Peach Lemonade
A bright, refreshing summer pitcher made with fresh peaches, lemon juice, and a quick homemade syrup for real fruit flavor.
Equipment
- OXO Professional Hard Anodized Saucepan Pot Set with Lids, Black
- WÜSTHOF Gourmet 2-Piece Chef's Knife Set
- Cuisinart CCJ-500P1 Pulp Control Citrus Juicer, 1, Black/Stainless
Ingredients
Peach Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup honey or sugar
- 4 ripe peaches cut into slices
Peach Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice from about 6-8 lemons
- 4 cups cold water
- peach syrup
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Peach Syrup
- Combine the water, honey or sugar, and sliced peaches in a saucepan, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes. The liquid should turn peachy and fragrant while the fruit softens and starts to look slumped.
- Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or pitcher and pour the syrup through it, pressing lightly if needed to help the liquid pass through. You should end up with a smooth syrup and leave the skins and pulp behind for a cleaner lemonade.
Step 2: Juice the Lemons
- Juice the lemons until you have 1 cup fresh lemon juice from about 6 to 8 lemons. If you want the smoothest pitcher possible, strain the juice too, especially if your lemons are seedy or pulpy.
Step 3: Mix and Chill the Lemonade
- Pour the fresh lemon juice, 4 cups cold water, and the peach syrup into a large pitcher, then stir until fully combined. The color will range from pale gold to rosy peach depending on the fruit you used.
- Chill the pitcher before serving, then pour the lemonade over ice in individual glasses. The flavor tastes more blended and rounded once it is thoroughly cold, and serving over ice keeps the pitcher from getting watered down.
Notes
Best results: Choose ripe peaches that smell sweet and feel slightly soft for the fullest peach flavor and color.
Flavor tip: Use fresh lemon juice whenever possible for the brightest, sharpest taste.
Storage: Keep the lemonade covered in the refrigerator and stir before serving, since natural separation is normal. For the best quality, use it within 5 to 7 days.
Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the peach syrup in advance and chill it until you are ready to mix the pitcher.
Safety tip: Wash the peaches and lemons well before using, and keep the finished drink properly chilled.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.