Introduction

Sweet & Tart Peach Lemonade is the perfect refreshing drink for warm summer days. Combining juicy peaches and zesty lemons, this homemade lemonade balances sweetness with a bright, tangy kick. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.

There are two clear tall glasses filled with a light orange drink that has crushed ice inside, making the surface look cold and slightly frothy. Each glass is garnished with a bright yellow lemon slice on the rim and a fresh green mint sprig placed beside the lemon. Around the glasses, there are whole and cut peaches showing their orange-yellow flesh and reddish skin. In the background, some whole yellow lemons are visible sitting on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6-8 ripe large peaches (about 3 pounds)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for peach puree)
1/2 cup water (for peach puree)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for peach puree)
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 8-10 medium lemons)
1 cup granulated sugar (for simple syrup)
1 cup water (for simple syrup)
4-6 cups cold water (for dilution)
Fresh peach slices (for garnish)
Lemon wheels or wedges (for garnish)
Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)
Ice cubes

Instructions

Step 1: Wash, pit, and dice 6-8 ripe peaches. In a medium saucepan, combine diced peaches, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes until peaches are very soft.
Step 2: Remove from heat, mash peaches thoroughly, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to extract the smooth peach puree. Discard solids. Allow the peach puree to cool completely to room temperature.
Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool completely.
Step 4: Juice 8-10 medium lemons to yield about 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice; strain to remove any seeds or pulp. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup with the strained lemon juice. Stir well.
Step 5: Add the cooled peach puree to the lemonade base in the pitcher. Stir vigorously to combine. Begin by adding 4 cups of cold water, stir, and taste. Gradually add more cold water (up to 6 cups total) until your desired strength and sweetness are reached.
Step 6: Refrigerate the peach lemonade for at least 30 minutes to thoroughly chill. Serve over plenty of ice, garnished with fresh peach slices, lemon wheels, and mint sprigs. For a sparkling version, replace some or all of the dilution water with sparkling water or club soda.

Tips & Variations

Use ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Add a few fresh basil leaves along with mint for an herbal twist.
For a less sweet lemonade, reduce the sugar in the simple syrup or peach puree.
Try freezing some peach slices into ice cubes to keep the drink cold without diluting it.

Storage

Store leftover peach lemonade in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving as ingredients may settle. If serving chilled, add ice cubes just before pouring to avoid dilution during storage.

How to Serve

A clear glass is filled with a light orange peach drink and ice cubes visible at the top. A round lemon slice garnished with a green mint sprig rests on the rim of the glass. Around the glass are three peach pieces, one whole peach, and a half lemon showing its interior. In the blurred background, two more clear glasses with the same drink are partially visible, each topped with a lemon slice and mint leaves. The drink and fruit are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

Yes, frozen peaches can be used if fresh are unavailable. Thaw and drain excess liquid before making the puree to avoid watering down the lemonade.

How can I make this lemonade sparkling?

Replace some or all of the cold water used for dilution with sparkling water or club soda. Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz.