Introduction

Peach Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, combining the sweet juiciness of ripe peaches with the bright tang of fresh lemons. This homemade recipe is easy to make and perfect for cooling down on warm days.

Peach Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

6 ripe peaches, pitted and roughly chopped
1 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
8 cups water, divided
1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 8-10 lemons)
Lemon slices, for garnish
Peach slices, for garnish
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Ice cubes

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the chopped peaches and 1 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan. Stir well to mix.
Step 2: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to macerate and draw out the peach juices.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes until the peaches are very soft and the syrup thickens slightly.
Step 4: Remove from heat and strain the peach mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl, pressing down on the peaches to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the pulp.
Step 5: Allow the syrup to cool completely before using it in the lemonade.
Step 6: In a large pitcher, combine 6 cups of water with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well.
Step 7: Pour the cooled peach syrup into the pitcher and stir to combine.
Step 8: Taste the mixture and add more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed, until you reach your desired sweetness.
Step 9: Add the remaining 2 cups of water to the pitcher and stir thoroughly.
Step 10: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 11: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes.
Step 12: Pour the chilled peach lemonade into the prepared glasses.
Step 13: Garnish with lemon slices, peach slices, and fresh mint sprigs if desired.
Step 14: Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste.

Tips & Variations

For a sparkling version, replace some or all of the water with sparkling water just before serving.
If peaches are out of season, frozen peaches can be used instead; just thaw them first.
Add a splash of fresh ginger juice during cooking for a subtle spicy kick.
Adjust the sweetness by using honey or agave syrup instead of granulated sugar.

Storage

Store the peach lemonade in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. For best flavor and freshness, consume within the first two days. If separation occurs, simply stir to recombine.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this peach lemonade ahead of time?

Yes, the lemonade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is best for vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used. Adjust the amount to taste, as bottled juice can be more concentrated or less fresh tasting.

Peach Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

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Peach Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink combining the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice. This homemade beverage is perfect for cooling down on hot days, featuring a delightful peach syrup base mixed with lemonade and garnished with fresh fruit and mint for a vibrant, thirst-quenching treat.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour including chilling and macerating time
Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Peach Syrup

6 ripe peaches, pitted and roughly chopped
1 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
2 cups water, divided (for cooking and syrup preparation)

Lemonade

1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 8–10 lemons)
6 cups water

Garnishes

Lemon slices
Peach slices
Fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Ice cubes

Instructions

Macerate the Peaches: Combine the chopped peaches and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Stir well, then let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to macerate, allowing the peaches to release their natural juices and soften.
Simmer the Peach Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes until the peaches are very soft and the syrup has thickened slightly.
Strain the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat. Strain the peach mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl, pressing down on the peaches to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the peach pulp and let the syrup cool completely before proceeding.
Prepare the Lemonade Base: In a large pitcher, combine 6 cups of water and 1 ½ cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to mix the lemonade base.
Mix in the Peach Syrup: Pour the cooled peach syrup into the pitcher with the lemonade base and stir to combine thoroughly.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture and add additional sugar, one tablespoon at a time, stirring after each addition, until the desired sweetness is reached.
Dilute and Chill: Add the remaining 2 cups of water to the pitcher, stir well, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chill the drink.
Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled peach lemonade over the ice, and garnish with lemon slices, peach slices, and fresh mint sprigs if desired. Serve immediately for the best refreshing experience.

Notes

For a smoother syrup, you can blend the peach mixture before straining.
Adjust sugar according to the sweetness of the peaches and personal preference.
This drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For extra fizz, substitute some of the water with sparkling water just before serving.
Use ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor.

Keywords: peach lemonade, summer drink, refreshing beverage, fresh lemonade, peach syrup, homemade drink