Description
A refreshing and vibrant Peach Lemonade Drink perfect for summer sips. This homemade lemonade combines the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches with the bright tartness of fresh lemon juice, balanced with just the right amount of sugar and cold water. Served chilled over ice and garnished with fresh mint and peach slices, it’s an invigorating beverage to cool you off on hot days.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
Sweetener and Liquid
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
Garnishes
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Peach slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the peaches: Thoroughly rinse the peaches under running water to remove any dirt or residues on the skin.
- Remove pits: Slice each peach in half and carefully remove the pits.
- Slice peaches: Cut the peach halves into smaller slices to make blending easier.
- Blend peaches: Place the sliced peaches in a blender. Optionally add a tablespoon of water to aid blending. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth.
- Strain peach puree: Pour the blended peaches through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher, using a spatula to press down and extract as much juice and flavor as possible while leaving behind pulp and skins.
- Extract lemon juice: Roll lemons on the countertop to loosen juices, then squeeze to get about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain this juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
- Make lemonade base: In a separate pitcher, combine the lemon juice and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Add cold water: Pour in the 4 cups of cold water into the lemonade base and stir well to combine thoroughly.
- Combine peach puree: Add the strained peach puree into the pitcher with the lemon-sugar mixture. Scrape any remaining puree from the strainer and stir gently until everything is incorporated.
- Adjust taste: Taste the peach lemonade and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or dilute with additional water if it is too tart.
- Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Fill glasses about three-quarters full with ice cubes, pour the chilled peach lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish: Optionally garnish with fresh peach slices and mint leaves before serving for an attractive presentation and added freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar level to taste based on the sweetness of your peaches and personal preference.
- Straining the peach puree removes pulp and skin for a smoother drink, but you can skip straining if you prefer a thicker, more rustic texture.
- For extra fizz, swap some of the cold water for sparkling water just before serving.
- The lemonade base can be made ahead and stored refrigerated before mixing with peach puree.
- Use fully ripe peaches for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
