Jen
There’s something undeniably magical about a tall glass of homemade lemonade on a warm day. Now, take that idea and add the sweet, juicy essence of summer peaches — and you’ve got yourself a drink that tastes like sunshine in a glass. Peach lemonade is the perfect blend of tart and sweet, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or just looking for a way to cool off, this peach lemonade recipe is going to be your new go-to.
In this post, we’ll dive into how to make peach lemonade from scratch, what ingredients you’ll need, how to store it, and a few fun variations if you’re feeling adventurous. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love This Peach Lemonade
Peach lemonade is everything you love about summer in one glass. It’s:
- Refreshing and hydrating
- Naturally sweetened with ripe peaches
- Easy to make in big batches
- Beautiful to look at (hello, peachy-pink hues!)
- Crowd-pleasing for both kids and adults
Whether you’re using fresh summer peaches or frozen ones from the store, the result is always delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a pitcher of peach lemonade in no time.
For the Peach Syrup:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness of peaches)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, adds brightness)
For the Lemonade Base:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 5-6 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Extra peach slices and lemon rounds, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Peach Lemonade – Step by Step
1. Make the Peach Syrup
Start by making a simple peach syrup that will infuse your lemonade with that irresistible fruity flavor.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped peaches, water, sugar, and lemon zest.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and beginning to break down.
- Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the peaches and release more juice.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Strain the peach syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids or save them to mix into yogurt or oatmeal!
2. Juice the Lemons
While your syrup is cooling, juice your lemons. Use fresh lemons if you can — bottled juice doesn’t quite compare. Roll the lemons on the counter to help release the juice, then use a citrus juicer to extract as much as you can. Strain to remove seeds and excess pulp.
3. Combine and Chill
In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, peach syrup, and cold water. Stir well. Taste and adjust — you may want a bit more lemon juice for tartness or a splash more water if it’s too strong.
Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps all the flavors come together beautifully.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your peach lemonade over ice with peach slices, lemon rounds, and a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy. For extra chill, freeze peach slices and use them as flavorful “ice cubes” that won’t dilute your drink.
Tips for the Best Peach Lemonade
- Use ripe peaches: The riper the peaches, the more flavorful and naturally sweet your lemonade will be.
- Make ahead: The peach syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Sweetness level: Feel free to adjust the sugar depending on your peaches and your personal preference. You can also use honey, agave, or a sugar substitute.
- Chill thoroughly: Cold lemonade just hits different. Make sure to give it enough time to chill before serving, or pour it over plenty of ice.
Variations and Twists
If you’re in the mood to mix things up, here are some fun ways to customize your peach lemonade:
- Sparkling Peach Lemonade: Swap out some of the water with sparkling water or club soda for a bubbly twist.
- Peach Raspberry Lemonade: Add a handful of fresh or frozen raspberries to the peach syrup while it simmers for a berry-kissed version.
- Frozen Peach Lemonade: Blend everything with ice for a slushy treat.
- Spiked Peach Lemonade: For the adults, add a splash of vodka, bourbon, or peach schnapps. Perfect for a summer cocktail hour!
- Herbal Infusion: Add fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme to the peach syrup while cooking for a herbal twist.
How to Store Leftovers
Peach lemonade keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store it in a tightly sealed pitcher or jar. If it separates, just give it a quick stir before serving.
You can also freeze the peach syrup in an ice cube tray and pop out a few cubes whenever you want to make a quick glass. Just mix with lemon juice and water — instant peach lemonade!
A Drink Worth Sharing
There’s something so comforting about making a homemade beverage from scratch. It brings a sense of joy and accomplishment, and when you share it with others — well, that’s the real magic. This peach lemonade is perfect for summer brunches, lazy afternoons, or just because you have some ripe peaches lying around.
We hope this recipe brings a little sunshine to your day, no matter the season. Try it out, make it your own, and don’t forget to pour yourself a second glass.
Have you tried this peach lemonade? Let us know in the comments how it turned out or if you added your own spin! Tag us on social media with your photos — we love seeing your creations!
Cheers to sunshine in a glass! 🍑🍋
