It’s the first of July tomorrow so I guess that means we are already half way through 2017. Somehow. The super sunny weather may seem like a distant memory, but I’ve got you covered with the summeriest soft drink around – my gorgeous peach lemonade. Because seriously, what’s more sunshiny than sweet juicy peaches and tangy vibrant lemons?
Nah, I’ve got nothing.
If I’m honest, one of the main reasons I wanted to make peach lemonade for you this week, is to take some cute photos of my new favourite things in the whole world – my new flamingo/cactus/watermelon glasses. I’m genuinely obsessed with them. We got them the day before we went on holiday a few weeks ago, and there was a part of me who was excited to get home so I could look at them again. Yep, I’m that person.
If you want to snag yourself some, they were from John Lewis – you can find them here, here, and here.
I’m just obsessed with them.
Moving on. You’re here for peach lemonade, right? This one’s super easy, I promise. Get some ripe juicy peaches, chop them up (you don’t even need to skin them) and then throw them in a saucepan with some sugar, lemon zest, and water. Simmer for ten minutes, strain out the pulp, and then top up with some lemon juice and water. Still or sparkling – it’s your call. And that’s it.
You can dress it all up with some cute straws, mint leaves, and slices of fresh lemon and peach, or just fill a glass with ice and drink it chilled to keep yourself cool in the summer heat.
The recipe below makes about a litre and a half, so that’s enough to make five or six tall glasses, or even more if you’re using short glasses like me 😍
This recipe was inspired by the great response I got from Katie to my recent foray into the world of limeade, and so I just knew I needed to get back in the kitchen and create another summer drink. I love that when you dress this peach lemonade up it looks good enough to go toe to toe with any summer cocktail, so us non-drinkers need not worry about missing out on all the fun. Of course, you can easily spike this with some peach schnapps or vodka, and it would make a great pitcher cocktail at your next summer party.
I’ve got so many great summer recipes planned for the next few months – everything from ice lollies, fruity desserts, and plenty of summer cupcakes like last week’s Mojito ones, and of course, my Strawberry Eton Mess cupcakes.
- 4 fresh peaches
- 200g (1 cup) caster sugar (US granulated sugar)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 240ml (1 cup) fresh or bottled lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- Sparkling water (or regular water if want still)
- Fresh lemon slices, peach wedges, mint to garnish
- Chop the peaches into chunks, removing the stones - there's no need to peel them. Place in a large saucepan with the sugar, lemon zest, and 480ml (2 cups) of tap water. Stir together, and bring to the boil on a medium heat. Once boiled, mash the peaches using a potato masher or fork, and then reduce the heat to a simmer and leave for 10 minutes. Remove the peaches from the heat and leave to cool.
- If using fresh lemons, juice these until you have 240ml (1 cup) of juice. Pour the lemon juice into a large jug or bowl, and then strain the peach syrup through a sieve into the same jug or bowl. Throw away the peach pulp.
- Top up the jug or bowl with 720ml (3 cups) of still or sparkling water. Serve in glasses with ice, peach wedges, lemon slices, and a sprig of fresh mint.
- This peach lemonade will stay fresh if stored in the fridge for 5-6 days. Cover the pitcher or jug with clingfilm or plastic wrap if you are going to keep it for this long.
I love the peach lemonade. Very summery! Glad that you found an excuse to use your beloved glasses!