This peach lemonade is sweet, tangy, and bursting with fresh peach flavor, with a hint of vanilla and bright lemon zest in every sip. I made it for the first time last summer when my neighbor dropped off a bag of ripe peaches from her tree, and I couldn't stop drinking it. The way the peaches simmer down into this fragrant, golden syrup is absolutely beautiful, and when you mix it with cold lemon juice and ice, it tastes like bottled sunshine. It's perfect for lazy afternoons on the porch or serving at summer parties.
Pair it with Strawberry Sweet Tea for a fruity drink spread, or serve it alongside Guava White Tea Lemonade for a colorful beverage bar. If you want something creamy to balance the citrus, add Korean Banana Milk to the menu.
Why You'll Love This Peach Lemonade
This fresh peach drink is one of those recipes that looks and tastes impressive but is actually really simple. Here's why it works so well:
- Made with fresh peaches: No artificial syrups or flavorings. Just real, ripe peaches cooked down into a sweet, fragrant base.
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart: The peaches add natural sweetness, while the lemon juice keeps it bright and refreshing.
- Touch of vanilla: A little vanilla extract gives the drink warmth and depth without overpowering the fruit.
- Great for a crowd: One pitcher makes 7 servings, so it's perfect for parties, barbecues, or family gatherings.
- Gorgeous presentation: The pale peach color and fresh fruit garnishes make it look stunning in a glass pitcher.
It's the kind of drink that makes people ask for the recipe.
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Peach Lemonade Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this easy lemonade recipe.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Fresh peaches : The star of the drink. Ripe, juicy peaches cook down into a sweet, fragrant syrup that flavors the entire lemonade. Choose peaches that are soft to the touch and smell sweet.
- Fresh lemon zest : Adds bright, aromatic citrus flavor that complements the peaches beautifully. The zest has oils that give the drink extra depth.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a hint of sweetness that rounds out the fruity flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the peach mixture and helps create a syrup-like base. You can adjust the amount if you prefer it less sweet.
- Cold water : Used to cook the peaches and then to dilute the lemonade to the perfect strength.
- Fresh lemon juice : Provides the tart, tangy backbone of the lemonade. Freshly squeezed lemon juice tastes so much better than bottled.
- Ice (optional): Keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
- Lemon slices, fresh peach slices, fresh mint : Make the drink look beautiful and add extra freshness with each sip.
how to make Peach Lemonade
Making this sweet peach summer drink takes a little time but is totally worth it.
- Cook the peaches: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh peaches, lemon zest, vanilla extract, sugar, and 2 cups of cold water. Stir occasionally and reduce the heat to keep the mixture from boiling. You want it to simmer gently so the peaches break down slowly and release all their flavor.
- Mash the peaches: Let the peaches cook for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on how ripe they are. When they're soft enough to mash easily, use a masher or wooden spoon to crush them into a chunky, syrupy mixture. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
- Cool the mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the peach mixture cool completely. Transfer it to the refrigerator to chill. This cooling time allows the flavors to infuse and makes the lemonade taste richer and more developed.
- Strain the solids: Once the mixture is completely cooled, strain out the peach solids using a fine-mesh strainer. Press gently to extract all the liquid. You can save the cooked peaches for topping yogurt or oatmeal if you don't want to waste them.
- Mix the lemonade: Pour the strained peach syrup into a large pitcher. Add the fresh lemon juice, the remaining 4 cups of cold water, and ice if you're using it. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Serve and garnish: Pour the peach lemonade into glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with fresh lemon slices, peach slices, and a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation.
- Enjoy: Sip and enjoy your homemade peach lemonade!
Substitutions & Variations
Make it boozy: Add a splash of vodka, bourbon, or prosecco for an adult version.
Use frozen peaches: If fresh peaches aren't in season, frozen peaches work well. Thaw them first and cook as directed.
Make it sparkling: Use sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy twist.
Add herbs: Try adding fresh basil or thyme to the peach mixture while it cooks for an herbal note.
