This Sweet Peach Iced Tea is a refreshing and delicious twist on classic Southern sweet tea, enhanced with homemade peach syrup. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches, this cool, flavorful beverage is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a summer gathering, this iced tea will become your new go-to drink!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Peach Iced Tea combines two beloved flavors: the classic taste of sweet tea and the juicy, fragrant essence of peaches. The homemade peach syrup is made from pureed peaches, sugar, and honey, which infuses the tea with a fresh, vibrant flavor that store-bought syrups can’t match. It’s not only easy to make but incredibly customizable to suit your sweetness preferences. The addition of frozen peaches in the glasses gives an extra fruity touch that makes each sip even more refreshing. Perfect for summer, this drink is both satisfying and cooling!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Tea:
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5 cups water (divided)
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1 family-size tea bag
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¾ cup sugar
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¾ cup honey
For the Peach Syrup:
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2 cups frozen peaches, thawed and pureed (or 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced)
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2 cups frozen peaches (for serving, do not thaw)
Directions
For the Tea:
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Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bag. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
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Pour the brewed tea into a 2-quart pitcher and set aside.
For the Peach Syrup:
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In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, honey, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Add the pureed peaches and return to a low boil. Remove from heat and let cool.
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Pour the syrup through a mesh sieve over a small bowl. Press the peaches to extract as much juice as possible, then discard the pulp.
For the Peach Tea:
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Add the peach syrup to the brewed tea, adjusting the sweetness to taste. Add 1 to 2 cups of syrup to the 4 cups of tea for a sweet flavor, or adjust to your preference. For a single 8-ounce serving, add ¼ to ½ cup of syrup.
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To serve, divide the frozen peaches between 4 glasses, add ice, and pour the peach tea over the peaches and ice.
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Store any leftover peach syrup in the refrigerator for later use.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Storage/Reheating
You can store leftover peach syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This syrup can be used for other drinks, desserts, or even over pancakes. The peach iced tea itself can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches for the syrup?
Yes, fresh peaches can be used in place of frozen peaches. Simply peel and slice the peaches before pureeing them. Fresh peaches will provide a similarly delicious flavor.
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the tea and peach syrup ahead of time. Store the brewed tea and peach syrup separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, combine the two, pour over ice, and add frozen peaches.
How can I make this drink less sweet?
You can adjust the amount of syrup you add to the tea. Start with a small amount of peach syrup and taste before adding more. You can also reduce the sugar and honey in the syrup if you prefer a less sweet drink.
Can I make this iced tea without honey?
Yes, you can substitute the honey with additional sugar, agave syrup, or any other sweetener you prefer. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I use flavored tea instead of regular tea bags?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavored teas like black tea, green tea, or even peach-flavored tea for an extra layer of peachy goodness. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the tea will influence the final taste.
Can I serve this drink with fresh peach slices instead of frozen peaches?
Yes, fresh peach slices can be used in place of frozen peaches. Frozen peaches help keep the tea cold without diluting it, but fresh peaches will still add that fresh peach flavor and look beautiful in the glass.
How long does the peach syrup last?
The peach syrup will last in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
Can I serve this peach iced tea warm?
This recipe is specifically for iced tea, but you could serve the peach tea warm as a comforting beverage. Just skip the ice and serve it as a hot peach tea.
Can I make this peach iced tea in a large batch?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients to make a larger batch. You can scale it up and serve it in a large pitcher or beverage dispenser for a party or gathering.
Conclusion
This Sweet Peach Iced Tea is the perfect refreshing drink for a hot summer day. With homemade peach syrup and classic Southern sweet tea, it’s a drink that’s bursting with peachy goodness and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or just enjoying a quiet moment, this iced tea is the perfect companion for any occasion. Cool off, sip, and enjoy the refreshing taste of summer!
Print
Peach Iced Tea
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Peach Iced Tea combines the classic Southern sweet tea with homemade peach syrup, creating a refreshing, fruity beverage perfect for hot summer days. With the sweetness of honey and the burst of fresh peach flavor, this iced tea is a delightful treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
- For the Tea:
- 5 cups water (divided)
- 1 family-size tea bag
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup honey
- For the Peach Syrup:
- 2 cups frozen peaches, thawed and pureed (or 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced)
- 2 cups frozen peaches (for serving, do not thaw)
Instructions
- For the Tea: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bag. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Pour the brewed tea into a 2-quart pitcher and set aside.
- For the Peach Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, honey, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the pureed peaches and return to a low boil. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Pour the syrup through a mesh sieve into a small bowl. Press the peaches to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp.
- For the Peach Tea: Add the peach syrup to the brewed tea, adjusting the sweetness to taste. Add 1 to 2 cups of syrup to the 4 cups of tea for a sweet flavor, or adjust to your preference. For a single 8-ounce serving, add ¼ to ½ cup of syrup.
- To Serve: Divide the frozen peaches between 4 glasses, add ice, and pour the peach tea over the peaches and ice.
- Store any leftover peach syrup in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For an extra fruity flavor, you can blend in additional fresh or frozen peaches into the tea.
- If you prefer a less sweet tea, reduce the sugar and honey in the peach syrup to your taste.
- You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverages, Summer Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 398 kcal
- Sugar: 60g
- Sodium: 12mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 103g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
