Description
This Peach Lemonade recipe is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, combining the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice. Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and a cool, icy finish, this homemade beverage is easy to prepare and ideal for hot days or any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Peach Syrup
- 6 ripe peaches, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
- 1 cup water
Lemonade Base
- 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
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon slices
- Peach slices
- Fresh mint sprigs
Instructions
- Combine peaches, sugar, and water: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped peaches, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water to start creating the peach syrup.
- Bring to a simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and prevent sticking.
- Simmer and mash: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until peaches are very soft and have released their juices. Mash them gently with a potato masher or spoon to extract more flavor.
- Strain the syrup: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof bowl, pressing down on the solids to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard or save the pulp for another use.
- Cool the syrup: Allow the peach syrup to cool completely; use an ice bath to speed cooling if desired.
- Combine lemon juice and water: In a large pitcher, mix the freshly squeezed lemon juice with 6 cups of cold water and stir well.
- Add the peach syrup: Pour the cooled peach syrup into the pitcher with the lemon mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed. Dilute with water if the flavor is too strong.
- Chill the lemonade: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and to chill the drink.
- Fill glasses with ice: Prepare serving glasses by filling them about three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Pour the lemonade: Serve by pouring the chilled peach lemonade over the ice in each glass.
- Garnish (optional): Add lemon slices, peach slices, and fresh mint sprigs to each glass for a beautiful presentation and extra aroma.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the refreshing peach lemonade right away.
Notes
- Adjust sugar quantity to your taste preference after tasting the lemonade.
- Leftover peach pulp can be used as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or desserts to avoid waste.
- For a sparkling version, replace some or all of the cold water with sparkling water just before serving.
- This lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Use ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor in the syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
