Surf & Sawgrass Tea Punch (Mocktail or Spiked)

by Kalah Garcia

A bright, backyard-ready punch built around Yum Cha Tea Company’s Surf Rider and Sawgrass Lemonade blends.

Sweet tropical fruit, hibiscus tartness, lemon sparkle—perfect for cookouts. Serve zero-proof, or add a light splash of rum or prosecco for the grown-ups.

Yield

12–16 servings (about 1.5–2 gallons with ice)

Ingredients

Tea Concentrate

Punch

  • 4 cups chilled pineapple juice
  • 2 cups chilled lemonade (or fresh lemon juice + simple syrup to taste)
  • 2 cups coconut water
  • 3–4 cups chilled sparkling water or lemon seltzer (add just before serving)
  • 2–4 tablespoons honey or simple syrup, to taste (optional)

Garnish

  • Pineapple wheels, lemon slices, orange half-moons
  • A handful of redcurrants or halved cherries
  • Optional: toasted coconut flakes for the rim

Optional Alcohol (choose one)

  • 1 to 1½ cups white or coconut rum, or
  • 1 bottle dry prosecco added at serving, or
  • 1½ cups silver tequila for a tarter, hibiscus-forward vibe

Directions

  1. Brew the concentrate: Combine the two teas with 8 cups just-boiled water. Steep 10–12 minutes for a vivid, punchy flavor. Strain, then chill completely.
  2. Build the punch: In a large dispenser, combine chilled tea concentrate, pineapple juice, lemonade, and coconut water. Sweeten to taste.
  3. Chill and fizz: Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Just before serving, stir in sparkling water (and alcohol, if using).
  4. Garnish and serve: Add ice, fruit slices, and redcurrants. For extra flair, rim a few glasses with toasted coconut.

Make-Ahead and Party Tips

  • Fruit ice ring: Freeze pineapple chunks, lemon slices, and redcurrants in a bundt pan with water or diluted tea. Pop into the bowl so the punch stays cold without diluting fast.
  • Single-serve ratio: 4 oz tea punch + ice, top with a splash of seltzer. For a cocktail, add 1–1¼ oz rum or tequila.
  • Flavor tweaks: More tart? Add extra lemon. Sweeter? Add a touch more coconut water or a spoon of honey.

Enjoy—and happy Labor Day!

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