Jen
There’s something about peach iced tea that just defines summer. It’s the drink that reminds me of warm afternoons, quiet front porches, and long conversations that stretch well past sunset. That sweet, floral peach flavor blended with the smooth boldness of black tea—it’s comfort, refreshment, and nostalgia all in one tall glass.
I started making my own peach tea years ago when I found myself with a surplus of ripe peaches after a farmers market run. They were too soft for slicing and too fragrant to ignore. Instead of baking them into cobbler, I simmered them into a simple syrup and added it to chilled tea. One sip and I was hooked. Since then, peach iced tea has become a summer staple in my kitchen.
This recipe is simple, flexible, and so much better than anything you’ll find in a bottle. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or just need something cold and refreshing to sip on a hot day, this is the recipe I return to every time.
Why Make Peach Iced Tea from Scratch?
Store-bought iced teas usually have artificial flavoring and way too much sugar. Making it yourself means you get to control the ingredients and the balance. Real fruit, real tea, and real flavor. Plus, it’s easy to scale for a party or tweak depending on your preferences. Sweeter, stronger, fizzier, more subtle—it’s up to you.
And once you make it once, you’ll realize how effortless it really is.
Ingredients (Serves about 6–8)
For the peach syrup:
- 3 ripe peaches (or 2 cups frozen), sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
For the tea:
- 6 cups water
- 4 to 5 black tea bags (I usually use English Breakfast or Lipton)
- 2 additional cups cold water
- Ice, for serving
- Optional: fresh peach slices or mint for garnish
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Large pitcher
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Peach Iced Tea
Step 1: Make the Peach Syrup
In a saucepan, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, and one cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and the sugar is completely dissolved.
Once it’s ready, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly. Then strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or jar. Press gently on the peaches to get as much syrup as possible. You can discard the solids or save them to spoon over oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes.
This syrup will be the sweet, peachy base of your tea.
Step 2: Brew the Tea
While the syrup is cooling, bring six cups of water to a boil in a separate pot. Remove from heat, then add the tea bags and let them steep for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. I prefer mine a bit on the stronger side so that the flavor stands up to the syrup and ice.
After steeping, remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the brewed tea into a large pitcher and stir in the peach syrup. Add two more cups of cold water to dilute and balance the sweetness. Give it a taste—if you like it sweeter, add more syrup. If it’s too strong, add a bit more water or even a splash of lemon juice to brighten it.
Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. The longer it chills, the more the flavors come together.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour in the chilled peach tea. Garnish with fresh peach slices or a sprig of mint if you like. It’s simple, elegant, and so refreshing.
Tips and Variations
- Use frozen or canned peaches: If fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen or canned peaches work just as well. Just be sure to drain canned peaches if they’re packed in syrup.
- Sweetener options: Substitute honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute if you prefer.
- Add lemon: A splash of fresh lemon juice adds a little brightness and balances the sweetness.
- Sparkling twist: Top with sparkling water for a bubbly version.
- Make it ahead: This tea keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days, so feel free to make it in advance.
Why I Love This Recipe
This peach iced tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a mood. It’s a quiet moment on a summer afternoon, a refreshing break during a busy day, or the perfect addition to a dinner with friends. It’s light but flavorful, sweet but not cloying, and versatile enough to serve with everything from sandwiches to grilled chicken to dessert.
What I appreciate most is that it’s made from simple ingredients. Fresh fruit, tea, water, and a bit of sugar. That’s it. No preservatives or chemicals. Just real, honest flavor.
And making it has become a ritual I look forward to. The scent of simmering peaches fills the kitchen. The deep amber color of the tea looks beautiful in a pitcher. And that first sip—cool, fragrant, just sweet enough—is always satisfying.
How to Serve It
This tea is great for entertaining or sipping solo. Serve it in tall glasses with lots of ice. Mason jars make for a charming touch if you’re hosting outdoors. A few thin peach slices in the glass not only look pretty but remind guests what’s inside.
Pair it with summer salads, grilled meats, or light desserts like shortbread or pound cake. Or enjoy it all by itself, which is how I usually prefer it.
Final Thoughts
Peach iced tea is one of those recipes that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought pre-made versions. It’s fresher, more flavorful, and infinitely more satisfying to make yourself.
If you give it a try, I’d love to know what you think. Feel free to experiment—make it sweeter or less sweet, use green tea instead of black, or add a twist of lemon. Make it yours.
However you serve it, I hope it brings a little extra joy to your summer, the way it does mine.
