Watermelon Sweet Tea

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 picnics, parties, or just a relaxing day at home, this drink combines the sweetness of watermelon with the classic flavor of sweet tea, making it a unique and delightful beverage choice.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Sweet Tea Base
• For the Watermelon Mixture
• Optional Garnish
• How to Make Watermelon Sweet Tea
• Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Tea Base
• Step 2: Puree the Watermelon
• Step 3: Combine and Serve
• How to Serve Watermelon Sweet Tea
• Refreshing Glasses
• Garnished Delights
• Pitcher Presentation
• Ice Cubes with a Twist
• Party Ready
• How to Perfect Watermelon Sweet Tea
• Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Sweet Tea
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Watermelon Sweet Tea
• Reheating Watermelon Sweet Tea
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Watermelon Sweet Tea?
• Can I use other fruits in my sweet tea?
• How do I make my Watermelon Sweet Tea less sugary?
• Is Watermelon Sweet Tea healthy?
• Can I serve Watermelon Sweet Tea at parties?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sweet watermelon and brewed tea creates a deliciously refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot days.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful drink without any fuss.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it at summer barbecues, family gatherings, or simply enjoy it on a sunny afternoon.
• Hydrating Drink: Watermelon is high in water content, making this tea both tasty and hydrating.
• Customizable Recipe: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add additional fruits for a personal twist.

Tools and Preparation

To make Watermelon Sweet Tea, you’ll need some essential tools to help you create this delightful beverage.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: This is crucial for boiling water and dissolving sugar to form your sweet tea base.
• Blender or food processor: Essential for pureeing the watermelon into a smooth consistency for your drink.
• Strainer: Helps separate the watermelon pulp from the juice, ensuring a smooth final product.

Ingredients

To prepare Watermelon Sweet Tea, gather these ingredients:

For the Sweet Tea Base

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

For the Watermelon Mixture

• 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

1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
2. Continue boiling until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid appears clear.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat; add the tea bags to the sugar water. Cover it and let steep for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Puree the Watermelon

1. Working in batches, place the watermelon chunks and lime juice into your blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh strainer into a gallon-sized pitcher to remove any pulp.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Once your tea has steeped, remove the tea bags from the saucepan.
2. Pour the brewed tea into your pitcher with strained watermelon juice. Do not add ice yet; stir to combine well.
3. Serve in glasses filled with ice and garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves if desired. Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Sweet Tea!

How to Serve Watermelon Sweet Tea

Watermelon sweet tea is not only delicious but also a versatile drink that can elevate any summer gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your beverage experience even better.

Refreshing Glasses

• Serve in tall glasses filled with ice for an instantly refreshing drink.
• Add a slice of watermelon on the rim for a fun, decorative touch.

Garnished Delights

• Use fresh mint leaves as a garnish to enhance the aroma and add a pop of color.
• A lime wedge can provide an extra citrus twist that complements the sweetness.

Pitcher Presentation

• Serve from a clear pitcher to showcase the vibrant color of the tea.
• Consider adding additional watermelon chunks or mint sprigs directly into the pitcher for visual appeal.

Ice Cubes with a Twist

• Freeze small pieces of watermelon in ice cubes for a fun, flavorful addition when serving.
• These cubes will keep your drink cool without diluting it as they melt.

Party Ready

• Create a self-serve station with glasses and garnishes so guests can customize their drinks.
• Offer different types of sweeteners (like honey or agave) for those who prefer alternatives.

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How to Perfect Watermelon Sweet Tea

Perfecting watermelon sweet tea requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your drink is always refreshing and delicious.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh watermelon and high-quality tea bags will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before serving; you can always add more sugar if needed.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the tea to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving for optimal refreshment.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding other fruits like strawberries or peaches for a unique twist on traditional sweet tea.
• Serve it Cold: Always serve watermelon sweet tea over ice to keep it cool and enjoyable on hot days.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Sweet Tea

Pairing delicious side dishes with watermelon sweet tea can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this refreshing beverage beautifully.

1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy shrimp grilled with spices make for a tasty pairing with sweet tea.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a light, refreshing contrast.
3. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad loaded with veggies offers heartiness without being too heavy.
4. BBQ Chicken Wings: Spicy wings balance out the sweetness of the tea, enhancing flavor profiles.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is simple yet complements summer flavors well.
6. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, making it a perfect side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making watermelon sweet tea is simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold water: Always start with hot water when dissolving sugar. Cold water can result in a gritty texture.
• Not steeping long enough: Steeping the tea bags for at least 15 minutes is crucial for a rich flavor. Rushing this step will lead to weak tea.
• Skipping the straining process: Failing to strain the watermelon puree can leave you with a chunky drink. Always strain for a smooth consistency.
• Over-sweetening: It’s easy to add too much sugar. Start with the recommended amount, and adjust according to your taste preference.
• Not chilling before serving: Serving watermelon sweet tea warm can lessen its refreshing quality. Allow it to cool adequately before serving over ice.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store watermelon sweet tea in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Watermelon Sweet Tea

• Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion.
• Watermelon sweet tea can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Watermelon Sweet Tea

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe container until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about watermelon sweet tea.

What is Watermelon Sweet Tea?

Watermelon sweet tea is a refreshing beverage made by blending watermelon chunks with brewed tea and sugar. It’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Can I use other fruits in my sweet tea?

Absolutely! You can substitute or add other fruits like peaches or strawberries for different flavors while keeping the base of watermelon sweet tea intact.

How do I make my Watermelon Sweet Tea less sugary?

To reduce sweetness, use less sugar or opt for natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.

Is Watermelon Sweet Tea healthy?

Watermelon sweet tea can be healthier than many sodas or sugary drinks when made with moderate sugar. It provides hydration and antioxidants from watermelon.

Can I serve Watermelon Sweet Tea at parties?

Yes! Watermelon sweet tea is an excellent party drink. Serve it in large pitchers or as part of a refreshing beverage station.

Final Thoughts

Watermelon sweet tea is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different fruits or herbs like basil or mint. This drink is perfect for summer barbecues or any gathering where you want something refreshing and unique. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every sip!