Peach Ice Tea Recipe

Brew the tea

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan. Remove from heat, add 4 black tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes for a full-bodied brew (steep 3–4 minutes for lighter). Remove and discard the tea bags, then allow the tea to cool slightly while preparing the peach syrup.

Make the peach syrup

Halve, pit, and roughly chop 3 ripe peaches (reserving 1 peach sliced for garnish). In a small saucepan combine the chopped peaches, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring so sugar dissolves. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until peaches are very soft and liquid is syrupy. Use a potato masher or spoon to gently mash the peaches while simmering to release more flavor.

Strain and finish the syrup

Remove the saucepan from heat and let cool 5 minutes. Pour the peach mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or chinois into a bowl, pressing on solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard solids (or reserve for yogurt/ice cream). Stir 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice into the strained peach syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness — if you prefer sweeter tea, return syrup to pan and dissolve additional sugar 1–2 tbsp at a time, then cool.

Combine tea and syrup

In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea (cooled slightly) and the strained peach syrup. Add 3 cups cold water to dilute to desired strength (start with 3 cups; adjust to taste). Stir well to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until cold. If you want a more intense peach flavor, add a few tablespoons extra syrup.

Serve

Fill glasses with ice (about 1/2 to 1 cup ice per serving). Pour the chilled peach iced tea over the ice. Add fresh peach slices and 1–2 mint leaves per glass for garnish. Taste and, if desired, add additional syrup or a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately.

Notes and variations

For a refined clear peach flavor, use a second fine strain through cheesecloth. To make ahead, store syrup and brewed tea separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; combine and serve over ice when ready. For an adult version, add 1–2 oz bourbon per serving.