Once you make Instant Pot Iced Tea, you'll never make it the old-fashioned way again! This recipe is a super easy, hands-off method that makes the smoothest but strong iced tea you've ever had!

Why You'll Love This Strong Iced Tea Recipe

Consistent Flavor. The controlled temperature and pressure ensure a smooth, non-bitter taste every time.
Customizable. You can easily adjust the strength, sweetness, and flavor with different teas, fruits, or herbs.
Perfect for Bulk Batches. Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week. Just chill and pour over ice when ready.

I know, you're wondering what's wrong with your standard way of making tea on the stove top, or perhaps even your beautiful sun tea method of making tea.

I used to make tea in those ways as well. However, I didn't get to make tea as often as I'd like to have because they did require me to pay attention to what I was doing and remember to bring in the tea from outside and what not.

But mainly I prefer the Instant Pot method for the taste of the tea. It makes my tea taste both stronger and yet more mellow at the same time.

More and more, this is how I make my Iced Tea.

I'll be honest, when the first person posted about the tea I rolled my eyes, teenage girl style. I was like, really you people.

How hard is it to make tea on the stove? The answer is...harder than in the IP and not as good, not as strong, and actually not as economical. I reuse my bags at least twice.

When I first posted about this on the IP forum it started a great discussion on whether or not the tea would be bitter, should we add baking soda to keep it from being bitter, etc.

It got me thinking about why I think it is the tea is strong but not as bitter as stovetop tea.

What Does It Taste Like?

Instant Pot Iced Tea has a clean, smooth, and well-balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Because it brews under controlled heat and pressure, it avoids the bitterness that can come from over-steeping traditional tea.

The result is a rich, full-bodied taste where the natural tea notes shine through clearly.

Why This Recipe For Iced Tea Works

So for all of you who wondered about QPR (Quick Pressure Release) and NR (Natural Release), and wondered if the Tea would be bitter if boiled...

Under pressure, water doesn't boil at 212F. What pressure does is it raises the boiling point of liquids. So things heat up, but don't boil.
That's why the food in a pressure cooker tastes different than if it had been boiled on the stovetop or slow cooker.
Once the pressure is released with QR, the water does come to a vigorous boil. As the pressure goes down, the liquid returns to its original boiling point, which for water would be 212F.
This is why we don't QR most meats. People sometimes say it's to let the meat rest but it's actually to keep the meat from being boiled.
This is why when you QR, you have to be really careful as you open it, because as the pressure releases, the liquid inside starts to boil vigorously.
But if you let it NPR, it is less likely to boil. So your tea is being steeped in high temperature water--but not being boiled. I realized this last night as I was falling asleep. #iamanerd
So don't QPR. And your tea is being well-steeped, not boiled.

Ingredients You'll Need

4 Regular Teabags- The foundation of the drink, providing the classic tea flavor and aroma. You can use black tea for a bold, traditional taste, or green or herbal tea for a lighter, more delicate brew. The pressure from the Instant Pot helps extract rich, smooth flavor without bitterness.
6 Cups Water- Acts as the brewing liquid that infuses with the tea to create the perfect balance of flavor and dilution. The quantity ensures the tea isn’t too strong or too weak once chilled and served over ice.
1/4 Cup Splenda (or 1/2 Cup Sugar, Adjust to Taste)- Adds sweetness to the tea, balancing the natural tannins and enhancing its smoothness. Splenda keeps it low-carb and sugar-free, while sugar gives it a more traditional sweet tea flavor. Adjusting the amount allows you to tailor the sweetness to your preference.

How To Make Instant Pot Iced Tea

Pressure Cook. Pour everything into your Instant Pot and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes, and allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes.
Cool and Serve. Allow it to cool slightly and then serve over ice.

Tips And Tricks

Making Instant Pot Iced Tea is a simple and efficient way to brew a smooth, refreshing drink without the risk of bitterness. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to get the best results every time:

I usually use the teabags twice. For the second batch, I add 1-2 fresh teabags to the old ones and make another batch of tea.
My typical brew is 2 bags of decaf tea + 2 bags Chai flavored tea bags. This gives the tea a light chai flavor which is great over ice.
Make sure to you let it NPR, that way the tea will be steeped in hot water and not boiled. This is what gives it the strong, yet smooth, flavor.
You can also add a little condensed milk to make an excellent Thai Iced tea if you'd like.

Variations

Instant Pot Iced Tea is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize with different teas, flavors, and mix-ins to suit any taste or occasion. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Classic Lemon Iced Tea- Add freshly squeezed lemon juice or a few lemon slices after brewing for a bright, citrusy twist.
Mint Green Tea- Use green tea bags and add fresh mint leaves for a light, cooling, and refreshing drink.
Spiced Chai Iced Tea- Brew chai tea bags and add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom for a cozy, aromatic version served cold.

What To Enjoy With Instant Pot Iced Tea

Instant Pot Iced Tea is a versatile and refreshing drink that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals and snacks, from light lunches to summer barbecues. Here are some delicious ideas for what to enjoy with it:

Sandwiches and Wraps- Enjoy it alongside turkey avocado wraps, tuna sandwiches, or chicken salad croissants for a satisfying lunch.
Light Appetizers- Serve with finger foods like deviled eggs, cheese boards, or mini quiches for a refreshing balance.
Fruit and Cheese Pairings- Try fresh fruit like watermelon, pineapple, or strawberries with cheese for a simple, summery snack.

How Long Does It Last?

Instant Pot Iced Tea will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in a sealed glass pitcher or airtight container.

To maintain its clean flavor, make sure the tea has cooled completely before refrigerating, and avoid leaving the tea bags in after brewing, as this can cause bitterness over time.

If you’ve added fruit, herbs, or citrus slices, it’s best to strain them out after a day or two since they can alter the taste or cloud the tea.

When ready to serve, give the tea a quick stir and pour over fresh ice for the best flavor.

Can You Freeze It?

For optimal freshness and clarity, avoid freezing iced tea, as it can separate and lose its smooth texture once thawed.

More Instant Pot Drinks

This iced tea isn't the only drink you can make in your Instant Pot. If you're looking for other Instant Pot drink recipes, you might like:

This Agua de Jamaica recipe (Hibiscus Tea), which is a lovely, refreshing tea that's perfect for summer!
This Horchata recipe, which is every bit as good as the original, but faster and with less sugar!
If you want to make hot drinks, try my Instant Pot Masala Chai recipe!

So the next time you go to make tea on the stove top, get out your tea maker or make sun tea, bust out your Instant Pot instead and make this delicious Instant Pot Iced Tea! Don't forget to leave a comment letting me know how you liked it!