of homemade ice tea- there is real satisfaction in making your own drink.
Ingredients and Substitution Notes
- Organic black tea bags: Organic black tea makes a strong base for this refreshing drink. You can substitute with green tea or herbal tea for a caffeine-free option.
- Fresh blackberries: If fresh blackberries aren’t available, frozen blackberries work just as well. You can also play around with other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
- Fresh basil: Chopped basil is fragrant, and we find it goes really well with blackberries. Substitute with fresh mint, or you can leave it out.
- Honey: This naturally sweetens the tea. Use maple syrup or agave nectar as vegan alternatives.
- Fresh lemon juice: The tangy flavor of fresh lemon balances the sweet tea. Lime juice can be used as a substitute for a slightly different citrus profile.
- Fresh Blackberries and Basil Sprigs: These are optional but make lovely garnishes.
See recipe card for quantities.
Variations of this Instant Pot Blackberry Iced Tea
- Super fruity: Make it with a mix of blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Add sliced peaches or mangoes if you like.
- Added citrus: Use lime or orange juice instead of lemon. Add thin slices of citrus fruits directly to the blackberry ice tea.
- Green tea base: Substitute black tea with green tea for a lighter, more earthy flavor. Use caffeine-free herbal tea, like chamomile or hibiscus – we love how soothing these are.
- Sparkling blackberry tea: Mix the brewed tea with sparkling water or club soda. Serve over blackberry or tea ice cubes.
- Spiced: Add some cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced version. Use whole and not ground spices. Brew with a slice of fresh ginger. So good!
- Boozy: Make a grown-up version with vodka, gin, or a little rum. You could also play around with a blackberry liqueur.
- Creamy tea latte: Mix the brewed tea with some coconut milk, almond milk, or cream.
Top Tips
There’s not much to making this recipe. Having said that, here’s how to make it next-level good:
- To reduce bitterness: Add some (just a pinch) of baking soda before brewing and remove tea bags as soon as the pressure has been fully released.
- Use filtered water: This is optional – filtered water has a more neutral taste.
- Use fresh tea: Tea can sometimes sit for months in the pantry and become stale. The flavor reduces when this happens. Make sure you use fresh tea that is well within its expiry date.
- Don’t steep too long: This will make the tea turn bitter.
- Gently mash the blackberries: Do it without crushing the seeds, as this can make them taste bitter.
- Taste and adjust: Taste as you go and adjust the level of sweetness, little by little.
- Chill well: Let the tea cool first before putting it into the fridge. You want it well chilled for delicious, refreshing results.
Storage Notes
Store the cooled Instant Pot iced tea in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the best flavor, strain out any leftover blackberries or basil before storing to prevent the tea from becoming too strong.
Freezing
While this tea is best fresh, you can freeze it for later use.
Pour the cooled tea into an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space for expansion. You can also freeze them as ice cubes.
Store frozen tea for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.
FAQ
We recommend straining it to remove the mashed blackberries and basil for a smoother tea.
Yes! Use herbal tea or decaffeinated black tea to make a caffeine-free version while keeping the same delicious flavors.
Repurpose them! Add the mashed blackberries to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. Bake them into a simple cake or muffin batter.
Freeze some of the brewed tea in an ice cube tray and use these tea cubes in your glass instead of regular ice.
Yes, although it’s designed to be iced, you can serve it warm. Skip the chilling step and serve immediately after brewing.
Related
Looking for other sweet treats like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Instant Pot blackberry iced tea:
Instant Pot Blackberry Iced Tea
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 c. water
- 6 organic black tea bags paper tags removed
- 1½ c. fresh blackberries divided
- 2 T. fresh basil chopped
- ½ c. honey preferably local
- ½ c. water
- 2 T. fresh lemon juice
Optional Garnish
- Fresh blackberries
- Fresh basil sprigs
Instructions
- Add water, tea bags, and a half cup blackberries to Instant Pot and stir to combine. Add lid and lock into place. Switch the vent to “Sealing” and set the “Manual” setting to 5 minutes.
- While the tea is brewing, add remaining blackberries, basil, honey, and water to saucepan set over medium heat. Cook, gently pressing on the blackberries to release their juices while continually stirring the mixture to combine, for 4-5 minutes. Once honey is completely melted and the mixture starts to thicken, remove from heat and set aside.
- When cook time on Instant Pot is complete, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully strain hot tea mixture with a fine mesh strainer. Pour the reserved liquid into a large, heat-resistant pitcher and sweeten with the blackberry honey simple syrup, to taste. Add fresh lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately over ice with fresh blackberries and a sprig of fresh basil for garnish. Enjoy!
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