PEACH LEMONADE

On a warm, sunny day, there’s nothing quite like a glass of homemade peach lemonade to cool you down and lift your spirits. This delightful recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with the tangy kick of fresh lemon juice, creating a thirst-quenching beverage that’s perfect for lounging on the porch, hosting a garden party, or simply enjoying a quiet moment to yourself.

What makes this peach lemonade truly special is the homemade peach syrup, which infuses the drink with a deep, rich peach flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match. Add a splash of sparkling water or even a hint of your favorite spirit, and you’ve got yourself a versatile drink that everyone will adore.

Here’s how you can create this deliciously refreshing peach lemonade:

INGREDIENTS:

For the Peach Syrup:

1.16 lb (about 3 large or 2 cups chopped) peaches, peeled and chopped

2 cups water

1/2 cup sugar (choose from regular, brown sugar, honey, or a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or stevia)

Other Ingredients for Peach Lemonade:

1/3 cup lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons)

3 cups water (can be plain, sparkling, coconut water, or a mix of water and alcohol for a boozy twist)

Lemon slices from one lemon and/or some peach slices for garnish

Optional mint for garnish

Ice cubes (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Make the Peach Syrup:

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

Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and mushy.

Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Then, strain the mixture through a sieve to extract the syrup, discarding the peach solids.

Juice the Lemons:

Before juicing the lemons, consider zesting them to save the zest for other recipes or to use as a decorative garnish. Juice the lemons until you have about 1/3 cup of juice …