Peach Lemonade always reminds me of the kind of summer days that make you want to kick your shoes off and sip something cold on the porch with people you love. The first time I made this homemade peach lemonade, I wasn’t trying to follow a recipe I was just trying to keep my kids cool and happy while using up some peaches that were getting too soft to eat on their own.
And just like that, this became one of our family favorites. Now, every time the peaches are ripe and the sun is hot, this recipe comes out of my heart, not just my kitchen. It’s sweet, tangy, fresh, and comforting in the way only homemade drinks can be.
Homemade Peach Lemonade Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Pitcher
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Citrus Juicer
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz Fresh Peaches about 3 large peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1.5 cups White Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Water for cooking the peaches
- 1 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice from about 5–6 ripe lemons
- 2 cups Cold Water for mixing with peach and lemon juice
Instructions
Instructions
- Juice the lemons using a citrus juicer. Strain to remove seeds and pulp. Set aside the lemon juice.
- Peel the peaches, remove the pits, and slice them. Add the sliced peaches to a saucepan with sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 cups of water.
- Bring the peach mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat slightly and cook until peaches are soft and the mixture is fragrant, about 10–15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. Press gently to extract juice. You can add some peach pieces back in if desired.
- Add the cold water and reserved lemon juice to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour to chill. Stir again before serving over ice.
Why This Peach Lemonade Will Be Your New Favorite
There’s something magical about the way sweet peaches blend with the brightness of fresh lemon juice. It’s not too tart, not too sugary just that perfect, refreshing balance. You can serve it at BBQs, sip it by the pool, or pour it into mason jars and pack it for a picnic.
The best part? It’s so simple to make. No store-bought syrups, no complicated steps, just real fruit and real love. That’s the way my grandma did it, and it’s the way I love to do it too.
The Ingredients You Need for Homemade Peach Lemonade
Just a few pantry staples and some juicy fruit are all you need. Here’s what I use:
- 20 oz fresh peaches (about 3 large ripe peaches)
Tip from my kitchen: Use ripe, slightly soft peaches they blend easier and give more flavor. - 1.5 cups white granulated sugar
You can adjust this to your taste. If you like your lemonade a little less sweet, start with 1 cup and taste as you go. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This is my little twist it softens the sharpness of the lemon and makes the whole drink feel rounder and more comforting. - 2 cups water (for the peach syrup)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 5–6 ripe lemons)
- 2 cups cold water (to finish it off)
How to Make Peach Lemonade the Old-Fashioned Way
You don’t need a fancy juicer or any special tools just a pot, a pitcher, and a little time in the kitchen. Here’s how I do it:
Step 1: Juice the lemons
Roll your lemons on the counter first this helps release more juice. Then cut and squeeze them until you have a full cup. Strain out any seeds and pulp, and set the juice aside.
Step 2: Cook the peaches
Peel your peaches, remove the pits, and slice them into small chunks. In a saucepan, combine the peaches, sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 cups of water. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. The smell? Like warm peach pie on a summer afternoon.
Step 3: Let the magic happen
Lower the heat a little and let the mixture simmer until the peaches are soft and the sugar is completely dissolved. It should look a little syrupy and smell like heaven.
Step 4: Strain and combine
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Press gently on the peaches to get all the flavor out, or if you’re like me, add a few soft peach slices back in they make the drink even prettier. Now pour in your fresh lemon juice and the 2 cups of cold water.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Stir everything together, pop the pitcher into the fridge, and let it chill until it’s nice and cold. This peach lemonade is best served over ice with a little slice of peach or lemon floating on top.
Make It Yours: Tips for the Perfect Pitcher
- Less sugar, more tang? Add an extra half lemon or cut the sugar down to 1 cup.
- Feeling fancy? Add a sprig of mint or a few fresh raspberries to the pitcher.
- For the kids: Freeze some of the lemonade into popsicles. Trust me they’ll love it.
This recipe is all about love and flexibility. You can make it ahead, store it for a few days in the fridge, or even freeze a batch for when you’re dreaming of summer in the middle of winter.
How to Serve Peach Lemonade the Cozy Way
Presentation doesn’t need to be complicated. I like to serve this in tall glasses filled with crushed ice, maybe a striped straw if I’m feeling nostalgic. A wedge of peach on the rim makes it feel a little extra special.
We also love pouring it into mason jars for picnics or road trips. It keeps well in a cooler, and there’s something about drinking peach lemonade from a jar that just feels right.
Pair it with grilled chicken, a fresh salad, or even just a bowl of salty popcorn. It goes with everything, and it makes any meal feel a little sunnier.
Storing Your Homemade Peach Lemonade
- Fridge: Keep in a sealed pitcher for up to 3 days. Stir before serving natural ingredients like to settle!
- Freezer: Pour into a container, leave a little space at the top, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a shake before enjoying.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the peach syrup a day or two in advance and mix it with the lemon juice and water when ready.
My Grandma’s Secret Lemonade Rule
She always told me: “You don’t need a lot of ingredients to make something special. Just use what’s fresh, stir with love, and don’t forget to taste.” This peach lemonade is a perfect example of that. It’s simple, pure, and full of heart.
So if you’ve got peaches on your counter and lemons in the fridge, give this recipe a try. It just might become your new summer ritual just like it did for us.
FAQs About Peach Lemonade
Is peach good with lemonade?
Yes, absolutely! Peaches and lemons balance each other beautifully the sweetness of the peach softens the tart lemon flavor and creates a smooth, fruity finish.
What are the 7 steps in making lemonade?
In this version: juice lemons, peel and slice peaches, cook the peaches with sugar and vanilla, strain the mixture, add lemon juice and water, chill the lemonade, and serve over ice.
What are the ingredients in Calypso Southern Peach Lemonade?
Calypso uses peach juice concentrate, lemon juice, sugar, and natural flavors. But this homemade peach lemonade uses fresh, real fruit and no artificial ingredients so you can feel good about every sip.
Can I get a peach lemonade mix?
You can find store-bought mixes, but nothing compares to making it fresh at home. Once you try this homemade peach lemonade, I promise you’ll taste the difference.
If you make this peach lemonade, I’d love to see it! Tag me @DolceRecipe on Instagram or drop a comment below there’s nothing sweeter than seeing your kitchen full of love and lemon-scented joy.
And remember, the best recipes aren’t just about flavor. They’re about memories, smiles, and the people you share them with.
Happy sipping,
Anna 🍑🍋
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