If summer had a flavor, it would surely be a tall, frosty glass of Peach Lemonade. Juicy peaches blend with tangy lemons and just the right amount of sweetness, making this homemade beverage a gloriously refreshing treat for warm days, backyard parties, or anytime you crave a sip of sunshine. Whether you serve it at your next barbecue or save it all for yourself (totally understandable!), this recipe is a breeze to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Peach Lemonade:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup honey or granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
For Garnish (optional):
- Ice cubes
- Fresh peach slices
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh mint leaves
How to Make Peach Lemonade
Step 1: Puree the Peaches
Add your peeled and pitted ripe peaches to a blender and blend until completely smooth. If you don’t have a high-speed blender, cut the peaches into smaller chunks to help the process along. This luscious puree is the foundation of your Peach Lemonade, bringing that sun-kissed summer flavor front and center.
Step 2: Strain for Smoothness
Pour the peach puree through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher if you prefer a smooth drink with no pulp. Use a spoon to help the liquid through, and discard any leftover solids. This step is entirely personal—if you love a bit of texture, feel free to skip straining!
Step 3: Mix in the Lemon and Sweetener
To the pitcher, add your freshly squeezed lemon juice and the honey (or sugar). Stir vigorously until the sweetener dissolves completely, ensuring every sip is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
Step 4: Add Water and Adjust
Pour in the cold water, stirring again to combine everything. Give it a taste—this is your chance to tweak the sweetness or tartness! Add a splash more lemon if it needs brightness or an extra drizzle of honey for more sweetness. Make it your own.
Step 5: Chill and Serve Over Ice
Fill glasses with plenty of ice, then pour the Peach Lemonade over. Garnish with fresh peach slices, lemon wedges, and a sprig of mint if you want to take things over the top. Then sit back, sip, and savor summer to the fullest!
How to Serve Peach Lemonade
Garnishes
Nothing takes Peach Lemonade from basic to beautiful like artful garnishes. Float a few thin peach slices or a twist of lemon in each glass for a charming burst of color, and add a fresh mint sprig for aroma that’s as inviting as the drink itself. If you’re serving a crowd, scatter garnishes on a platter and let guests customize their own glasses—it’s a guaranteed way to delight everyone.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Peach Lemonade with the right nibbles really makes it shine. Try it alongside crispy fried chicken, light salads, or a festive cheese board—the sweet tang of the drink is the perfect answer to salty, savory foods. Don’t forget classic summer snacks like deviled eggs or grilled veggies; it’s the kind of drink that finds friends easily on any picnic table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly Instagram-worthy pitcher, layer the garnishes right into the pitcher itself so you get eye-catching swirls of color with every pour. Or, make a sparkling version by swapping half the water for bubbly sparkling water—add this just before serving for maximum fizz! Peach Lemonade also looks adorable in mason jars tied with twine or served in stemless wine glasses for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Peach Lemonade left over (it happens, though not often!), keep it in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed pitcher. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 days. Be sure to stir before pouring, as the peach juice and lemon may settle a bit. Hold off on adding ice or garnishes until you’re ready to serve, so everything stays crisp and vibrant.
Freezing
Want to save that summer flavor for later? Freeze your Peach Lemonade in ice cube trays to create fruity ice cubes—these won’t dilute your next glass, and they’re so fun to pop into water or seltzer. You can also freeze the peach puree by itself in an airtight container for up to 2 months, then thaw and mix fresh lemonade as needed.
Reheating
While you’ll almost always want your Peach Lemonade chilled, if it’s been frozen or sitting in the fridge, just give it a good stir or a brief blend to restore its silky consistency. There’s no need to actually heat it, just bring it up to temperature if it’s too icy for your liking!
FAQs
Can I make Peach Lemonade with frozen peaches?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen peaches are a fantastic substitute. Just thaw them completely before blending, and you might even find the chill adds a frosty touch!
How can I make this drink less sweet?
If you prefer a tarter Peach Lemonade, start with less honey or sugar and add more to taste. You can also up the lemon juice or dilute with extra water to suit your preferences.
Can I turn this recipe into an adult beverage?
You sure can! A splash of vodka, bourbon, or even a sparkling rosé instantly transforms Peach Lemonade into a party-ready cocktail. Adjust measurements to taste and enjoy responsibly.
What’s the best way to peel peaches?
For super easy peeling, score a small X on the bottom of each peach and drop them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins should slip right off—no mess, no fuss!
Is Peach Lemonade suitable for special diets?
Yes, when made with honey or sugar, Peach Lemonade is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly (with plant-based sweeteners). It’s a fantastic option to accommodate a variety of guests—just double-check your sweetener if needed!
Final Thoughts
Bright, juicy, and outrageously refreshing, Peach Lemonade is the drink you’ll crave all season long. It’s simple to make, easy to share, and guaranteed to draw smiles at any gathering. Pour yourself a glass, take it outside, and see how quickly it disappears—your summer just got a whole lot sweeter!
PrintPeach Lemonade Recipe
Refreshing and fruity, this Peach Lemonade is a delightful summer drink that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the tangy kick of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just a relaxing day in the sun.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Peach Lemonade:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup honey or granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
For Garnish (optional):
- Ice cubes
- Fresh peach slices
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Puree Peaches: In a blender, puree peaches until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove pulp if desired.
- Mix Ingredients: Add lemon juice and honey (or sugar) to the pitcher and stir until the sweetener dissolves. Pour in cold water and stir again.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Serve: Serve over ice, garnished with peach slices, lemon wedges, and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, replace 2 cups of water with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
- You can also make the peach puree ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg