There are drinks that feel like summer the second you take a sip, and this watermelon sweet tea is one of them. It is icy, lightly fruity, gently sweet, and so refreshing that it makes hot afternoons slow down just a little.
I love serving watermelon sweet tea at backyard barbecues, pool days, or any time the sun feels extra warm. It takes a classic Southern sweet tea and gives it a juicy watermelon twist that feels playful and nostalgic all at once. Let's make a pitcher together.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cool and refreshing for hot summer days
- Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Perfect for barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings
- Naturally sweetened with fresh watermelon
- Easy to make ahead and chill
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 quarts filtered water
- 6 tea bags, Luzianne preferred
- 12 cups seeded watermelon chunks
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Fresh mint leaves, optional
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Watermelon is the star here, so pick one that feels heavy for its size and smells lightly sweet at the rind. Seedless makes prep easier, but any ripe watermelon works.
Luzianne tea is a Southern favorite for sweet tea, and I love how clean and smooth it tastes here. If you cannot find it, a full-bodied black tea like Earl Grey works nicely too.
Fresh lime juice brightens everything up. Lemon works in a pinch, but lime pairs beautifully with the watermelon.
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the liquid looks clear. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes.
- While the tea steeps, puree the watermelon chunks with the lime juice in a blender or food processor. Work in batches if needed so everything blends smoothly.
- Strain the watermelon puree into a gallon-sized pitcher. Press gently to release the juice, then discard the pulp.
- Remove the tea bags from the brewed tea and pour the tea into the pitcher with the watermelon juice. Stir gently to combine. Do not add ice at this stage.
- Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy every cold, juicy sip.
Pro Tips for Success
- Let the tea cool slightly before mixing so the watermelon flavor stays bright.
- Chill the pitcher for an hour before serving if you want extra-cold tea.
- Taste before serving and add a splash more lime if you love a tangy finish.
- Stir gently so the tea stays clear and smooth.
Storage and Reheating
Store watermelon sweet tea in the refrigerator in a covered pitcher for up to 2 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as natural separation can happen.
This drink is best enjoyed cold and fresh. No reheating needed.
Make Ahead and Freezing
You can make the sweet tea base a day ahead and keep it chilled. Blend and strain the watermelon just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture changes once thawed.
Tips and Variations
- Add extra mint and muddle it gently for a stronger herbal note.
- Use sparkling water in the glass for a fizzy twist.
- Swap lime juice for lemon if that is what you have on hand.
- Serve in mason jars with striped straws for a casual summer look.
FAQs
Yes. Reduce the sugar slightly or add more watermelon juice to balance it.
Straining gives the tea a smoother texture, but you can skip it if you like a pulpy drink.
Fresh watermelon tastes brighter and more natural, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
📖 Recipe
Watermelon Sweet Tea
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 people 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 quarts filtered water
- 6 tea bags (Luzianne preferred)
- 12 cups seeded watermelon chunks
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid is clear.
- Remove from the heat, add the tea bags to the sugar water, cover, and steep for 15 minutes.
- Working in batches, puree the watermelon chunks and lime juice in a blender or food processor.
- Strain and transfer to a gallon-sized pitcher.
- Remove the tea bags and add the tea to the pitcher. Do not add ice.
- Stir and pour into ice-filled glasses.
- Garnish each glass with 2 fresh mint leaves, if desired, and serve.
Notes
Ed and Ryan Mitchell recommend using Luzianne, a classic choice for Southern sweet teas. You can substitute with a full-bodied tea, such as Earl Grey. Prep the tea in advance by making the syrup and brewing the tea ahead of time. Chill overnight to save time!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 331
- Sugar: 78g
- Sodium: 29mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve watermelon sweet tea alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or barbecue ribs. It also pairs beautifully with light summer salads and fresh fruit desserts.
I love setting out a big pitcher with plenty of ice and letting everyone help themselves. It feels relaxed, generous, and very summer.
Nutrition and Notes
This recipe serves about 4 people and is naturally gluten-free. It is a refreshing beverage that feels special without being complicated.
I have made this version many times during warm months, tweaking the balance until the watermelon flavor really shines without overpowering the tea.
Reader Reviews or Testimonials
"This was a hit at our cookout. Everyone asked for the recipe and the pitcher was empty in minutes."
Related Recipes and Internal Links
If you love refreshing summer drinks, you may also enjoy my Pancake Nachos for a fun brunch spread or Puff Pastry Waffles for easy weekend mornings.
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