Peach Orange Cooler Recipe

Prepare peaches

If using fresh peaches, bring a pot of water to a simmer. Score an X on the bottom of each peach and blanch in simmering water for 20–30 seconds until the skins loosen. Transfer immediately to an ice bath, then peel, pit and chop peaches. Measure 2 cups chopped.

Blend

Place the chopped peaches, freshly squeezed orange juice, cold water, granulated sugar, and lemon juice into a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds. Taste and adjust sweetness: add up to 1 tablespoon more sugar if you prefer sweeter.

Strain (optional)

For an extra-smooth cooler, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. If you like pulp, skip this step and keep the mixture as-is.

Chill

Refrigerate the strained or unstrained peach-orange base for at least 20 minutes to cool and let flavors meld. It should be cold before adding club soda to preserve carbonation.

When ready to serve, fill 4 tall glasses with about 1/2 cup ice each (total ice quantity in ingredients is approximate). Pour 1/2 cup of the chilled peach-orange base into each glass (about 2 cups base total).

Top each glass with 1/2 cup of very cold club soda or sparkling water, gently stirring once with a spoon to combine without flattening the bubbles.

Taste one serving and adjust if desired: add a splash more orange juice for brightness, a squeeze of lemon for tartness, or a pinch of sugar dissolved in a teaspoon of warm water if sweeter is preferred.

Garnish each glass with a fresh peach slice and an orange wheel on the rim. Add a mint sprig into each glass for aroma. Serve immediately so the soda remains fizzy.