Refreshing Peach Lemonade

This peach lemonade has been my summer salvation during those sweltering afternoons when nothing seems to cool you down. I stumbled on this recipe a few years back during a particularly brutal heatwave when regular lemonade just wasn't cutting it anymore. The combination of bright, tangy lemon and sweet, juicy peaches creates this perfect balance that's refreshing without being too sweet or too tart.

Last summer, I brought this to my neighbor's backyard barbecue. Their teenage son, who apparently "only drinks soda," drained three glasses before asking his mom if they could make it at home. That's when you know you've hit on something special!

Simple Ingredients

• Fresh peaches: When they're in season and perfectly ripe, they add natural sweetness and that beautiful peachy color. Look for fragrant, slightly soft peaches without bruises.
• Homemade lemonade: Starting with a good base lemonade is key. Store-bought works in a pinch, but homemade gives you control over the sweetness.
• Fresh mint: Don't skip this! It adds a subtle complexity that elevates this from basic lemonade to something special.
• Ice: Serving over ice rather than adding it to the pitcher keeps the lemonade from getting diluted over time.

Pin it

Lemonade Magic

Peach selection

Choose peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure - they should be ripe but not mushy. The more fragrant they are, the more flavor they'll add to your lemonade.

Blending technique

Blending the peaches with a bit of the lemonade rather than just water helps everything incorporate smoothly and evenly.

Straining decision

The choice to strain or not comes down to texture preference. Straining gives you a smoother drink, while leaving the pulp in creates a more substantial, nectar-like experience.

Mint infusion

Adding the mint to the blender rather than just as a garnish infuses its flavor throughout the drink without overwhelming it.

Presentation power

Those reserved peach and lemon slices aren't just for looks - they continue to infuse flavor as the lemonade sits, making it even better over time.

Serving strategy

Pouring over ice in individual glasses rather than adding ice to the pitcher means the last glass will be just as flavorful as the first.

I've been perfecting this recipe every summer since I first created it. My original version used only yellow peaches, but I've found that using a mix of yellow and white peaches adds more complexity to the flavor. The mint was a later addition after I noticed how well it paired with the peaches in a summer salad. My biggest breakthrough was realizing that blending some of the lemonade with the peaches, rather than just water, created a much more harmonious final drink.

Serving Ideas

Serve this peachy drink in mason jars with striped paper straws for a picture-perfect summer presentation. For an adults-only gathering, add a splash of vodka or bourbon to transform it into a refreshing cocktail. It pairs beautifully with grilled foods, particularly chicken or fish with light seasonings.

Tasty Twists

Try substituting half the peaches with strawberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version. Add a few slices of cucumber to the blender for an extra cooling effect. For a sparkling variation, use half lemonade and half sparkling water when combining everything in the pitcher.

Pin it

I've made this peach lemonade for countless backyard gatherings, pool parties, and just random Tuesday afternoons when the temperature climbs. There's something about that combination of sweet peaches and tangy lemons that captures the essence of summer in a glass. It's become my signature summer refreshment - the thing friends request when they come over during peach season, and the drink my kids associate with summer vacations and outdoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen peaches work great in this recipe. Thaw them slightly before blending for the best consistency. You may need to adjust the sweetness slightly as frozen peaches can be less sweet than fresh.

→ How long does peach lemonade stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Peach lemonade will keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Store it in a sealed pitcher or container. The color may darken slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

→ Can I make this lemonade ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Make it up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Add the fresh peach and lemon slices for garnish just before serving for the best presentation.

→ Do I have to strain the peach puree?

Straining is optional. For a smoother, more traditional lemonade texture, strain the puree. For a thicker, more substantial peach lemonade with more fiber, skip the straining step.

→ What can I substitute for fresh mint?

If you don't have fresh mint, you can substitute basil for a different herbal note, or simply omit it. The lemonade will still be delicious with just peaches and lemonade.