Watermelon Sweet Tea

Published: June 14, 2025

by Olivia

Watermelon Sweet Tea – Cool off at your next barbecue with an icy glass of watermelon sweet tea! This recipe is a refreshing way to enjoy summer and is from Ed Mitchell’s Barbeque by Ed and Ryan Mitchell. Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, this drink combines the sweetness of watermelon with the refreshing taste of iced tea, making it a standout beverage for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Taste: The combination of sweet watermelon and tea creates a delightful flavor that is sure to quench your thirst.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this drink in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it at barbecues, picnics, or just as a cool treat at home. It fits any summer event!
Healthy Hydration: Watermelon is hydrating and packed with nutrients, making this drink a healthy choice.
Customizable Garnish: Add fresh mint leaves for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Watermelon Sweet Tea, having the right tools makes all the difference. Gather these essential items before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Blender or food processor
Large saucepan
Gallon-sized pitcher
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Blender or food processor: Essential for pureeing watermelon chunks efficiently to achieve a smooth texture.
Large saucepan: Necessary for boiling water and dissolving sugar, ensuring an even mix for your sweet tea.
Gallon-sized pitcher: Ideal for holding the final mixture; its size allows for easy pouring into multiple glasses.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Tea Base

1 cup granulated sugar
2 quarts filtered water
6 tea bags (Luzianne preferred)

For the Watermelon Puree

12 cups seeded watermelon chunks
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Optional Garnish

Fresh mint leaves

How to Make Watermelon Sweet Tea

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Tea Base

In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and filtered water.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Boil until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid is clear.
Remove from heat, add the tea bags, cover, and steep for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Watermelon Puree

Working in batches, puree the seeded watermelon chunks and lime juice in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp, transferring it to a gallon-sized pitcher.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Remove the tea bags from the sweet tea base.
Add the steeped tea to the pitcher with watermelon puree; do not add ice yet.
Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish each glass with 2 fresh mint leaves if desired, then serve immediately.

Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Sweet Tea!

How to Serve Watermelon Sweet Tea

Watermelon sweet tea is a delightful drink perfect for summer gatherings. Here are some creative ways to serve this refreshing beverage at your next event.

Garnish with Fresh Mint

Adding fresh mint leaves not only enhances the flavor but also gives your drink a vibrant look.

Serve in Mason Jars

Mason jars add a rustic charm and are perfect for outdoor settings, making your watermelon sweet tea feel even more special.

Create a Drink Station

Set up a drink station with watermelon sweet tea, ice, and various garnishes like lime slices and mint. Let guests customize their drinks!

Pair with Fresh Fruit Skewers

Offer skewers of seasonal fruits alongside the drinks. They complement the flavors of watermelon sweet tea beautifully.

Use Fun Straws

Brightly colored straws can make drinking more enjoyable, especially for kids. They add a festive touch to your serving.

Chill Your Glasses

Chill the glasses in the freezer before serving to keep the watermelon sweet tea icy cold for longer.

How to Perfect Watermelon Sweet Tea

To ensure your watermelon sweet tea comes out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Choose ripe watermelon: A ripe watermelon will provide the best flavor and sweetness for your drink.
Use high-quality tea bags: Opt for Luzianne or another quality brand to enhance the overall taste of your sweet tea.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar amount based on your preference; less sugar can make it healthier.
Chill thoroughly: Allowing the mixture to chill completely before serving ensures that it remains refreshingly cold.
Experiment with flavors: Add additional fruits like strawberries or peaches for an exciting twist on traditional watermelon sweet tea.
Store properly: Keep any leftover watermelon sweet tea in the refrigerator, where it can last up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Sweet Tea

Pairing side dishes with your watermelon sweet tea elevates the whole experience. Here are some tasty options to consider.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs complement the sweetness of the drink perfectly.
Caprese Salad: The fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes create a light dish that pairs wonderfully with watermelon flavors.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn offers a classic summer side that balances out the sweetness of your beverage.
Pasta Salad: A refreshing pasta salad with vegetables makes an excellent side dish for outdoor meals.
Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits enhances hydration and freshness, matching well with watermelon sweet tea.
Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs provide savory contrast while being easy to prepare and serve at gatherings.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil creates a delightful appetizer to enjoy alongside your drink.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges give a satisfying crunch that pairs nicely with the smooth texture of watermelon sweet tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Watermelon Sweet Tea can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Using Regular Sugar – Regular sugar can give a gritty texture. Opt for granulated sugar, which dissolves better in the tea.
Not Steeping Long Enough – If you don’t steep the tea bags long enough, the flavor might be weak. Always steep for at least 15 minutes for a robust taste.
Skipping the Straining Process – Pureeing watermelon and skipping straining can lead to a chunky drink. Strain carefully to ensure a smooth consistency.
Adding Ice Too Soon – If you add ice directly to the mix, it can dilute your drink quickly. Pour into ice-filled glasses just before serving.
Neglecting Lime Juice – Omitting lime juice can lead to a flat flavor profile. The acidity enhances the sweetness of the watermelon.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight pitcher or container.
Watermelon Sweet Tea will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Watermelon Sweet Tea

Freeze in ice cube trays for easy use later.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw before serving.

Reheating Watermelon Sweet Tea

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe container until hot.
Microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm but not boiling.
Stovetop – Reheat gently over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Watermelon Sweet Tea:

Can I use other fruits in my sweet tea?

Absolutely! You can substitute watermelon with strawberries, peaches, or any fruit you prefer for different flavors.

How do I make Watermelon Sweet Tea without sugar?

You can use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener instead of granulated sugar.

What kind of tea is best for Watermelon Sweet Tea?

Luzianne tea is preferred due to its robust flavor, but black or green tea works well too.

How long does Watermelon Sweet Tea last?

When refrigerated, it typically lasts up to 3 days. Always store it in an airtight container.

Can I serve Watermelon Sweet Tea at parties?

Yes! This refreshing drink is perfect for summer gatherings and can be made in large batches easily.

Final Thoughts

Watermelon Sweet Tea is not only refreshing but also versatile! It’s perfect for barbecues or any summer gathering. Feel free to customize it by adding herbs like basil or experimenting with different fruits. Give this delightful recipe a try!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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