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This bright peach lemonade has been my go-to summer refresher during scorching afternoons when I'm desperate to cool down. The sweetness from juicy peaches turns basic lemonade into something magical that'll have friends begging to know how you made it.
I came up with this drink during an awful heat spell when peaches in my yard were ripening too fast to eat. The mix turned out so cooling that we now serve it at all our summer parties, and my kids ask for it non-stop from May all the way to September.
Ingredients
- Fresh peaches: They're what makes this drink special with their natural sweetness and pretty color. Go for ones that smell amazing and give just a bit when squeezed
- Homemade lemonade: Creates the tangy foundation. Fresh-squeezed lemons really do make the taste pop
- Fresh mint: Brings a cool, fragrant touch that makes the whole drink better. Pick bright green ones with no brown spots
- Lemons: They add a nice look on top. Try to find ones with thin skin as they usually have more juice
- Ice: Keeps everything nice and cold without making it watery if done right
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the lemonade:
- Start by fixing your homemade lemonade how you normally would or grab your top pick from the store. Make it a bit more sour than usual since the peaches will add sweetness later. If making it yourself, wait until your simple syrup cools completely before mixing it with the lemon juice and water.
- Prep the peaches:
- Give peaches a good rinse under cool water to clean them off. Cut around the middle and twist to pull apart. Take out the pits and slice most peaches, but save about a quarter of them to float in the pitcher and make it look nice.
- Blend the peach mixture:
- Throw most of your sliced peaches into a blender with a cup of your lemonade and some fresh mint. Blend until it's totally smooth with no chunks left. The mint will spread its flavor throughout without taking over.
- Strain for smoothness:
- If you want a fancier drink, pour the blended peach mix through a fine strainer into your pitcher. You don't have to do this step, but it gets rid of the stringy bits and makes the drink feel fancier and smoother when you sip it.
- Combine and garnish:
- Add the rest of your lemonade to the pitcher with the peach mix and stir it all together. Drop in those peach slices you saved earlier and some lemon rounds to make it look pretty. This makes the drink more tempting and shows people what flavors are in it.
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The mint does something special with the peaches in this drink. I found this combo by chance when mint was growing wild in my garden the same summer my peach trees gave their first full crop. The herby taste somehow makes the peaches seem sweeter, creating flavors that plain lemonade just can't match.
Making It Ahead
Making this peach lemonade a day early actually helps it taste better as the flavors get time to mix together properly. You can fix it up to 24 hours before and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. The color might get a bit darker as the peaches naturally brown, but it'll still taste great. For the best look, wait to add the peach and lemon slices until you're about to serve it so they stay looking fresh.
Variations To Try
This basic recipe works great with other stone fruits too. Try using nectarines for a smoother feel or apricots for something sweeter. Want an adult version? Add some bourbon or vodka for a perfect summer cocktail. White peaches give you a lighter taste and color while yellow ones bring that bright orange look and stronger flavor. I really love using both yellow and white peaches together when I can get them.
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Serving Suggestions
This peach lemonade goes perfectly with summer grilled foods, especially things with a bit of sweetness like BBQ chicken or grilled corn. Pour it in tall glasses with extra ice and fresh mint on top to make it look fancy. For special get-togethers, freeze some peach slices to use as ice cubes that won't water down your drink as they melt. Try serving it in a see-through pitcher to show off its beautiful color which always gets people talking at parties.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I use store-bought lemonade?
For sure! Any store-bought lemonade works fine when you're in a hurry or don't feel like making it from scratch. Just pick one that won't clash with the peach flavor.
- → How can I make this drink less sweet?
You can tone down the sweetness by going with unsweetened lemonade or just adding more water to thin it out a bit.
- → What type of peaches work best?
Go for soft, juicy peaches that give a little when squeezed. Both white and yellow varieties work great depending on what you like.
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
You bet! Mix it up a few hours early and stick it in the fridge. Wait to add the ice and pretty garnishes until you're ready to serve.
- → Can I skip the mint?
Sure thing! Mint gives it a nice cooling touch, but it's totally fine to leave it out. You can try basil instead for something different.