Instant Pot Blackberry Iced Tea
Tired of the same old drinks? Blackberry iced tea is fruity, fresh, and ridiculously easy to make. One sip and you’ll want to keep a pitcher in the fridge all week.
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A refreshing beverage menu should be all about variety, simplicity, and seasonal flavors. If you’re planning a get-together, drinks are probably already on your mind.
Don’t worry—these recipes are usually easy to make, and you can prepare them in batches! Think fruity iced teas, citrusy lemonades, infused waters, and maybe a sparkling option or two.
Why not start with a berry-licious Instant Pot drink?
This blackberry iced tea offers a fun and fruity twist on classic iced tea, with the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that will instantly perk up your taste buds.
The pressure brings out more flavor from the tea and berries, so you get a stronger taste in less time.
How to Make the Best Instant Pot® Blackberry Iced Tea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes active (+ time to come to pressure)
Natural Release: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6
Equipment:
- Instant Pot®
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving glasses
- Pitcher
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
- fresh basil sprigs, optional
Instructions:
Step 1: Add water, tea bags, and half a cup of blackberries to the Instant Pot® and stir to combine. Secure the lid and lock it into place.
Step 2: Switch the vent to “Sealing” and set the “Manual” setting to 5 minutes.
Step 3: While the tea is brewing, add the remaining blackberries, basil, honey, and water to a saucepan set over medium heat.
Step 4: Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, gently pressing on the blackberries to release their juices while stirring continuously. Once the honey has fully melted and the mixture begins to thicken, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Step 5: When the cook time on the Instant Pot® is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Carefully strain the 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.
Step 7: Add fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. Serve immediately over ice with fresh blackberries and a sprig of fresh basil for garnish.
What to Serve with Homemade Instant Pot® Blackberry Iced Tea
So, you’ve made this vibrant and delicious iced tea—now what should go with it?
- Brunch favorites: This drink is perfect next to waffles, scones, or egg bites. The fruity flavor balances well with both sweet and savory dishes.
- Cookout sides: Serve this with grilled chicken, veggie skewers, or a pasta salad for a fresh and satisfying combo.
- Light desserts: Go for berry tarts, lemon cookies, or shortcakes. This iced tea complements fruity desserts without making things overly sweet.
- Charcuterie boards: A pitcher of this tea next to a grazing board of cheeses, crackers, and berries? Yes, please. The flavors play off each other so nicely.
Tips About Making Instant Pot® Blackberry Iced Tea from Scratch
- Taste and adjust the sweetness: Everyone’s sweetness level is different. After adding the syrup, give your tea a quick taste and adjust the honey or lemon juice if needed.
- Use herbal or green tea instead of black tea: If you’re sensitive to caffeine or just want to try something lighter, feel free to swap in herbal teas like hibiscus or a fruity green tea. These tea options still go nicely with the blackberries and basil.
- Try it with flavored ice cubes: Freeze extra blackberry syrup or lemon juice into ice cube trays. You won’t lose any flavor, even as the ice melts.
How to Store Instant Pot® Blackberry Iced Tea
- Fridge: Pour any leftover iced tea into a sealed pitcher or bottle and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days.
- Serve cold: This tea tastes best when served chilled over ice. If you made it ahead, just give it a quick stir before pouring to blend everything evenly.
- Freeze the syrup: Got extra blackberry-basil syrup? Freeze it in an ice cube tray and use it to chill and flavor future drinks.
Must-Have Extras for Blackberry Iced Tea Lovers
Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle
Drinking blackberry iced tea without the seeds gives you a smoother, more enjoyable texture. Get a strainer with a sturdy handle so it’s easy to hold over your pitcher or bowl.
Glass Pitcher with Lid
Once your tea is ready, pour it into a glass pitcher to chill in the fridge and serve when needed. It also looks great on the table if you’re hosting guests!
Silicone Ice Cube Trays (Bonus: Freeze your syrup!)
These flexible ice cube trays are perfect for freezing extra blackberry syrup or lemon juice. Ready for your next glass? Just drop in a flavored ice cube, and it’ll add a boost of flavor as it melts.
FAQs About Making Instant Pot® Blackberry Iced Tea
Is blackberry iced tea good for you?
Yes, blackberry iced tea can be a refreshing and healthy drink, especially when made with real fruit and a natural sweetener like honey. It’s full of antioxidants from the blackberries and can be a lighter alternative to sugary sodas.
What is the best method for making iced tea?
Just add a mix of your favorite berries—like blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries—along with your tea bags and water.
You can use the same Instant Pot method as this blackberry iced tea recipe, or simmer the berries and sweetener separately to create a fruity syrup.
Hosting a cookout or brunch? You can make a big batch and serve your iced tea straight from the fridge or over ice.
It’s naturally sweet and fruity, something even your most health-conscious guests will want to have again and again. It comes with just the right amount of sweetness, and the berry flavor doesn’t overpower the tea.
Print
Instant Pot® Blackberry Iced Tea
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
Tired of the same old drinks? Blackberry iced tea is fruity, fresh, and ridiculously easy to make. One sip and you’ll want to keep a pitcher in the fridge all week.
Ingredients
- 8 c. water
- 6 organic black tea bags, paper tags removed
- 1 1/2 c. fresh blackberries, divided
- 2 T. fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 c. honey, preferably local
- 1/2 c. water
- 2 T. fresh lemon juice
- fresh blackberries, optional
- fresh basil sprigs, optional
Instructions
- Add water, tea bags, and half a cup of blackberries to the Instant Pot® and stir to combine. Secure the lid and lock it into place.
- Switch the vent to “Sealing” and set the “Manual” setting to 5 minutes.
- While the tea is brewing, add the remaining blackberries, basil, honey, and water to a saucepan set over medium heat.
- Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, gently pressing on the blackberries to release their juices while stirring continuously. Once the honey has fully melted and the mixture begins to thicken, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
- When the cook time on the Instant Pot® is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
- Carefully strain the 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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
