Peach Strawberry Lemonade

Peach Strawberry Lemonade brings together the season's most vibrant fruits in a refreshing summer drink that outshines anything from a bottle or can. This homemade version balances the natural sweetness of ripe peaches and strawberries with fresh lemon's tangy brightness, creating a beverage that's both sophisticated and nostalgic.

I made this for my daughter's graduation party last summer and watched guests refill their glasses repeatedly throughout the afternoon. Even my father-in-law, who typically sticks to water, asked for the recipe before leaving!

Key Ingredients

• Fresh peaches: Select peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure and smell distinctly peachy at the stem end. The more fragrant, the more flavor they'll impart to your lemonade.
• Fresh strawberries: Look for fully red berries with bright green caps and no white shoulders. Local, in-season strawberries will provide the most intense flavor.
• Fresh lemons: Choose heavy, thin-skinned lemons that give slightly when pressed. Roll them firmly on the counter before juicing to release more liquid.
• Sugar: Creates the simple syrup base that distributes sweetness evenly. Using regular granulated sugar allows the fruit flavors to shine without competing undertones.
• Mint: Adds a cooling dimension that complements the fruit perfectly. Choose bright green leaves without any brown spots or wilting.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare your fresh fruit - Wash peaches and strawberries thoroughly, then remove stems and pits. Cut peaches into large chunks and hull strawberries, keeping the fruit in large pieces to maintain maximum flavor during blending.

Step 2:

Create your fruit puree - Transfer prepared fruit to a blender and process until completely smooth. The consistency should be like a thick smoothie with no visible chunks remaining.

Step 3:

Strain for clarity - Pour the pureed mixture through a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl, using a spatula to press and extract all the liquid while leaving behind seeds and fibrous bits. This step ensures a smoother drinking experience.

Step 4:

Make simple syrup - Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan, heating just until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before using.

Step 5:

Mix your lemonade base - In a large pitcher, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice with the strained fruit puree and simple syrup. Add cold water gradually, tasting as you go until you reach your desired flavor intensity.

Step 6:

Chill and serve - Add plenty of ice to the pitcher and stir well to chill the lemonade immediately. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and additional fruit slices before serving in ice-filled glasses.

My family's summer gatherings always featured store-bought lemonade until I started bringing this homemade version. The first time I served it, my nephew declared it "tastes like summer swimming" - which perfectly captures the sunshine-in-a-glass quality that makes this recipe special.

Beyond Basic Lemonade

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Last August during a particularly intense heatwave, I experimented with freezing the mixture in popsicle molds. The result was an incredible frozen treat that perfectly captured summer's essence while providing welcome relief from the heat.

Make-Ahead Magic

For entertaining, I've found preparing the components separately simplifies last-minute assembly. The fruit puree and simple syrup can be made up to three days ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator. Just before guests arrive, combine with fresh lemon juice and water for a drink that tastes just-made.

Thoughtful Garnishes

Presentation elevates this lemonade from ordinary to extraordinary. I've taken to freezing small pieces of peach and strawberry in ice cubes, which not only keeps the drink cold without diluting it but creates a beautiful visual effect as they float in each glass.

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Perfect Pairings

This lemonade complements summer fare beautifully, particularly grilled foods. The acidity cuts through the richness of barbecued meats, while the fruit sweetness harmonizes with seasonal vegetables. For dessert, serve alongside shortcake or pound cake for a coordinated flavor experience.

I've made countless variations of fruited lemonades over the years, but this peach-strawberry combination remains my signature summer beverage. There's something magical about how these particular fruits complement each other - the strawberry's brightness lifting the peach's honeyed depth, both enhanced by lemon's sharp clarity. When served in a glass pitcher catching the afternoon light, it becomes more than refreshment - it's a celebration of summer's fleeting, perfect moments captured in liquid form.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen peaches and strawberries work great in this recipe. No need to thaw them first - just add them directly to the blender with the water. This is especially handy when fresh fruit isn't in season.

→ How can I make this lemonade less sweet?

This recipe already uses minimal sugar compared to store-bought lemonade. If you prefer it even less sweet, you can reduce the simple syrup to 2-3 tablespoons instead of using the full amount, or replace some with a natural sweetener like honey or stevia.

→ How long does this lemonade stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this lemonade will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving as some separation may occur naturally.

→ Can I turn this into an adult beverage?

Absolutely! This lemonade makes a fantastic base for cocktails. Try adding vodka, white rum, or prosecco for a delicious summer cocktail. About 1.5 oz of spirits per glass works well without overpowering the fruit flavors.

→ Do I have to strain the fruit puree?

Straining creates a smoother texture, but it's not absolutely necessary. If you prefer a thicker, more smoothie-like lemonade with more fiber, you can skip the straining step. Using a high-powered blender will break down the fruit more thoroughly.