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Growing up in Georgia, summer meant one thing: peach season. I still remember the scent of ripe peaches wafting through the kitchen as my mom and I brewed our signature sweet peach tea. We’d spend the afternoon on the porch, sipping tall glasses packed with ice, peach slices, and fresh mint. It was more than a drink—it was a tradition. Now, years later, this Homemade Peach Tea Recipe is still my go-to when the sun is blazing. It’s fruity, simple, and hits the spot every single time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, lounging by the pool, or just need a moment of refreshment, this sweet peach tea has you covered.
How to Choose the Best Peaches for Tea
The Importance of Ripe Peaches
Your peaches make or break this recipe. Ripe peaches are juicy and naturally sweet, which balances beautifully with the strong, bold flavor of black tea. Look for fruit that gives slightly when you press it and has a fragrant aroma—those are signs of perfect ripeness.
Fresh vs. Frozen Peaches
Fresh peaches deliver unbeatable flavor and aroma, but frozen ones are a solid backup. If using frozen, thaw them completely before blending or simmering. Canned peaches can work in a pinch but tend to be sweeter, so reduce the sugar slightly.
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Homemade Peach Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Refreshing Homemade Peach Tea made with ripe peaches, black tea, and mint. Perfect summer drink to cool off with sweet, fruity flavors.
Ingredients
4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
1 cup sugar
8 cups water
4 black tea bags
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ice cubes
Fresh mint (garnish)
Peach slices (garnish)
Instructions
1. In a pot, combine peaches, sugar, and 1 cup water. Simmer 10 minutes.
2. Mash lightly, then strain to make peach syrup.
3. Steep tea bags in 7 cups boiling water for 5–7 minutes.
4. Remove tea bags and stir in peach syrup and lemon juice.
5. Chill and serve over ice with mint and peach slices.
Notes
Use ripe peaches for best flavor.
Try adding a splash of vanilla or ginger.
Great with sparkling water or alcohol for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Peach Tea Recipe, Refreshing Drinks, Homemade Iced Tea
Crafting the Peach Syrup
Making Peach Syrup from Scratch
Peach syrup is the heart of this iced tea. In a saucepan, combine 4 sliced peaches, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water. Simmer for 10 minutes until the peaches soften. Lightly mash them, then strain through a fine sieve. The result is a luscious, golden syrup that adds deep peach flavor to every glass.
Flavor Enhancers You Can Add
To give your tea a twist, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a few fresh basil leaves to the syrup as it simmers. Ginger slices or a cinnamon stick can introduce a warm, spicy element—perfect for cooler summer evenings.
Brewing and Blending the Tea
Which Tea to Use for Peach Tea
Black tea is the classic base for this recipe—think English Breakfast or Lipton. Its robustness stands up well to the sweetness of the peach syrup. Green tea offers a lighter, more floral option, while herbal teas like hibiscus or chamomile create caffeine-free versions.
Tips for Steeping and Combining Flavors
Use 4 tea bags for 7–8 cups of water. Steep them in hot (but not boiling) water for 5 to 7 minutes, then remove and discard. Stir in the prepared peach syrup and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Chill until cold, then serve over ice with garnishes.
Ingredients and Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 cups water (divided)
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint (garnish)
- Peach slices (garnish)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine sliced peaches, sugar, and 1 cup of water.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Gently mash the peaches, then strain the syrup through a fine sieve and let it cool.
- In a separate pot, bring 7 cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat and steep 4 black tea bags for 5–7 minutes.
- Discard the tea bags and stir in the peach syrup and lemon juice.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice with peach slices and fresh mint.
Serving, Variations, and Storage Tips
The Perfect Glass of Iced Peach Tea
Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in your chilled tea, and garnish with peach slices and fresh mint. For a fancier touch, add a lemon wheel or edible flower. It’s beautiful and refreshing—perfect for Instagram or an afternoon on the deck.
Variations to Try
Want to mix it up? Use sparkling water instead of still for a fizzy peach tea spritzer. Add a shot of bourbon or vodka for a grown-up twist. Or go tropical with a splash of pineapple juice.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover tea in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the peach syrup in ice cube trays and pop them into freshly brewed tea when needed.
FAQ Section
How long does peach tea stay fresh?
When refrigerated in a sealed container, it stays fresh for 4 to 5 days. Stir before serving as natural settling may occur.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes! Substitute with stevia, monk fruit, or your favorite sugar alternative. Taste as you go since sweetness levels vary.
Is this recipe caffeine-free?
Not by default—it uses black tea. For a caffeine-free version, use rooibos, hibiscus, or chamomile tea.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and store in a large pitcher or drink dispenser with extra ice and peach slices.
Can I use canned peaches?
You can, but reduce the sugar since canned peaches are already sweetened. Drain them well before using.