Peach Lemonade

Ingredients

• 4 ripe peaches (Medium; pitted and sliced. No need to peel.)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 cups water (Divided: use 2 cups for the peach syrup and the remaining 3 cups later.)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (About 6–8 lemons.)
• ice cubes (For serving.)
• 2 oz fresh peach slices and lemon slices (Optional garnish.)

Steps

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, and 2 cups of the water. Bring the mixture to a boil.

2. 2

   Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the peaches have softened and the sugar has completely dissolved, about 5–7 minutes.

3. 3

   Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gently mash the peaches with a potato masher or wooden spoon to release more flavor.

4. 4

   Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large heat-safe pitcher with a capacity of at least 8 cups, or ½ gallon.

5. 5

   Pour the peach syrup through the strainer, pressing gently on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. You should have about 3½ cups of syrup. Discard the strained peach solids.

6. 6

   Stir the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the peach syrup.

7. 7

   Add the remaining 3 cups of water and stir until well combined.

8. 8

   Refrigerate the lemonade until chilled, for at least 1 hour.

9. 9

   Serve over ice, garnished with fresh peach slices and lemon slices.

Notes

The finished lemonade can be refrigerated for 2–3 days; stir before serving. The peach syrup can be prepared 3–4 days ahead and refrigerated separately, then combined with the lemon juice and water when ready. For a sparkling drink, use sparkling water in place of still water when serving. Sweetness can be adjusted with additional sugar, honey, or another sweetener; dilute with extra water or lemon juice if needed. For an optional cocktail, add about 1–2 ounces of vodka, rum, bourbon, or peach schnapps per glass.

Nutrition per serving

• drink
• non-alcoholic
• summer
• refreshing
• make-ahead
• fruit-based
• stovetop