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Peach lemonade pitcher for summer gatherings — concentrated peach puree for lasting flavor Pinterest recipe pin

Simple Peach Lemonade

A bright, refreshing peach lemonade made with concentrated peach puree and hot simple syrup for full, persistent fruit flavor—perfect for summer pitchers or a small gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium ripe peaches about 1 1/2 pounds, peeled if desired, pitted and chopped (about 3 to 3 1/2 cups)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar divided: 2 tablespoons for simmering peaches, 1 cup for syrup
  • 1 1/4 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice about 4 large lemons
  • 1 1/4 to 2 cups cold water to dilute plus up to 2 cups additional for serving or sparkling substitutions
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water for simmering peaches
  • Ice for serving
Optional additions
  • 1/2 to 1 cup club soda optional for sparkling
  • 6 –8 fresh mint leaves or 1 small sprig rosemary optional

Equipment

  • 1 2–3 quart saucepan
  • 1 Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • 1 Fine-mesh sieve (optional)
  • 1 2-quart pitcher

Method
 

Prepare the peaches
  1. Score the bottoms of peaches, blanch in boiling water for 30–45 seconds and shock in an ice bath if you want to peel; otherwise leave skins on, quarter, pit, and roughly chop to yield about 3 to 3 1/2 cups.
Make the concentrated peach base
  1. Place chopped peaches, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 cup water in a 2–3 quart saucepan; simmer over medium-low heat for 6–8 minutes until softened, then puree with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Return the puree to the pan and simmer gently for another 3–5 minutes to reduce slightly; remove from heat and cool.
Make the syrup and combine
  1. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves into a clear syrup; do not boil vigorously.
  2. Stir the syrup into the peach puree along with the lemon juice, taste, and adjust sweetness or acidity.
  3. Transfer to a pitcher and chill, or cool in an ice bath before adding cold water.
Finish and serve
  1. Add 1 1/4 to 2 cups cold water to the peach-lemon mixture, start with 1 1/4 cups and add more to reach preferred strength; if serving over ice, account for dilution and use slightly less concentrate or more water as needed.
  2. For sparkling lemonade, replace up to 2 cups of the cold water with chilled club soda and add it just before serving.
  3. Garnish with lemon slices, peach wedges, and optional mint; stir gently before pouring over ice.

Notes

Make the peach base and syrup up to 3 days ahead and store refrigerated; combine with cold water or club soda just before serving. If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain excess liquid before simmering. For smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve.