Summer Peach Lemonade

Description:

Summer Peach Lemonade is a bright, fruity drink that combines the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches. It’s the perfect thirst-quencher for picnics, BBQs, or lazy afternoons in the sun. Served over ice with fresh mint or peach slices, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Origin:

A modern twist on classic Southern-style lemonade, peach lemonade draws from the American South’s love for peaches and citrus, combining them into a colorful seasonal beverage.

Ingredients (Quantity):

3 medium ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
½ to ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
4 cups cold water
1 cup ice (plus more for serving)

Ingredients (Optional):

1 tbsp honey or agave syrup (for added depth)
A few fresh mint leaves (for garnish or muddled in)
Sparkling water (for a fizzy version)
Peach or lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

Make peach purée:
In a blender or food processor, blend chopped peaches with ½ cup water until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smoother texture (optional).
Make lemonade base:
In a pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Combine:
Add the peach purée to the lemonade base. Stir well. Add the remaining water and adjust sweetness to taste.
Chill and serve:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice with peach slices or mint.

Tips for Success:

Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best natural sweetness.
If peaches aren’t very sweet, use more sugar or a bit of honey.
Straining the peach purée gives a smoother drink, but leave it in for more texture and fiber.
Add sparkling water just before serving for a fizzy twist.