There’s something undeniably refreshing about a cold glass of peach lemonade on a warm afternoon. The sweet, sun-ripened flavor of juicy peaches swirled into tangy, freshly squeezed lemon juice creates a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

I first made this when a bag of overripe peaches started to beg for attention on my counter. What started as a way to avoid food waste quickly turned into one of our family's go-to summer sips. It's simple, vibrant, and absolutely packed with flavor.

Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or just looking for something new to enjoy on the porch, this peach lemonade will hit the spot. Let’s dive into what makes this drink so special.

Why You'll Love This Peach Lemonade

This isn’t your average lemonade – it’s an elevated, peach-kissed twist that brings summertime to your glass with every sip.

It’s quick and easy. You’ll only need about 20 minutes of hands-on time, and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps – just blend, stir, and chill.

Perfect for entertaining. Whether it's a summer BBQ, baby shower, or picnic at the park, this lemonade serves beautifully in a pitcher and looks stunning with slices of peach and lemon floating on top.

Naturally sweet and tangy. By using ripe peaches and fresh lemons, you get an authentic fruity flavor that tastes way better than any store-bought mix. You can even adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Kid-friendly and cocktail-ready. Serve it as-is for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, or splash in some vodka or sparkling wine for an adults-only version. It’s versatile enough to please everyone.

This recipe also keeps well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option for parties or just to have on hand during a heatwave.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this peach lemonade stand out is its balance – no cloying sweetness, no overly tart edge. Just fresh, real ingredients that shine through.

Fresh peaches are the star here. Choose ripe, juicy peaches – the kind that give a little when you press them. The more flavorful the peach, the better your lemonade will be. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen (thawed) peaches work beautifully too.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the bright, citrusy base. Bottled juice simply doesn’t compare in freshness or flavor. Aim for about 5–6 medium lemons to yield 1 cup of juice.

Simple syrup helps evenly sweeten the lemonade. You’ll make this by simmering equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. It blends much more smoothly than granulated sugar stirred in cold.

Cold water or sparkling water, depending on your preference. Still water keeps it classic and family-friendly, while sparkling adds a light effervescence that elevates it for special occasions.

All you need to whip this up is a blender, fine mesh strainer, and a large pitcher. If you're adding a boozy twist, make sure you have a cocktail shaker or stirring glass on hand too.

How To Make This Peach Lemonade

Making this peach lemonade is easy and satisfying – a little prep, a bit of blending, and then you’re done.

Start by preparing your simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Stir and heat over medium until the sugar fully dissolves, then set it aside to cool while you prep the rest.

Meanwhile, peel and pit your peaches. If they’re very ripe, the skins may come off easily. Otherwise, you can blanch them quickly in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to loosen the skin.

Add the sliced peaches to your blender along with ½ cup of water. Blend until smooth – it should look like thick peach nectar. If you prefer a smoother lemonade, pour this mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp. If you like it pulpy, feel free to skip that step.

In a large pitcher, combine the peach puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well to mix. Then add 4–5 cups of cold water (or sparkling water if using), tasting as you go until the flavor is just right for you.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and chill thoroughly. Serve over ice, garnished with fresh peach slices, lemon wheels, or even a sprig of mint.

From start to finish, this lemonade takes about 30 minutes, including chilling time – and every minute is worth it.

Storage Options

This peach lemonade holds up wonderfully in the fridge. Pour it into a covered pitcher or large mason jars and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens after a day, making it even more enjoyable.

If you want to prep ahead, you can also make just the peach syrup (blend of peach puree + simple syrup) and refrigerate that separately. Add lemon juice and water right before serving for max freshness.

Freezing is also an option! Pour leftover lemonade into popsicle molds or ice cube trays for refreshing summer treats. You can even blend the lemonade ice cubes with fresh peaches for a slushy drink.

To rehydrate or serve again, give the lemonade a quick stir before pouring – some separation is natural, especially if you skipped straining the puree.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, and that’s part of the fun.

Use nectarines or mangos instead of peaches. Both fruits bring a similarly sweet, rich flavor that blends beautifully with lemon.

Make it sugar-free by using a natural sweetener like honey or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just remember to adjust the quantity to taste since different sweeteners vary in strength.

Add herbs for a gourmet twist. Muddle in a handful of fresh basil or mint before serving for an aromatic flair that complements the fruitiness perfectly.

Turn it into a cocktail by adding vodka, bourbon, or even sparkling rosé. For a party punch version, combine the peach lemonade with white wine and peach schnapps – it’s always a hit.

Swap lemons for limes for a tangier variation, or mix lemon and lime juice for a slightly more complex citrus profile.

Don’t be afraid to play around – this recipe is a canvas for your creativity. Whether you’re keeping it kid-friendly or turning it into a sunset-hued cocktail, it’s bound to be a hit.