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This zingy Raspberry Peach Lemonade blends juicy peaches with tangy raspberries and fresh lemon to make a cool summer drink that's just right for cookouts, outdoor lunches, or relaxing sunny days beside the water.
I came up with this drink during an unbearable summer hot spell when everything in my garden was drooping and we desperately needed something cooling. From the first taste, my family claimed it as our go-to summer refreshment, asking for it at all our backyard get-togethers.
What You'll Need
- Fresh peaches: add natural sweetness and smooth texture grab ones that give slightly when pressed for ideal ripeness
- Fresh raspberries: bring gorgeous color and sharp berry flavor pick full berries without wetness or spoilage
- Granulated sugar: forms the basic syrup foundation standard white sugar does the job perfectly
- Fresh lemon juice: can't be skipped store-bought juice doesn't come close to the bright taste of just-squeezed
- Cold water: cuts the strong flavors to drinkable strength using filtered water gives the purest flavor
- Ice cubes: both cool and slightly water down the drink as they melt creating just the right thickness
How To Make It
- Mix fruit blend:
- Combine peaches and raspberries with water and blend until totally smooth. Make sure to run the blender long enough to break up all fruit pieces which usually takes about a minute on high. I suggest cutting peaches into small chunks for better blending results.
- Filter the puree:
- Push the blended fruit through a fine strainer, working in small amounts if necessary. This vital step gets rid of all seeds and peach skin that would make the texture unpleasant. Take your time and press thoroughly so most of the fruit flesh goes through while only seeds and tough bits stay behind.
- Make sugar syrup:
- Mix sugar and water in a small pot over medium heat stirring often. Keep an eye on it as the mixture turns transparent when sugar completely melts which usually happens in about 3 minutes. Your syrup should lightly coat a spoon without being thick as maple syrup.
- Mix everything together:
- In a big pitcher that holds at least 2 quarts first put in fresh lemon juice cold water and ice then add the peach raspberry mixture and sugar syrup. Stir softly but well with a long wooden spoon to make sure everything mixes properly without making too many air bubbles.
- Cool and pour:
- Let the lemonade sit in the fridge for at least half an hour before serving so the flavors can blend together. When it's time to drink fill glasses with extra ice and pour the lemonade over serving right away with optional garnishes for best looks.
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The raspberries are really the star ingredient here. I've tried lots of different berry mixes, but nothing beats the perfect tart-sweet balance and amazing color that raspberries bring. My little girl once said the color looks like a summer sunset, and we've called it that in our house ever since.
Prep In Advance
This drink actually tastes better when made early. Fix it the evening before your party and keep it covered in the fridge. The flavors will get stronger overnight, making the fruit taste even better. Just stir it well before pouring since some natural settling might happen.
Fun Twists
For a grown-up version, throw in some vodka, white rum, or bubbly wine to turn this into a tasty summer cocktail. When I make the boozy kind, I cut back on water a bit to keep the flavor strong. For a kid-friendly fancy option, swap some regular water with fizzy water or ginger ale right before serving to add some bubbles and excitement.
Ways To Serve
This lemonade goes great with summer foods like grilled chicken, fresh salads, or seafood. I like to serve it in mason jars with fun paper straws for casual parties or in nice pitchers with fresh fruit added for fancier events. For an extra touch, freeze some raspberries and small peach bits in ice cubes to drop in each glass.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this lemonade in advance?
Definitely! This fruity mix actually tastes even better when it sits in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors really come together. You can keep it covered in your fridge for up to 3 days.
- → What can I use if I can't find fresh peaches?
When fresh peaches aren't around, go ahead and use defrosted frozen peaches. They'll give you a slightly different taste but it'll still be yummy. In a rush, you might try 1 cup of peach nectar instead, though it won't taste quite as fresh.
- → How can I make this drink less sugary?
You can totally cut back on sweetness! Try making your simple syrup with just 1/3 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water. Or simply taste your final mix and splash in more lemon juice if you want something with more zing.
- → Can I turn this into a grown-up drink?
This lemonade works great as a mixer. Just add some vodka, white rum, or bubbly prosecco to turn it into a tasty summer cocktail. When you're hosting, you could set up a drink station with the lemonade and different liquors so everyone can make their own version.
- → What if I don't have a fine strainer?
No fine strainer? No problem! You can drain your puree through a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel instead. Another way is to blend everything longer to break down all the bits more completely, though you'll still have some texture in your drink.
- → How should I serve this for a big party?
For big groups, make your lemonade in a big drink container with a tap. Throw in lots of ice, some floating fruit slices, and fresh mint to make it look pretty. Keep extra cold lemonade ready to top it up when needed, and you might want to freeze some in ice cube trays so your drinks don't get watered down.