Sweeten differently: Use honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
EQUIPMENT
- Medium saucepan: For cooking the peaches.
- Masher or wooden spoon: To crush the softened peaches.
- Strainer: For removing the peach solids from the syrup.
- Measuring spoons and cups: Keeps your proportions accurate.
- Pitcher or large bowl: For mixing and serving the lemonade.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing: Pour leftover peach lemonade into an airtight pitcher or container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better after a day or two.
Freezing: You can freeze the peach syrup (before adding lemon juice and water) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge and mix with lemon juice and water when you're ready to serve.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare the peach syrup a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just mix in the lemon juice, water, and ice.
Serving Suggestions
This tangy lemonade is perfect for all kinds of summer occasions. Here are some ideas:
Poolside refresher: Keep a pitcher chilled in a cooler for easy refills on hot days.
Summer BBQ: Serve it in a big pitcher with lots of ice and fresh fruit garnishes. It's a crowd-pleaser.
Picnic drink: Pour it into mason jars with lids for easy transport to the park or beach.
Brunch beverage: Pair it with pancakes, waffles, or a breakfast sandwich for a fruity, refreshing drink.
Expert Tips
- Use ripe peaches: The riper the peaches, the sweeter and more flavorful your lemonade will be. Look for peaches that are soft and smell fragrant.
- Don't skip the cooling step: Letting the peach mixture cool completely in the fridge helps the flavors develop and gives you a richer-tasting lemonade.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Start with 1 cup of sugar and add more if you like it sweeter. Taste the syrup before adding the lemon juice and water.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a huge difference. Bottled juice just doesn't taste as bright.
- Strain thoroughly: Press gently on the peach solids to extract all the flavorful liquid without letting chunks through.
FAQ
Is peach lemonade good?
Yes, peach lemonade is absolutely delicious! It's sweet, tangy, and refreshing, with a natural peach flavor that tastes like summer. The combination of fresh peaches and lemon juice creates a drink that's more interesting than regular lemonade but just as easy to enjoy. It's perfect for hot days, parties, or anytime you want something fruity and homemade. My mom said it was one of the best drinks she'd ever had, and her book club agreed.
How do you make country time peach lemonade?
Country Time Peach Lemonade is a powdered drink mix that you prepare by adding water. To make it, follow the package instructions, which usually involve mixing the powder with cold water and stirring until dissolved. However, homemade peach lemonade made with fresh peaches tastes much better and doesn't have any artificial flavors or colors. It takes a little more time, but the flavor is so much richer and more natural.
What flavor mixes well with peach lemonade?
Peaches pair beautifully with lemon, vanilla, mint, basil, ginger, honey, raspberry, strawberry, and coconut. In this fresh peach drink, the lemon and vanilla complement the peach's natural sweetness perfectly. If you want to experiment, try adding fresh basil or ginger while cooking the peaches for a unique twist. Peaches also go well with other stone fruits like plums and nectarines.
What's the secret to perfect peach lemonade?
The secret to perfect peach lemonade is using freshly squeezed lemon juice, balancing the sweetness with the tartness, and making sure everything is well chilled. For peach lemonade, the peach syrup adds natural sweetness, so you don't need as much sugar as traditional lemonade. Let the peach mixture cool completely before mixing so the flavors have time to develop. And always taste as you go so you can adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
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Peach Lemonade
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the chopped peaches, lemon zest, vanilla extract, sugar, and 2 cups of cold water. Cook over medium heat until the peaches are soft and easily mashed, about 15-25 minutes.
- Use a masher or wooden spoon to mash the peaches to release their juices.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the peach mixture cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once the mixture has cooled, strain the peach solids from the liquid using a fine mesh strainer. Discard the solids or save them for another use (like adding to smoothies or baked goods).
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, remaining 4 cups of cold water, and ice if desired.
- Pour the lemonade into glasses, and garnish with lemon slices, fresh peach slices, and mint leaves.
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