Peach Lemonade
Peach Lemonade is a bright and refreshing summer drink made with homemade Peach Simple Syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of vanilla for extra depth of flavor. This easy pitcher recipe is perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, pool days, or anytime you need a cool, fruity drink to beat the summer heat.
Servings: 6
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Fine mesh strainer
- Large Pitcher
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Citrus Juicer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Peach Simple Syrup
- 1 cup organic cane sugar 200 grams
- 1 cup water 240 grams
- 2 cups fresh peaches peeled and diced, about 300 grams
For the Peach Lemonade
- ¾ cup honey 255 grams (or ¾ cup organic cane sugar, 150 grams)
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 180 grams
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 grams
- 1 cup Peach Simple Syrup prepared above
- 4 cups cold water 960 grams
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- Combine the syrup ingredients – Add the organic cane sugar, water, and diced peaches to a medium saucepan. Stir everything together before placing the pan over medium heat.
- Cook the syrup – Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved and the peaches begin to soften.
- Mash and simmer – Reduce the heat to low and gently mash the peaches with the back of a wooden spoon to release their juices. Continue simmering for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup is fragrant and the peaches are very soft.
- Steep the syrup – Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover, and let the peaches steep for 15 to 20 minutes. This extra time allows even more fresh peach flavor to infuse the syrup.
- Strain and cool – Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar or bowl. Gently press the peaches with the back of a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible without forcing the fruit through the strainer. Discard the solids and allow the syrup to cool completely.
- Mix the lemonade – In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup of the cooled Peach Simple Syrup, the honey (or organic cane sugar), freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the honey or sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add the water – Pour in the cold water and stir well until everything is fully combined. Taste and adjust with a little more lemon juice or Peach Simple Syrup if you'd like a tarter or sweeter lemonade.
- Serve and enjoy – Fill glasses with ice or add ice to the pitcher just before serving. Garnish with fresh peach slices, lemon wheels, or fresh mint for an extra pop of summer flavor.
Notes
Storage – Store the Peach Lemonade covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may naturally settle over time.
Extra Peach Simple Syrup – This recipe uses 1 cup of the homemade Peach Simple Syrup, leaving a little extra to stir into Peach Iced Tea, sparkling water, iced coffee, or drizzle over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream.
Expert Tip – Fresh, ripe peaches and freshly squeezed lemon juice create the brightest, freshest flavor. If your peaches are especially sweet, you may find you need a little less honey or sugar.
Serving Suggestion – Serve this Peach Lemonade alongside Peach Caprese Salad, Peach Farro Salad, or Brown Butter Peach Custard Ice Cream for a delicious summer menu. If you have leftover Peach Simple Syrup, use it to make a refreshing pitcher of Peach Iced Tea next.
Extra Peach Simple Syrup – This recipe uses 1 cup of the homemade Peach Simple Syrup, leaving a little extra to stir into Peach Iced Tea, sparkling water, iced coffee, or drizzle over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream.
Expert Tip – Fresh, ripe peaches and freshly squeezed lemon juice create the brightest, freshest flavor. If your peaches are especially sweet, you may find you need a little less honey or sugar.
Serving Suggestion – Serve this Peach Lemonade alongside Peach Caprese Salad, Peach Farro Salad, or Brown Butter Peach Custard Ice Cream for a delicious summer menu. If you have leftover Peach Simple Syrup, use it to make a refreshing pitcher of Peach Iced Tea next.