There’s something about homemade lemonade that instantly takes me back to warm afternoons on my grandma’s porch, where we’d sip glass after glass of sweet citrusy drinks and laugh until the sun went down. That memory inspired this peach lemonade—a sunny twist on a classic that celebrates ripe summer fruit and backyard bliss. Peaches bring a delicate sweetness and fragrance that pairs beautifully with tart lemons, and when you add a hint of fresh mint, it’s practically summer in a glass.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, cooling down after gardening, or just want something better than store-bought, this peach lemonade recipe is exactly what you need. It’s simple, seasonal, and incredibly refreshing. I’ll show you how to make it step-by-step, with tips for variations and serving ideas that’ll keep it on repeat all season long.
Peach Lemonade Recipe: Fresh, Easy, and Perfect for Summer
Table of Contents
The Story Behind My Favorite Peach Lemonade
A recipe born from southern summers
Growing up, my family made gallons of lemonade in the summertime. But the idea of peach lemonade came to me on a hot July day when a bowl of overripe peaches was sitting on the counter, almost begging to be used. I sliced them up, simmered them gently into a syrup, and stirred it into a pitcher of lemonade—and wow. The result was sweet, tangy, and beautifully balanced. It was like a Southern classic got a juicy upgrade.
Now, it’s become one of our go-to summer drinks, especially when guests are over. It’s always a hit at cookouts and potlucks—no one can resist the glowing golden color and the cool, crisp flavor. I love how the peach softens the tartness of the lemon, and the mint adds just enough freshness to make it sing.
What makes this peach lemonade special?
This isn’t just peach-flavored lemonade from a bottle—it’s made with real peaches, fresh lemon juice, and your favorite lemonade base. You get all the natural sweetness and flavor, plus the satisfaction of making something from scratch. And best of all, it comes together fast. You can use store-bought lemonade as the base (I do when I’m in a hurry), or make your own if you want it all from scratch. The versatility is what makes it so great.
If you’ve already tried recipes like my homemade lemonade or other refreshing fruit beverages, this one is a natural next step. It’s also a fun way to use up leftover peaches from fresh peach recipes like galettes or cobblers. This drink doesn’t require fancy tools or ingredients—just ripe fruit and a few minutes of time.
How to Make Peach Lemonade Easily at Home
Choose the right peaches for the best flavor
When it comes to making great peach lemonade, the fruit you choose matters. Go for ripe, juicy peaches—you want that fragrant sweetness to shine through. Freestone peaches are ideal because they’re easier to pit, but clingstone works too if that’s what you have. Slightly overripe peaches are perfect for this recipe because they’ll break down easily and release more flavor into the syrup.
You can even roast the peaches for a deeper, caramelized taste. But for a light, bright summer drink, fresh raw peaches are the way to go. If you’re making this early in the season or using up fruit from the freezer, just make sure to thaw completely and drain any extra liquid before cooking down into a syrup.
Need ideas for what to do with any extras? Try adding leftover peaches to quick summer recipes or use them in one of my favorite fresh peach recipes like peach galettes.
Lemon juice, mint, and homemade or store-bought lemonade?
This recipe works well with any type of lemonade. You can go all-out and make a full batch of homemade lemonade using fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water—or save time with a good-quality store-bought version. Either way, the peaches and mint take center stage.
As for mint, don’t skip it! Even a tablespoon of chopped fresh mint adds a crisp, cooling layer that balances out the sweetness. It’s a trick I picked up while experimenting with mint recipes, and it makes a huge difference. Want a bolder herbal note? Muddle the mint with a bit of lemon zest in the bottom of your pitcher before adding the liquids.
Here’s a quick glance at what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ripe peaches | 4–5 medium, sliced |
| Lemonade | 8 cups (store-bought or homemade) |
| Fresh mint | 1 tablespoon, chopped (plus more for garnish) |
Once you’ve got your ingredients, the process is simple: simmer the peaches with a bit of water or sugar until soft, strain to create a syrup, then stir into your lemonade.
Step-by-Step Instructions and Serving Tips
Making peach syrup from scratch
The real magic of this peach lemonade lies in the homemade peach syrup. It’s incredibly simple to make and gives your drink a rich, natural fruit flavor that can’t be replicated with extracts or flavorings. All you need is your sliced peaches, a splash of water, and optionally a bit of sugar if your peaches aren’t super sweet.
