Picture this: a hot summer day, the sun is beaming down, and you’re sitting on a shaded porch with a gentle breeze blowing. In your hand is a chilled glass of Southern Peach Tea, its golden hue catching the sunlight as ice clinks softly against the sides. This quintessentially Southern drink, infused with the sweetness of ripe peaches and the bold flavor of black tea, is the ultimate way to refresh yourself and embrace the season.
Let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your summer afternoons to pure bliss.
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe peaches, divided
- 6 – 8 regular-size black tea bags
- 2 cups boiling water
- ½ – 1 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 6 cups cold water
- Pinch of baking soda (optional)
- Ice
Directions
- Freeze the Peach Wedges: Start by halving two of the peaches, removing the pits, and slicing them into wedges. Place the peach wedges in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, then freeze until solid, for at least four hours. These frozen wedges will serve as the perfect natural garnish.
- Brew the Tea: Put the tea bags into a heatproof container, pour in the boiling water, cover, and let the tea steep for about 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the tea bags and discard them.
- Sweeten the Tea: Add sugar to the hot tea, stirring until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool slightly while you work on the next steps.
- Blend the Peaches: Peel and pit the remaining two peaches. Roughly chop them, then place the pieces into a blender or food processor along with the lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the Peach Puree: Pour the peach puree through a fine sieve into a bowl, using a spoon to press down and extract the juice. Discard the remaining pulp or set it aside for another use.
- Mix and Chill: In a pitcher, combine the strained peach juice, sweetened tea, cold water, and a pinch of baking soda (if desired, to reduce bitterness). Stir well, then refrigerate until completely chilled.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour in the chilled peach tea. Add the frozen peach wedges for a visually appealing and delicious garnish.
Enjoy Your Refreshing Peach Tea
Sip your peach tea slowly and savor its delightful blend of fruity sweetness and bold tea notes. Whether you’re enjoying a moment of solitude or sharing this treat with friends on a lazy afternoon, this Southern Peach Tea is bound to be a hit. Feel free to adjust the sugar to your preferred level of sweetness and add a sprig of mint or a lemon slice for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Steep Time: 10 minutes | Freezing Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Stay cool and refreshed! Let me know how you like your peach tea or if you add any special twists to make it your own. Cheers!
Southern Peach Tea
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Southern Peach Tea captures the essence of a Southern summer with its vibrant blend of sweet peaches and robust tea, creating a refreshing beverage that cools and delights. Ideal for sweltering days, this drink offers a taste of Southern hospitality with every sip, promising to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
4 large ripe peaches, divided
6 – 8 regular-size black tea bags
2 cups boiling water
½ – 1 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
½ cup lemon juice
6 cups cold water
Pinch of baking soda (optional)
Ice
Instructions
Halve two of the peaches and remove the pits. Slice the peaches into wedges. Place the peach wedges in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours.
Place the tea bags in the boiling water, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard them.
Stir the sugar into the hot tea until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, peel the remaining two peaches and remove the pits. Roughly chop the peaches into pieces and place them into a blender or food processor. Add in the lemon juice, cover, and blend until smooth.
Strain the peach mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing gently against the pulp to extract the juice. Discard the pulp or save for another use.
In a pitcher, combine the strained peach juice, tea, cold water, and baking soda (if using). Mix well.
Refrigerate the tea mixture until cold.
Serve in individual glasses over ice with frozen peach wedges, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120