Refreshing Peach Iced Tea Recipe for Hot Summer Days
Table of Contents
More Than Just a Drink
Growing up in the southern heat, iced tea was more than just a drink—it was a ritual. Every summer, my grandmother would pull out her glass pitcher, brimming with sweet tea, always with a twist. Some days it was lemon, other times it was mint, but my favorite was always when she made peach iced tea. The smell of peaches simmering on the stove was pure nostalgia—like the essence of summer filling our tiny kitchen.
One particularly hot afternoon, I remember picking peaches from the orchard with my grandmother. The sun was relentless, but the juicy, ripe peaches were worth every drop of sweat. After filling our baskets, we went home, and she immediately started making her signature peach iced tea. As I watched her slice the peaches, I asked why she didn’t just add them directly to the tea. She smiled, saying, “The secret is in the syrup.” She made a peach-infused simple syrup that added this sweet, delicate flavor, perfectly balanced with the boldness of black tea.
Creating Refreshing Peach Iced Tea At Home
Years later, I found myself longing for that same refreshing, fruity tea that had once been such a comforting part of my childhood. The memory of those lazy summer afternoons, with the warmth of the sun and the scent of freshly picked peaches lingering in the air, stayed with me. Inspired by those memories, I decided to recreate the beloved peach iced tea but with a bit of a modern twist.
I wanted to enhance the flavors while keeping the essence of what made it so special. So, I added a few extra steps, like letting the peaches steep for a longer time to draw out a more robust, juicy flavor. Instead of sweetening the entire batch, I opted to keep the syrup separate, allowing everyone to customize their sweetness level. The result was a peach iced tea that brought me back to those childhood moments, but with a refreshing update. Now, every time I take a sip, I’m transported back to those sunny days spent picking peaches with my grandmother, savoring the simple pleasure of a cool glass of homemade iced tea on the porch, surrounded by laughter and love.
Chef’s Notes – Refreshing Peach Iced Tea
- Steep your peaches: Let the peach syrup steep for at least 30 minutes to get the best flavor. Crushing the peaches gently while they cook helps release more juices.
- Avoid bitterness: When brewing black tea, don’t over-steep it. About 4-5 minutes is perfect to get a strong flavor without making it bitter.
- Keep it cool: For a fun twist, freeze extra peach slices and use them as ice cubes to keep your drink cold without watering it down.
- Garnish creatively: Add mint leaves or a splash of lemon juice for extra freshness.
- You can also try our Citrus Honey Tea or our Korean Barley Tea for more authentic drinks you can pair with your Korean favorites
Refreshing Peach Iced Tea
10
cups10
minutes40
minutes90
kcal50
minutesDive into the ultimate summer refreshment with this Refreshing Peach Iced Tea! Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches and the robust flavor of black tea, this drink is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just lounging by the pool. It’s incredibly easy to make and will keep you cool and satisfied all day long. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful beverage!
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
1 cup organic cane sugar
1 cup water
2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
Tea
2-3 tablespoons loose leaf black tea (or 3-4 tea bags)
8 cups filtered water
Directions
- Combine the sugar, water, and sliced peaches in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and use a wooden spoon to crush the peaches gently to release their flavor. Once the sugar has fully dissolved, cover the pan and remove it from heat. Let it steep for about 25-30 minutes.
- While the syrup is steeping, prepare your tea. Boil 8 cups of filtered water in a large pot or use a tea maker. Add the loose leaf black tea or tea bags to the boiling water and let it steep for 4-5 minutes depending on your strength preference. Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
- Once the tea is brewed, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves and transfer the tea to a pitcher. Place it in the refrigerator to cool.
- After steeping, strain the peach mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bottle or container to remove the peach slices. Reserve the peaches for another use like topping oatmeal or ice cream. To serve, you can either mix the simple syrup into the pitcher of tea or leave it separate so each person can sweeten their glass to taste. Serve the peach iced tea over ice and garnish with fresh peach slices.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- saucepan
- wooden spoon
- fine mesh strainer
- pitcher
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 90kcal
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Vitamin A: 2IU
- Vitamin C: 6mg
- Calcium: 1mg
- Iron: 1mg
Korean Barley Tea
Cooks in 15 minutesDifficulty: EasyDive into the refreshing world of Korean Barley Tea, a staple in Korean households! This easy-to-make Boricha is perfect for any time of the day. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a healthy, caffeine-free beverage that’s both soothing and hydrating. Follow this recipe to brew the perfect cup of barley tea, just like they do in Korea!
Homemade Citrus Honey Tea
Cooks in 1465 minutesDifficulty: EasyDiscover the ultimate soothing drink with our Homemade Citrus Honey Tea! Perfect for calming your senses before bed or easing a sore throat, this delightful beverage combines the zesty flavors of citrus with the natural sweetness of honey. Simple to make and incredibly comforting, it’s a must-try for the winter season. Inspired by traditional Korean Yuja Cha, this tea will become your go-to remedy and cozy treat.
FAQs – Refreshing Peach Iced Tea
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes! Frozen peaches are a great substitute if fresh ones aren’t available. They will work just as well for making the peach syrup.
Can I use a different type of tea?
Absolutely! Green tea, white tea, or even herbal teas like chamomile or hibiscus will work if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
How long can I store the peach syrup?
The peach syrup can be refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze it in small portions for longer storage.
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare both the tea and peach syrup ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just mix them when you’re ready to serve.
