This Peach Lemonade brings together juicy summer peaches and bright, tangy lemon in the most refreshing way. The first time I made this, I was sitting on the porch with a basket of overripe peaches from the farmer's market, wondering what to do with them before they went bad. I tossed them into a pot with some lemon and sugar, and the smell that filled my kitchen was incredible. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is - no fancy ingredients, just fresh fruit and a little patience while it simmers and chills.
The peachy sweetness paired with that tart lemon kick makes every sip feel like a mini vacation. If you're looking for more refreshing drinks recipes, you might also love this Delicious Pineapple Smoothie Recipe or this Healthy Strawberry Smoothie Recipe or Delicious Mango Smoothie Recipe for hot afternoons when you need something cold and fruity.
Why You will Love This Peach Lemonade !
Fresh and natural. No artificial flavors or colors here, just real peaches and real lemons doing their thing.
Make-ahead friendly. You can prep the peach base a day or two in advance and just add the lemon juice and water when you're ready to serve.
Crowd-pleaser. I've brought this to barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings, and it always disappears fast. Kids love it, adults love it, and it looks gorgeous in a big pitcher with all those peach and lemon slices floating on top.
Adjustable sweetness. If your peaches are super sweet, you can cut back on the sugar a bit. If they're more tart, add a little extra.
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Peach Lemonade Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this refreshing summer drink.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Fresh peaches: The star of the show. Ripe, juicy peaches give you the best flavor and break down easily when you simmer them.
Fresh lemon zest: Adds bright, citrusy aroma and a little extra lemon punch without making the drink too tart.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon adds a subtle warmth and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemonade and helps draw out the peach juices as they cook.
Cold water: Divided between the cooking process and the final mixing to get the right concentration of flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Gives you that classic lemonade tang. Fresh-squeezed is always better than bottled.
Ice: Optional but highly recommended for serving on hot days.
For garnishing:
Lemon slices: Pretty and adds a little extra citrus if you muddle them in your glass.
Fresh peach slices: Makes the pitcher look gorgeous and gives you a fruity snack at the bottom of your glass.
Fresh mint: Adds a cool, herbal note and makes everything look and smell even more refreshing.
how to make Peach Lemonade
Follow these simple steps to make the best homemade peach lemonade.
- Start the peach base: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the peaches, lemon zest, vanilla extract, sugar, and 2 cups of cold water. Don't let it boil - just reduce the heat to keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Cook until soft: Let the mixture bubble softly until the peaches are tender enough to crush easily with a spoon, about 15 to 25 minutes. The cooking time depends on how ripe your peaches are.
- Mash the peaches: Use a masher or wooden spoon to crush the peaches until they're well broken down and the mixture looks thick and syrupy.
- Cool completely: Take the saucepan off the heat and let it cool, then pop it in the refrigerator. This step helps all those flavors mingle and get even better.
- Strain the mixture: Once it's fully chilled, pour everything through a strainer to remove the peach solids. You can toss them or save them for oatmeal or yogurt if you want.
- Add the finishing touches: Pour the strained peach syrup into a pitcher, then stir in the fresh lemon juice, the remaining 4 cups of cold water, and ice.
- Garnish and serve: Pour into glasses and top with lemon slices, fresh peach slices, and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
- Enjoy: Sip your refreshing homemade peach lemonade and feel that cool, fruity goodness hit just right.
Substitutions and Variations
Frozen peaches: If fresh peaches aren't in season, frozen peaches work great. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
Honey instead of sugar: Swap the granulated sugar for honey if you want a different kind of sweetness. Start with ¾ cup and adjust to taste.
Lime juice: Try using lime juice instead of lemon juice for a peachy limeade variation.
Sparkling water: Replace some or all of the cold water with sparkling water for a fizzy version.
Peach lemonade cocktail: Add a splash of vodka, rum, or bourbon for an adult twist on this summer drink.
Peach green tea lemonade: Brew some green tea, let it cool, and use it in place of some of the water for a Starbucks-inspired version. friends or family that they're cooking for that could use this. This is also a great idea to link out to another blogger with a similar recipe that fits a different diet.
Equipment for Peach Lemonade
Medium-sized saucepan: For simmering the peaches with the sugar and lemon zest.
Masher or wooden spoon: To crush the softened peaches into a nice pulp.
Strainer: Gets rid of all the peach solids so your lemonade is smooth and drinkable.
Pitcher or large jug: Holds your finished lemonade and makes it easy to pour.
Glasses for serving: Whatever you like - mason jars, tall glasses, or fancy tumblers all work.
Storage your Peach Lemonade
Refrigerator: Store your Peach Lemonade in a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better after a day or two.
Peach syrup base: You can make just the cooked and strained peach mixture ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Add the lemon juice and water when you're ready to serve.
Freezing: The lemonade doesn't freeze super well because the texture changes, but you can freeze leftover peach syrup in ice cube trays and pop a few cubes into regular lemonade for a peachy boost.
Serving Suggestions
Backyard barbecue: Serve this alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob for the ultimate summer meal.
Brunch beverage: Pour it into fancy glasses and serve it at your next brunch with waffles, fresh fruit, and pastries.
Afternoon refresher: Keep a pitcher in the fridge and pour yourself a glass whenever you need a cool pick-me-up on a hot day.
Pool party favorite: Make a double batch and set it out with plenty of ice - swimmers love having something fruity and refreshing within reach.
Expert Tips
Choose ripe peaches: The riper and sweeter your peaches, the better your lemonade will taste. Look for peaches that smell fragrant and give slightly when you press them.
Don't skip the chill time: I know it's tempting to rush it, but letting that peach mixture cool completely in the fridge makes a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Everyone's peaches are different. Taste your peach syrup after straining and add a little more sugar if needed, or add extra lemon juice if it's too sweet.
Muddle the garnishes: When you add those lemon and peach slices to your glass, give them a gentle muddle with a spoon to release even more flavor.
Make it pretty: This drink is gorgeous when served in a clear glass pitcher. The peachy-pink color with those floating fruit slices and mint sprigs looks like something from a magazine.
FAQ
Yes, it's absolutely delicious! The combination of sweet peaches and tart lemon creates a perfectly balanced drink that's refreshing and fruity. It's one of those drinks that tastes fancy but is actually really simple to make.
Country Time makes a powdered peach lemonade mix that you just stir with water. But homemade peach lemonade with fresh peaches tastes so much better and doesn't have any artificial ingredients.
Smirnoff peach lemonade contains vodka. If you want to make an alcoholic version of this recipe, just add a shot or two of vodka to each glass.
Yes, there are powdered mixes available at most grocery stores, but making it from scratch with real peaches gives you a fresher, more natural flavor that can't be beat.
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Pairing
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Peach Lemonade
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine peaches, lemon zest, vanilla extract, sugar, and 2 cups of cold water. Ensure the mixture does not boil; reduce the heat as needed.
- Allow the peaches to cook until soft enough to mash, about 15-25 minutes. The time will vary depending on the ripeness of the peaches.
- Mash the softened peaches with a masher or a wooden spoon until well mashed.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the peach mixture cool completely in the refrigerator for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Once cooled, strain the peach mixture through a fine mesh strainer, discarding the solids (or reserve for another recipe if desired).
- Add fresh lemon juice, the remaining 4 cups of cold water, and ice (if using). Stir well.
- Pour the lemonade into glasses and garnish with lemon slices, fresh peach slices, and mint.
- Enjoy the refreshing peach lemonade!
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