Description
Peach Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink combining the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches with the tart zing of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This homemade beverage is perfectly balanced with a peach syrup made by simmering fresh peaches and sugar, then mixed with lemon juice and cold water to create a cool, invigorating drink. Garnished with lemon slices, peach slices, and mint, it’s an ideal thirst quencher for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Peach Syrup
- 6 ripe peaches, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
- 1 cup water
Lemonade
- 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 8-10 lemons)
- 6 cups cold water, plus more to adjust to taste
- Ice cubes, for serving
Garnishes (Optional)
- Lemon slices
- Peach slices
- Fresh mint sprigs
Instructions
- Combine peaches, sugar, and water: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped peaches, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup 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 heat to low and continue simmering for 10-15 minutes until the peaches are very soft and have released their juices. Gently mash the peaches to extract maximum flavor.
- Strain the syrup: Pour the peach mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof bowl, pressing the solids with the back of a spoon to extract the syrup. Discard or save the peach pulp for other uses.
- Cool the syrup: Let the peach syrup cool completely, optionally placing the bowl in an ice bath to speed cooling.
- Combine lemon juice and water: In a large pitcher, mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with 6 cups cold water, stirring well.
- Add the peach syrup: Pour the cooled peach syrup into the lemon water mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if too tart, or lemon juice if too sweet. Add water to dilute if desired.
- Chill the lemonade: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and for a refreshing coolness.
- Fill glasses with ice: Fill serving glasses about three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Pour the lemonade: Serve the chilled peach lemonade over the ice in individual glasses.
- Garnish (optional): Add lemon slices, peach slices, and fresh mint sprigs to the glasses for decoration and flavor enhancement.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the refreshing peach lemonade right away for best taste.
Notes
- Use ripe, fragrant peaches for the most flavorful syrup.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding sugar gradually during tasting.
- The leftover peach pulp can be added to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies.
- Chilling the lemonade overnight makes the flavors even better.
- Garnishes are optional but add a nice touch for presentation.
- For a sparkling version, substitute some or all cold water with sparkling water.
