Peach Iced Tea
Peach iced tea is a delightful, refreshing beverage that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Combining the robust flavor of black tea with the sweet, aromatic taste of fresh peaches, this drink is both invigorating and soothing.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or simply looking for a cool drink to enjoy on a hot day, peach iced tea is an excellent choice.
This recipe will guide you through the process of making this delicious beverage from scratch, ensuring that every sip is as flavorful and refreshing as possible.
Ingredients
For the Peach Syrup:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Tea:
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or 4 tablespoons loose black tea)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh peach slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Syrup
Peel and Slice the Peaches: Start by peeling and slicing the peaches. Remove the pits and cut the peaches into small, even slices to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook the Peaches: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and prevent sticking.
Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and the liquid has thickened slightly into a syrup.
Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice, which helps to enhance the flavor and preserve the syrup.
Strain the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the syrup into a bowl or jar, pressing down on the peaches to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the peach solids or save them for another use, such as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
Step 2: Brew the Tea
Boil the Water: In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Steep the Tea: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat. Add the black tea bags (or loose tea in a tea infuser) to the hot water. Let the tea steep for about 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
Remove the Tea Bags: After steeping, remove the tea bags or infuser. If you used loose tea without an infuser, strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer to remove the leaves.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Mix the Tea and Syrup: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly brewed tea with the peach syrup. Stir well to ensure the syrup is fully incorporated into the tea.
Chill the Tea: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let the tea chill for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the tea is nice and cold.
Serve: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the peach iced tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh peach slices and mint leaves if desired.
Chef’s Note
Adjusting Sweetness: The sweetness of the peach syrup can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter tea, you can add more sugar when making the syrup. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet tea, reduce the amount of sugar.
Using Other Teas: While black tea is traditional, you can experiment with other types of tea such as green tea or herbal tea for a different flavor profile.
Alcoholic Version: For an adult twist, consider adding a splash of peach schnapps or vodka to each glass before serving.
Peach Varieties: Different varieties of peaches can impart slightly different flavors to your iced tea. Donut peaches, for example, are particularly sweet and can add a unique taste.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 80-100 (depending on the amount of syrup used)
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 20g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fiber: 1g (from peach garnish)
- Sodium: 0mg
Peach iced tea is a wonderful blend of the rich, tannic flavor of black tea and the sweet, fragrant notes of peaches. It’s a versatile drink that can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you like it more or less sweet, with different types of tea, or even with an added kick. Enjoy this delightful beverage on a warm day and savor the taste of summer in every sip.
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