Homemade Peach Lemonade

Homemade Peach Lemonade

This recipe balances the sweetness of ripe peaches with the tartness of fresh lemons for a perfect summer drink.

Yields: Approximately 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: At least 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Peach Syrup:

• 4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, helps preserve color)

For the Lemonade:

• 1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (about 8-10 lemons, depending on size)
• 4-6 cups cold water (adjust to your preference)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh peach slices and lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Medium saucepan
• Potato masher or fork
• Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander
• Large pitcher
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Juicer (for lemons)

Instructions:

1. Make the Peach Syrup:

• Combine the sliced peaches, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and have released their juices.
• If using, stir in the lemon juice.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and mash the peaches with a potato masher or a fork.

2. Strain the Peach Syrup:

• Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl. For an extra smooth syrup, you can line the sieve with a layer of cheesecloth.
• Pour the peach mixture into the sieve and gently press down on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids.
• Let the peach syrup cool completely. You can speed this up by placing the bowl in an ice bath.

3. Make the Lemonade:

• In a large pitcher, pour the fresh lemon juice.
• Add the cooled peach syrup to the pitcher.
• Stir well to combine the lemon juice and peach syrup.
• Gradually add the cold water, starting with 4 cups, and stir to combine. Taste the lemonade and add more water if you prefer a less sweet or less tart drink. You can also add more peach syrup or lemon juice to adjust the flavor to your liking.

4. Chill and Serve:

• Add plenty of ice cubes to the pitcher.
• Refrigerate the peach lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to get thoroughly chilled.
• When ready to serve, pour the peach lemonade into glasses filled with ice.
• Garnish with fresh peach slices, lemon slices, and a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Type of Peaches: Ripe, juicy freestone peaches are ideal for this recipe as their flesh easily separates from the pit. However, clingstone peaches will also work; just take a little more care when removing the pit.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar in the peach syrup according to the sweetness of your peaches and your personal preference. You can also use other sweeteners like honey or agave nectar.
• Sparkling Peach Lemonade: For a fizzy twist, substitute some of the cold water with sparkling water or club soda just before serving.
• Frozen Peach Lemonade: For a slushy treat, blend the chilled peach lemonade with extra ice until you reach your desired consistency.
• Infused Syrup: You can infuse the peach syrup with other flavors while it simmers, such as a sprig of rosemary, a few slices of ginger, or a vanilla bean. Remove the flavorings before straining.

Enjoy your delicious and homemade Peach Lemonade! Let me know if you have any other questions.