I love how this lemonade captures the sweetness of ripe peaches and the tang of fresh lemon juice, making it a perfect drink for warm, sunny days. It’s vibrant, cooling, and ideal for sipping during picnics, barbecues, or lazy afternoons on the porch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how the peach syrup blends so smoothly with lemon juice, creating a balance of sweet and tart. It’s easy to make, naturally beautiful in color, and adaptable—whether I want it light and delicate or bold and tangy. Plus, it doubles as a great base for spritzers or mocktails.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups chopped ripe peaches (about 3 large peaches), plus extra slices for garnish
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½ cup granulated sugar (or honey/agave for a natural option)
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2 cups water (for peach syrup)
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1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 5–6 lemons)
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2 to 4 cups cold water (adjust to taste)
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Ice cubes, for serving
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Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions
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I combine the chopped peaches, sugar, and 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat, cooking for about 10 minutes until the peaches are soft and fragrant.
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I remove it from the heat, let it cool slightly, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing the solids to extract maximum juice.
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I add the lemon juice to the pitcher, followed by 2 to 4 cups of cold water, depending on how strong or sweet I want the flavor. I stir well to combine.
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I taste and adjust with more sugar, lemon juice, or water as needed.
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I serve it over ice, garnished with peach slices and fresh mint for a refreshing finish.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: ~90 kcal per serving
Variations
Sometimes I add a splash of sparkling water just before serving for a fizzy twist. When I want a floral note, I stir in a teaspoon of lavender syrup or a few crushed basil leaves. Frozen peaches work well too, especially when fresh ones are out of season.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If I make it ahead, I keep the peach syrup separate from the lemon juice and water until ready to serve to keep the flavor vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, I just drain them well before using, and reduce the added sugar slightly.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes, I swap the sugar for a sugar substitute or skip it if the peaches are sweet enough.
What’s the best way to juice lemons?
I roll them on the counter before cutting, then use a citrus juicer for maximum juice.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes, I skip the ice and serve it as a warm citrus tea for a cozy variation.
Can I turn this into a cocktail?
Yes, I add a splash of vodka, rum, or peach schnapps for an adult version.
Conclusion
I love how this peach lemonade delivers a perfect mix of sweet and tart while looking beautiful in the glass. It’s a quick, easy way to turn simple ingredients into a drink that feels like summer in every sip.
Print
Refreshing Peach Lemonade
A vibrant and cooling summer drink that combines the sweet juiciness of ripe peaches with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice, perfect for hot days and sunny gatherings.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
2 cups chopped ripe peaches (about 3 large peaches), plus extra slices for garnish
½ cup granulated sugar (or honey/agave for a natural option)
2 cups water (for peach syrup)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 5–6 lemons)
2 to 4 cups cold water (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes, for serving
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine chopped peaches, sugar, and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, until the peaches are soft and fragrant.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing down on the solids to extract as much juice as possible.
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pitcher, followed by 2 to 4 cups of cold water, depending on your desired strength and sweetness. Stir well to combine.
Taste and adjust with more sugar, lemon juice, or water as needed.
Serve over ice, garnished with peach slices and fresh mint for an extra burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers