Peach Iced Tea

Peach Iced Tea is a beautifully refreshing and naturally sweetened beverage that blends the rich depth of black tea with the juicy brightness of fresh peaches. Enhanced by a splash of lemon and garnished with rosemary, this elegant cooler is perfect for summer entertaining, afternoon relaxation, or simply staying hydrated in style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This drink strikes the perfect balance between fruit-forward flavor and subtle herbal complexity. Unlike store-bought versions, it’s free from artificial sweeteners and can be customized to your preferred level of sweetness. The addition of fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, gourmet touch, while honey or maple syrup (if used) brings gentle, natural sweetness. It’s quick to prepare, easy to chill, and an excellent way to elevate your iced tea game.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• water
• black tea bags
• ripe peaches, sliced
• honey or maple syrup (optional)
• fresh lemon juice
• ice cubes
• lemon slices and rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a simmer.
2. Remove from heat and add the black tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, then discard the tea bags and allow the tea to cool.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine the peach slices and the remaining 1 cup of water. Simmer for about 10 minutes, gently mashing the peaches to release their juices.
4. Strain the peach mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the cooled tea, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible.
5. Stir in the honey or maple syrup (if using) and the fresh lemon juice.
6. Refrigerate the peach tea until fully chilled.
7. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the tea over the top.
8. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a fresh rosemary sprig.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 3 glasses.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Calories: Approximately 70 kcal per glass

Variations

• Herbal Tea Base: Replace black tea with chamomile or white tea for a caffeine-free option.
• Mint Twist: Use fresh mint instead of rosemary for a lighter, cooling note.
• Sparkling Version: Top with sparkling water just before serving for a fizzy variation.
• Berry Infusion: Add a handful of raspberries or blackberries to the peach mixture for a mixed fruit flavor.
• Iced Tea Cubes: Freeze some of the tea into ice cubes to prevent dilution.

storage/reheating

Store the prepared peach iced tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as natural separation may occur. This drink is intended to be served cold and should not be reheated. For best flavor, consume within 24 hours of preparation.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Yes, both are suitable alternatives if fresh peaches are not in season. Just ensure canned peaches are in juice, not syrup, to avoid excessive sweetness.

Is it necessary to strain the peach mixture?

Straining gives the tea a smoother texture, but you can leave in the pulp for a heartier, more rustic drink.

Can I use green tea instead of black tea?

Yes, green tea offers a lighter base that pairs nicely with peach and lemon. Adjust steeping time to avoid bitterness.

What’s the best way to sweeten this drink?

Honey and maple syrup are ideal for natural sweetness, but you can also use agave or skip it entirely for an unsweetened version.

Can I make this in large batches?

Absolutely. Simply scale the ingredients proportionally and store the tea in a large pitcher.

How do I make it more tart?

Add extra lemon juice or a few lemon zest strips while steeping the tea for a citrus-forward twist.

What kind of tea works best?

A strong, robust black tea such as English Breakfast or Assam is ideal for depth of flavor.

Can I add alcohol to make this a cocktail?

Yes, a splash of bourbon, vodka, or peach schnapps transforms this iced tea into a refreshing summer cocktail.

Should I peel the peaches?

Peeling is optional. The skins soften during simmering and are usually strained out if you prefer a smooth texture.

Can I make this sugar-free?

Yes, omit the sweetener entirely or use a sugar-free substitute such as stevia.

Conclusion

Peach Iced Tea is a naturally vibrant and refreshing beverage that captures the essence of summer in every glass. With its blend of ripe fruit, robust tea, and fragrant herbs, it’s both easy to prepare and elegant to serve. Whether enjoyed on a warm afternoon or served to guests at your next gathering, this iced tea brings a perfect balance of flavor, sophistication, and refreshment.

Peach Iced Tea

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A light, fruity iced tea made with fresh peaches, black tea, and lemon, sweetened naturally and served chilled with a sprig of rosemary for a refreshing summer drink.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling
• Yield: 3 glasses 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Simmering and Steeping
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups water
• 2 black tea bags
• 2 ripe peaches, sliced
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a simmer. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Discard tea bags and let cool.
2. In a separate saucepan, combine peach slices and 1 cup of water. Simmer for 10 minutes, mashing peaches gently to release juices.
3. Strain peach mixture into the brewed tea, pressing to extract as much juice as possible.
4. Stir in honey or maple syrup (if using) and fresh lemon juice.
5. Chill the peach tea in the fridge until cold.
6. Serve over ice in glasses, garnished with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs.

Notes

• Use very ripe peaches for maximum flavor and sweetness.
• Adjust sweetness to taste or omit sweetener for a sugar-free version.
• Try using green tea or herbal tea as a variation.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg