Description
This Peach Lemonade recipe is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, blending ripe peaches and freshly squeezed lemons into a sweet and tangy beverage perfect for hot days. The homemade peach syrup adds a natural, fragrant sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemons for a deliciously balanced drink everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Peach Syrup
- 6 ripe peaches, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
- 1 cup water
Lemonade
- 1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 8–10 lemons)
- 6 cups cold water, plus more to adjust to taste
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Lemon slices and peach slices, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine peaches, sugar, and water: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped peaches, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water.
- Bring to a simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve and prevent sticking.
- Simmer and mash: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until the peaches are very soft and have released their juices. Gently mash the peaches with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to extract more flavor.
- Strain the syrup: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a heat-safe bowl and pour the peach mixture through it. Press the solids down with the back of a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible, then discard or save the peach pulp for another use.
- Cool the syrup: Let the peach syrup cool completely before using it in the lemonade. To speed cooling, place the bowl in an ice bath.
- Combine lemon juice and cold water: In a large pitcher, mix the freshly squeezed lemon juice with 6 cups of cold water, stirring to combine.
- Add the peach syrup: Pour the cooled peach syrup into the pitcher with the lemon mixture and stir well.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the lemonade and modify sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar, lemon juice, or water as needed.
- Chill the lemonade: Cover and refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to chill.
- Fill glasses with ice: Fill serving glasses about ¾ full with ice cubes.
- Pour the lemonade: Pour the chilled peach lemonade over the ice in each glass.
- Garnish (optional): Add lemon slices, peach slices, and fresh mint sprigs for decorative flair and extra aroma.
- Serve immediately: Serve the peach lemonade fresh and enjoy its refreshing taste.
Notes
- The peach pulp strained from the syrup can be saved and used as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or desserts.
- Adjust the sweetness and tartness of the lemonade to your preference by adding more sugar or lemon juice.
- For a sparkling version, replace some or all of the cold water with sparkling water or club soda just before serving.
- This lemonade is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Use ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor and natural sweetness in the syrup.
