Refreshing Peach Lemonade Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this peach lemonade combines two of my favorite summer flavors into one perfectly chilled drink. It’s easy to adjust to my taste—sweeter, more tart, or even with a splash of sparkling water for fizz. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ripe peaches, and the color is always stunning. It’s simple, homemade, and tastes like sunshine.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 ripe peaches, chopped
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar (adjust based on peach sweetness)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4–6 lemons)
6 cups water (divided: 2 cups for simmering, 4 cups for dilution)
Ice (for serving)

Optional garnishes:
Peach slices
Lemon wheels
Fresh mint

Directions

1. I combine the chopped peaches, sugar, and 2 cups of water in a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil. Then I simmer for about 10 minutes, until the peaches are soft and the sugar is fully dissolved.

2. I use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the pot, or transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth.

3. I strain the peach puree through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing it with the back of a spoon to extract all the juice. I discard the pulp and let the juice cool completely.

4. Once it’s cool, I stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining 4 cups of cold water.

5. I taste it and adjust with more lemon juice or sugar, depending on how sweet or tangy I want it.

6. I serve the lemonade over ice and garnish it with fresh peach slices, lemon wheels, or mint leaves if I want to dress it up.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings and takes 20 minutes total—with 10 minutes of prep, 10 minutes of cooking, plus cooling time.

Variations

• I swap the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural twist.

• When peaches aren’t in season, I use frozen or canned peaches (in juice) with great results.

• For a fizzy version, I replace some of the water with sparkling water or lemon soda.

• I freeze leftovers in ice cube trays to add flavor to water, iced tea, or future lemonade.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover lemonade in the fridge for up to 4 days in a covered pitcher. It tastes even better once it’s chilled. If it separates, I just give it a quick stir. For longer storage, I freeze it in ice cube trays and pop them into drinks later for a burst of peachy lemon flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches?

Yes, thawed frozen peaches work great. I just make sure to drain any excess liquid if they were packed in syrup.

How do I make it less sweet?

I start with 1/2 cup sugar and only add more after tasting the final lemonade. Using very ripe peaches also helps keep it naturally sweet.

Do I have to strain the peach puree?

Straining gives a smoother, more classic lemonade texture. But if I like a thicker, more rustic drink, I sometimes skip it.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and I actually prefer letting it chill for at least an hour to deepen the flavors. I stir before serving.

Can I make this into a cocktail?

Absolutely. I add a splash of vodka, rum, or peach schnapps for a fruity adult twist. It’s also great as a mixer with iced tea or prosecco.

Conclusion

This refreshing peach lemonade is one of my favorite ways to cool down and enjoy the flavors of summer. It’s bright, fruity, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m sipping it on the porch or serving it at a gathering, it’s always a hit—and once I’ve made it from scratch, I never want to go back to store-bought.