This Refreshing Peach Lemonade is the perfect drink for hot summer days! It’s a delightful mix of sweet peaches and tangy lemons that will cool you down.
Making this lemonade is a breeze! Just blend up fresh peaches, mix with lemon juice, and add water. You might find yourself sipping on it all day—trust me, it’s so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen peaches work well too! Just make sure they’re thawed before blending.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference in taste. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can substitute, but fresh is always better!
Sugar: Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your peaches. You can also use honey or agave syrup as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
Mint: Fresh mint not only adds a lovely flavor but also makes your drink look fancy. If you don’t have mint, you can skip it or use basil for a unique twist!
How Do You Get the Perfect Peach Puree?
Creating a smooth peach puree is simple but important for a delicious lemonade. Here’s how:
- Start with ripe peaches to ensure sweetness and flavor. Peel and slice them before blending.
- Blend the peaches with just a bit of water to help the blending process.
- Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to get a smooth texture, which makes the drink feel more refreshing.
Remember, blending too much air into the puree can make it frothy, so blend until smooth but don’t overdo it!
Refreshing Peach Lemonade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 5 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and peach slices for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Peach Lemonade takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. The total time is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, but you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and cool drink!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Peach Puree:
Start by placing the peeled and sliced peaches into a blender. Add 1 cup of cold water to help it blend smoothly. Blend until you have a smooth peach puree.
2. Strain the Puree:
Next, pour the peach puree through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. This step removes any pulp, giving you a smooth fruit base for your lemonade. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the mixture and extract as much juice as possible.
3. Mix in Lemon Juice and Sugar:
Add 1 cup of fresh lemon juice to the pitcher along with 3/4 to 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir everything together well until the sugar is fully dissolved in the peach and lemon mixture.
4. Combine with Water:
Pour in the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Now, taste your lemonade! If you want it a little sweeter, add more sugar; if you need more tang, squeeze in extra lemon juice.
5. Chill the Lemonade:
Cover your pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 1 hour. This will give the flavors time to meld and make the lemonade refreshingly cold.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve the peach lemonade over ice cubes. Garnish each glass with lemon slices, peach slices, and fresh mint leaves, if you like. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your refreshing Peach Lemonade!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen peaches can be used! Just make sure they are fully thawed before blending for the best texture. They may make your lemonade a bit cooler and more refreshing!
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Lemonade?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again as the ingredients may settle.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Lemonade?
Absolutely! Start by adding 3/4 cup of sugar, then taste the lemonade. You can add more sugar or even sweeteners like honey to suit your preference.
What Other Fruits Can I Add to This Lemonade?
Feel free to experiment! Berries like strawberries or raspberries pair well with peaches, or try adding a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist. Blend them in with the peaches for a new flavor blend!