Place the sliced peaches in a saucepan with ½ cup of water and simmer over medium heat for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally and mash the fruit gently as it softens to help release the juices. Once the peaches are tender and fragrant, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Press to extract every last bit of that golden syrup. Let it cool before using.
This syrup keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge and works beautifully in other drinks too—add a splash to easy party drinks like sangria or even iced tea for a peachy twist.
Stir it all together and serve it right
Once your syrup is ready and cool, stir it into your lemonade. Start with about ½ to ¾ cup of syrup per 8 cups of lemonade and adjust to your sweetness preference. Add the chopped mint, give it a good stir, and refrigerate for at least an hour so the flavors can meld.
When you’re ready to serve, pour over ice and garnish with peach slices, lemon rounds, and mint sprigs for that extra summer vibe. For a pretty party presentation, serve it in a glass pitcher or drink dispenser with lots of citrus and fruit floating on top.
This also makes an ideal option for anyone looking for non-alcoholic cocktails that still feel festive and fun. You can even dress it up with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy version that’s light and refreshing.
If you’re hosting a cookout or family brunch, pair this with light bites like fruit skewers, grilled chicken, or summer salads.
Peach Lemonade Variations & Make-Ahead Ideas
Fun flavor twists to try
Once you’ve made this classic peach lemonade, you’ll see how easy it is to customize it with other fresh fruits and herbs. One of my favorite variations is strawberry peach lemonade—just add a handful of sliced strawberries to the saucepan when you simmer the peaches. The berries boost the color and add a hint of tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the peaches.
You could also stir in a few crushed raspberries or blackberries for a deeper flavor and vibrant color. Want a citrus-forward spin? Add orange or lime juice to your lemonade base. The options are endless.
For an herbaceous note beyond mint, try fresh basil or thyme. These make the drink feel more gourmet and work especially well if you’re serving it with charcuterie or light lunch dishes from your favorite summer drink collections.
If you’re hosting a party, it’s also easy to turn this into a show-stopping mocktail. Just add sparkling water before serving and garnish each glass with a fruit skewer or sugar-rimmed edge. I often include it in my lineup of make-ahead recipes for entertaining because it’s so easy to prep and scale.
Make-ahead and storage tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up when made in advance. You can prep the peach syrup up to five days ahead and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. The full peach lemonade mixture itself keeps beautifully for up to three days if chilled—just be sure to give it a stir before serving.
If you’re making it for a crowd, scale the recipe up and keep it in a large dispenser or drink cooler with lemon slices and peach wedges added right before guests arrive. Want to serve it frozen? Blend the finished lemonade with ice or pour into a slushie machine for a peach lemonade freeze that kids and adults will both love.
For the ultimate summer touch, pair your drink with a light dessert like lemon bars or serve it alongside a spread of seasonal bites pulled from easy party drinks and quick summer recipes. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a slow Saturday afternoon, this drink always hits the spot.
Print
Peach Lemonade Recipe: Fresh, Easy, and Perfect for Summer
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This peach lemonade is the ultimate summer refresher—made with real peaches, lemon juice, and fresh mint.
Ingredients
8 cups lemonade
4–5 ripe peaches, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons sugar if needed
Instructions
1. Simmer peaches with ½ cup water (and sugar if needed) until soft.
2. Strain through fine mesh sieve into bowl. Cool syrup.
3. Stir peach syrup into lemonade.
4. Add chopped mint and stir well.
5. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more.
6. Serve over ice with peach slices and mint.
Notes
Use very ripe peaches for the best flavor.
Make ahead and store up to 3 days.
Add sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Simmer and stir
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
FAQ: Peach Lemonade
Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen peaches or rinse off the syrup if using canned. Fresh is best, but frozen works well too.
How do I keep peach lemonade from being too sweet?
Start with a little less syrup and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Can I turn this into an alcoholic drink?
Absolutely. Add a splash of vodka or bourbon for a grown-up twist. Or try peach schnapps for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to serve it at a party?
Serve chilled in a large pitcher or drink dispenser with plenty of ice, mint sprigs, lemon slices, and peach wedges.
Conclusion
Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine or planning your next backyard get-together, this peach lemonade recipe brings everything you want in a summer drink—fresh flavor, gorgeous color, and just enough sweetness to make every sip special. With juicy peaches, tart lemon, and a cool kiss of mint, this easy recipe is a must-try for any occasion. Make it your signature drink of the season—you won’t regret it.
Looking for more seasonal favorites? Don’t miss my refreshing fruit beverages or non-alcoholic cocktails for more inspiration.
