This Southern Peach Iced Tea recipe blends the natural sweetness of stewed peaches with the strong taste of black tea, offering a refreshing and sweet drink ideal for warm weather. It’s an easy mix of handcrafted peach syrup and steeped tea, served cold and over ice for a perfect summer refreshment.
Cousins – so, here’s the deal with this Southern Peach Iced Tea. It’s like summer in a glass, y’all. You know those hot days when you’re just looking for something cool and refreshing? This is it. We’re taking some sweet, juicy peaches – the kind that drip down your chin when you bite into them – and mixing them with classic iced tea. It’s simple, but oh man, does it hit the spot.
Imagine sitting outside, maybe with your feet up, sipping on this tea. It’s not just about quenching your thirst; it’s about bringing that laid-back, sunny day feeling right to you. This tea is perfect for those lazy afternoons, backyard BBQs, or just whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
So let’s brew this up. It’s easy, and trust me, it’ll be a hit. Whether you’re chilling by yourself or hanging out with friends and family, this Peach Iced Tea is all about good vibes and sweet, Southern comfort. Let’s get to it!
How to Make Southern Peach Iced Tea
Shopping List
This shopping list is your golden ticket to a perfect glass of iced tea that’s bursting with sweet, peachy goodness and the robust flavors of black tea. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing this Southern classic to life. So, grab your basket, and let’s hit the grocery store. We’re on a mission to gather the best ingredients that will transform your kitchen into the heart of Southern hospitality. Here’s what you’ll need to create the magic:
- Frozen Sliced Peaches (4 ½ cups): These are the star of the show. Frozen peaches are used to make the peach syrup, giving your tea a sweet, fruity flavor. They’re a great choice because they’re picked and frozen at peak ripeness, ensuring a consistent, sweet taste.
- Water (7 ½ cups total): You’ll need 2 cups for the peach syrup and 5 ½ cups for brewing the tea. The water is essential for extracting the flavors from the peaches and tea bags.
- Sugar (2 cups): This sweetens the peach syrup. It helps balance the tartness of the peaches and the bitterness of the tea, creating a harmonious sweet flavor.
- Family-Sized Black Tea Bags (4 bags): These are used to brew the base of your iced tea. Black tea is chosen for its strong flavor, which holds up well against the sweet peach syrup.
Instructions
- Grab a big saucepan and toss in your frozen peaches, water, and sugar.
- Turn up the heat to medium and let that peachy mix start to simmer. Give it about 15 minutes to do its thing.
- As the peaches get soft, take a masher and give them a good squish.
- Keep it cooking for another 10 minutes. You want those flavors to really get friendly with each other.
- Time to strain! Separate the peachy syrup from the peach pieces. Keep the syrup and say goodbye to the peach pieces.
- Now, bring 5 1/2 cups of water to a boil, then take it off the heat.
- Drop those tea bags in the hot water. Let them steep for a good 20 minutes. They need some time to release all that tea goodness.
- Mix your delicious peach syrup into the tea. Stir it up until it’s all friendly and combined.
- Pop it in the fridge. You want that tea nice and chilly.
- When you’re ready to serve, fill your glasses with ice and pour that beautiful tea over them.
- Serve it up and enjoy!
Q&A for this sweet Southern Peach Iced Tea
Q: Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen for the peach syrup? A: Absolutely! Fresh peaches work great, especially when they’re in season and ripe. Just be sure to slice them thinly for the best flavor extraction.
Q: How long should I steep the tea bags? A: Steep the tea bags for about 20 minutes. This allows the tea to develop a strong flavor that can stand up to the sweetness of the peach syrup.
Q: Can I adjust the sugar amount in the peach syrup? A: Yes, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet tea, reduce the sugar. Remember, the sweetness can also be balanced with the amount of peach syrup you add to the tea.
Q: Is it necessary to strain the peach pieces from the syrup? A: Straining the peach pieces out of the syrup ensures a smooth texture for your iced tea. However, if you don’t mind a bit of fruit in your drink, you can leave them in.
Q: Can I make this tea in advance? A: Definitely! This tea can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It’s actually better when it’s had time to chill and the flavors have melded together.
Q: What’s the best way to serve this iced tea? A: Serve the iced tea over a glass full of ice. You can also garnish it with a slice of peach or a sprig of mint for a fancy touch.
Q: Can I use a different type of tea instead of black tea? A: Yes, you can use green tea or herbal tea if you prefer. Just note that the flavor profile will change. Black tea is traditionally used for its strong flavor that complements the sweet peach syrup.
Q: How long will the peach syrup last in the fridge? A: The peach syrup should last about 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this recipe sugar-free? A: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute to make the peach syrup. Just be sure to adjust the quantity according to the sweetness level of the substitute.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a large gathering? A: Absolutely! It’s easy to scale up this recipe for large gatherings. Just multiply the ingredients according to the number of guests.
And there you have it, folks – the secret to making the most delightful Southern Peach Iced Tea that’s bound to be a hit at any gathering, or just a sweet treat for your everyday pleasure. Whether you’re sipping it on a sunny porch, serving it at a family barbecue, or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, this tea is a celebration of simple joys and sweet, Southern comfort.
Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Don’t be afraid to tweak the sweetness, play with different types of tea, or even throw in a few fresh peach slices for an extra burst of flavor. Every batch is an opportunity to make it uniquely yours.
As you pour yourself a glass of this peachy perfection, take a moment to appreciate the blend of flavors, the warmth of the sun, and the coolness of the breeze. Let each sip remind you of the beauty in simplicity and the taste of summer.
If you enjoyed this Southern Peach Iced Tea, check out some of my other beverage recipes!
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Southern Peach Iced Tea
Ingredients
For Peach Syrup
- 4 ½ cups frozen sliced peaches
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
Tea
- 4 family-sized black tea bags
- 5 ½ cups water
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, add peaches, water, and sugar.
- Let cook over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for about 15 minutes.
- Use a masher to mash the peaches as they soften.
- Let cook for about ten more minutes.
- Strain the peach mixture, set aside, toss the peach pieces, then set to the side.
- Boil 5 1/2 cups of water, then remove from the heat.
- Place the tea bags in the water and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Pour the peach syrup into the pot of tea.
- Mix until well combined.
- Refrigerate until the Southern peach iced tea is nice and cold.
- Fill glasses up with ice, then pour in the tea
- Serve & enjoy!
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Victoria S says
Thus sounds delicious and refreshing. I love peaches, I am going to give this a try.