Peach Iced Tea
This refreshing peach iced tea combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with bold black tea for a perfectly balanced summer beverage. Fresh peach slices infuse the tea with fruity flavor while a hint of lemon adds brightness, creating a homemade drink that's far superior to store-bought versions.
Equipment
- Large pot 3-4 quart capacity
- Pitcher 2 quart capacity or larger
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Muddler or wooden spoon For crushing peaches
Ingredients
- 6 cups water 1.4 liters
- 4 black tea bags or 4 teaspoons loose leaf black tea
- 2 cups fresh peaches about 300g, peeled and sliced
- 1/3 cup honey 80ml, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 30ml, from about 1 lemon
For Serving
- ice cubes
- fresh peach slices for garnish
- lemon slices for garnish
- fresh mint leaves optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a large pot, then remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove and discard tea bags.
- While tea is still warm, add peach slices and honey, stirring until honey dissolves. Use a muddler or wooden spoon to gently crush the peaches to release their juices.
- Let the tea mixture cool to room temperature, about 30-45 minutes. Stir in lemon juice.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing on the peach solids to extract maximum flavor. Refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.
- Serve over ice and garnish with fresh peach slices, lemon slices, and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor - white or yellow peaches both work well.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less honey, or substitute with sugar, agave, or your preferred sweetener.
- For a stronger peach flavor, let the peaches steep in the hot tea for up to 1 hour before straining.
- Green tea or white tea can be substituted for black tea for a lighter, more delicate flavor profile.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days - the flavor intensifies slightly over time.
- Frozen peaches can be used when fresh aren't available - thaw completely before using.
- For a sparkling version, mix half tea with half sparkling water just before serving.
- Make it boozy by adding 1-2 ounces of bourbon, vodka, or peach schnapps per serving for adults.
- The tea can be made ahead and frozen in ice cube trays, then used to chill fresh tea without diluting it.
- For a smoother texture, blend the steeped peaches with some of the tea before straining back into the pitcher.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 65kcalCarbohydrates: 17gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg
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