Refreshing Peach Lemonade is the perfect drink to cool down with on a hot summer day. The sweet, juicy peaches combined with the tartness of fresh lemon juice create a delightful balance of flavors that’s both invigorating and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just relaxing in your backyard, this homemade lemonade is a refreshing treat that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3 peaches, peeled and chopped
- Fresh peaches are the star of this lemonade, providing a natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor.
- ¾ cup sugar
- Sugar is used to sweeten the lemonade, balancing out the tartness of the lemon juice and enhancing the peach flavor.
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 8 lemons)
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for the best flavor. It adds the perfect amount of tartness to the lemonade.
- 5 cups water
- Water dilutes the mixture, creating the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peaches:
- Peel and Chop: Start by peeling the peaches. To do this, you can either use a vegetable peeler or blanch the peaches in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily after blanching. Once peeled, chop the peaches into small pieces.
- Cook the Peaches: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped peaches with the sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and the sugar has dissolved, about 5-7 minutes. The peaches should release their juices and form a syrupy mixture.
2. Blend the Peaches:
- Puree: Once the peaches are cooked and soft, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the peach mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. If you prefer a more textured lemonade, you can leave some small chunks of peaches in the puree.
- Strain (Optional): For a smoother lemonade, you can strain the peach puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining solids. This step is optional, depending on your texture preference.
3. Mix the Lemonade:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the peach puree, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 5 cups of water. Stir the mixture well until everything is fully incorporated. Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar or water.
4. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the lemonade is nice and cold when served.
- Serve: When ready to serve, give the lemonade a good stir. Pour the lemonade over ice in glasses and garnish with peach slices, lemon wedges, or a sprig of mint for a decorative touch.
Tips for the Best Peach Lemonade
- Use Ripe Peaches: The riper the peaches, the sweeter and more flavorful your lemonade will be. If your peaches are not quite ripe, you can leave them out at room temperature for a day or two to ripen.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use fresh lemon juice for lemonade. Bottled lemon juice can have a slightly bitter aftertaste that won’t do justice to the fresh peaches.
- Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of your lemonade can vary depending on the ripeness of the peaches and your personal preference. Start with the recommended amount of sugar and adjust as needed. If you find the lemonade too tart, add a bit more sugar or a splash of simple syrup.
Variations
- Sparkling Peach Lemonade: For a fizzy version, replace some or all of the water with sparkling water or club soda. Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain the bubbles.
- Mint-Infused Lemonade: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint to the pitcher while the lemonade is chilling. The mint will infuse the drink with a refreshing herbal note that complements the peach and lemon flavors.
- Peach-Basil Lemonade: Basil pairs surprisingly well with peaches. Add a few basil leaves to the peach mixture as it cooks, or muddle some fresh basil leaves in the bottom of the pitcher before adding the lemonade.
Refreshing Peach Lemonade is a delightful drink that brings together the sweetness of ripe peaches and the tangy zest of lemons. It’s a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed as is or dressed up with sparkling water, mint, or basil for a unique twist. This lemonade is easy to make and perfect for sipping on a warm day. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a refreshing homemade drink, this peach lemonade is sure to be a hit. Enjoy a glass on the porch, by the pool, or wherever you find yourself soaking up the summer sun!
