Sip on a refreshing glass of homemade Peach Iced Tea whenever the craving strikes with this easy tea recipe. Made with fresh peaches, black tea, and as little or as much sugar as you like, it’s just what you need to cool down on those hot summer days. It’s easy to make and perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a large party!
A Peach Season Favorite
Each sip of this iced tea feels like taking a big bite out of a juicy peach. It’s crisp, not too sweet, and just what I’m looking for when it reaches over 90º outside.
I love having a large pitcher of sweet tea in the fridge at all times, but sometimes, I’m looking for something a little extra special. That’s when I realized I could use peaches in something other than a peach cobbler, or peach ice cream.
This was made with fresh peaches, and while I think they can’t be beat, you can absolutely use frozen peaches instead. If you go that route, I recommend increasing the sugar just a tad.
You’ll start by simmering the peaches with sugar and water to get as much peach flavor as possible. As the peaches soften, they’ll release their juices—this juice is the key to getting that bold flavor! It’s so much better than the peach tea from Starbucks.
This tea is exactly what your next cook-out or barbecue is looking for. The fresh, fruity taste is the perfect accompaniment to pork kabobs, and homemade mac & cheese, finish it off with the most amazing peach bread pudding.
Serve it in a tall glass with peach slices as a garnish, and enjoy!
Ingredients For Iced Peach Tea
Peaches – Fresh or frozen can be used!
Cold Water – Some claim that filtered water makes better tea, but since you’re boiling the water, I’ve never been able to tell the difference.
Sugar – The amount can vary depending on how sweet the peaches are and your personal preference. I Like it just slightly sweet so I start with 1 1/2 cups. If you like it sweeter add more sugar with the peaches when they are simmering. Just adjust based on taste but make sure that you cook it long enough for any additional sugar to be dissolved.
Unsweetened Iced Tea – You’ll need four family-size black tea bags and a gallon of water for the proportions in the recipe.
Before We Do Anything…
We have to make the Unsweetened Iced Tea! Boil four cups of water, add the tea bags, and steep for 20 minutes before removing the bags from the water. Let the tea cool until it reaches room temperature. Then, fill a large pitcher with cold water until it reaches the 1-gallon mark.
You’ll need 4 cups of unsweetened iced tea for the peach tea. Save the rest to make Arnold Palmers. (1/2 tea, 1/2 lemonade) If you only want enough tea for a pitcher of peach tea, then just use 2 teabags and 2 cups of water.
Now, It’s Time For The Peaches
Step One: Cook the Peaches
Add peaches, water, and sugar to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce to a simmer, and cook until softened—about 15 minutes. Mash the peaches with a potato masher and cook for ten more minutes.
Step Two: Make Tea
Strain the peach mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing all the juice out of the peaches, then throw out the peaches, saving the juice.
Add the peach juice to a large pitcher and add 4 cups of unsweetened iced tea. Refrigerate for about an hour.
How To Store Iced Tea
In The Fridge: Iced tea is always best when enjoyed on the same day, but it will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator. It will break down and taste old if stored on the counter.
Don’t Forget!
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Ingredients
- 4 cups peaches peeled and sliced
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- 4 cups unsweetened iced tea
Instructions
- Add peaches, water and sugar to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cover and reduce to simmer, cooking until softened, about 15 minutes. Mash the peaches with a potato masher and cook for about 10 more minutes.
- Strain the peach mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing all the juice out of the peaches, then throw out the peaches, saving the juice.
- Add the peach juice to a large pitcher and add 4 cups of unsweetened iced tea. Refrigerate for about an hour.
Notes
- The tea will be slightly cloudy due to the peach mixture.
- If using frozen peaches, add 1/2 cup more sugar.
- Adjust the sugar while the peaches are cooking and continue to cook until any additional sugar has been added.
This sounds really good as I love peach tea. I am a little confused by your unsweet tea directions though. You indicate to steep the tea bags in 4 cups of water and then set aside to cool. You then say to fill a jug with cold water to the gallon mark. What is that for? If we only need 4 cups of the unsweet tea for the recipe, why make so much? Couldn’t we just use 2 tea bags? Thank you.
Michelle, you are correct, you only need 2 tea bags if you’re making 1 batch of Peach tea. I always want extra ice tea so I make a full batch adn save teh rest for later.