**Ingredients:**
– 3 ripe peaches, peeled and chopped
– ¾ cup sugar
– 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 8 lemons)
– 5 cups water
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Peach Syrup:** In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped peaches, sugar, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. **Simmer & Soften:** Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. **Blend the Peaches:** Remove from heat and use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender) to puree the mixture until smooth.
4. **Strain for a Smooth Texture:** Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher, pressing with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining pulp.
5. **Cool Completely:** Let the peach syrup cool to room temperature. You can speed up the process by placing the bowl in an ice bath.
6. **Mix the Lemonade:** In a large pitcher, combine the peach syrup with fresh lemon juice and the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine.
7. **Serve & Enjoy:** Pour over ice and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon slices and peach slices if desired.
**Popular Questions:**
1. *Can I use frozen peaches?* Yes! Just thaw them before blending, or use them straight from the freezer for a colder drink.
2. *How long does peach lemonade last?* It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. *Can I make this ahead of time?* Yes, prepare the peach syrup in advance and mix with lemon juice and water when ready to serve.
4. *Can I use bottled lemon juice?* Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
5. *What’s the best way to sweeten this naturally?* Use honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup instead of sugar.
6. *Can I use sparkling water?* Yes! Replace some or all of the water with sparkling water for a bubbly version.
7. *What if my lemonade is too tart?* Add more sugar or a bit of honey to balance the acidity.
8. *Can I make this sugar-free?* Yes! Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
9. *How do I make this for a crowd?* Double or triple the recipe and serve in a large dispenser with ice.
10. *Can I freeze leftover peach lemonade?* Yes! Pour into ice cube trays or popsicle molds for later.
**Helpful Tips:**
1. Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor.
2. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
3. Chill the lemonade for at least 1 hour before serving for extra refreshment.
4. Try honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
5. Add mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
6. Freeze peach slices and use them as ice cubes to keep drinks cold without watering them down.
7. Add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy lemonade.
8. Make a slushy version by blending the lemonade with ice.
9. Use white peaches for a slightly different flavor profile.
10. Make it boozy by adding a splash of vodka or rum.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Blend the peaches without straining for a more rustic, pulpy texture.
2. Infuse with herbs like basil or rosemary for an elegant touch.
3. Add chia seeds for extra texture and nutrients.
4. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
5. Store extra peach syrup separately to use in other drinks.
6. Use coconut water instead of regular water for a tropical vibe.
7. Experiment with different fruit combinations for unique flavors.
8. Garnish with edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
9. Use agave nectar for a vegan-friendly sweetener option.
10. Don’t skip the step of cooling the peach syrup for the best flavor.
By following these instructions, tips, and answering popular questions, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing Peach Lemonade that’s perfect for hot summer days!