Step 1

Cut the strings off the tea bags. (Careful not to cut the actual tea bag because you don’t want loose tea floating around.)

Step 2

Open the Instant Pot lid and pour the water into the stainless steel inner pot. (Or, if using the stovetop, add all the ingredients to a large pot, steep/soak the tea bags in the boiling water for 10 minutes, and move on to step 8.)

Step 3

Then stir in the sugar and baking soda and add the tea bags.

Step 4

Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.

Step 5

When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.

Step 6

To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.

Step 7

Using oven mitts, remove the inner pot from the Instant Pot burner.

Step 8

Use a slotted spoon to remove the tea bags from the pot.

Step 9

Pour the tea into a pitcher and optionally add lemon wedges or fresh mint.

Step 10

Serve Black folks Southern sweet tea over ice, and enjoy!