Watermelon Sweet Tea

Well kids, here it is, the END of JUNE.

End of June?

I’m not sure how that’s even possible.  I mean, this weekend is the Fourth of July, then we turn around twice, do a few summery parties or trips, and boom, the kids are back in school and we have our LIVES again are so sad to have an empty house again.

But let’s not jump so far ahead, shall we?  Let’s pretend there are still lots of sunsets left to spend sipping sweet tea on the porch, countless runs through the sprinklers, endless days lounging by the pool.

We should start with the tea.  Tea doesn’t require us putting on a swimsuit.  A swimsuit is not my friend.  I’m just going to go out on a limb and say that if you read MY blog, and actually COOK anything from it, a swimsuit it not YOUR friend either.

It’s okay.  Swimsuits are overrated.

Sweet Tea is not.  Especially sweet tea made with watermelon.  Two of summer’s most impressive staples, sweet tea and watermelon pair together magically.  Give it a shot, you’ll love the results, and it’s perfect for this Friday’s 4th of July cookout!

Watermelon Sweet Tea

Makes 1 gallon

Ingredients

For the Simple Syrup

• 1 cup Dixie Crystals Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup water

For the Tea

• 2 quarts boiling water
• 12-13 cups fresh cut watermelon chunks (seedless is preferred)
• 7 individual tea bags

Instructions

For the Simple Syrup

1. Combine sugar and water in a small sauce pan. Stir over medium heat until sugar has completely dissolved, roughly 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

For the Tea

1. Place chunks of watermelon in a food processor or blender and puree. Using a strainer over a large bowl, strain the watermelon puree to capture the juice.

2. Place tea bags in a large pitcher and pour the boiling water over. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Add the watermelon juice and stir to combine. Slowly add the simple syrup, tasting as you go. Sweeten to your desired taste.

I developed his recipe for Dixie Crystals, but HAD to share it with you!  You should also check out these other inspired drinks from their site!

Blueberry Thyme Lemonade

Cherry Limeade Margarita

Lavender Lemonade

Disclaimer:  I work as a recipe developer for Dixie Crystals.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.