With all the seasonal ingredients I have been using lately, you knew a Peach Iced Tea was about to be shared here sooner rather than later. As I mentioned when I shared my Peach Ice Cream recipe last week, I live within 20 minutes of Winona, arguably the fruit-growing capital of Canada. With peaches in season, I wanted to share a simple way to enjoy them while they are local and readily available.
While this is not a traditional Caribbean recipe, it is part of my In Season series, highlighting ingredients that are currently local to me. This homemade Peach Iced Tea combines green tea with ripe peaches, lemon juice and raw cane sugar, then gets finished with fresh orange and mint for a refreshing summertime beverage.
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I prefer green tea over black tea in this recipe because I find the flavor less harsh, allowing the peaches to come through without one overpowering the other. You can also adjust the sweetness to suit your taste, and if you prefer honey, I have an important suggestion about when to add it.
Be sure to refer to the video below, where I discuss much more about this recipe and the process. And if you make it, I would love to hear from you, including any personalizations you make to your Peach Iced Tea.
Ingredient Guide
Water Water forms the base of the drink and is divided between steeping the green tea, cooking the peaches and balancing the finished Peach Iced Tea.
Green tea Green tea provides a lighter tea base. I prefer it here because it is less harsh in flavor than black tea.
Ripe peaches Fresh ripe peaches provide the main fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
Lemon Lemon juice adds acidity and brightness, helping balance the sweetness of the peaches and sugar.
Raw cane sugar Raw cane sugar provides sweetness and can be adjusted to suit your preference.
Orange Fresh orange adds another layer of citrus flavor and makes a beautiful garnish.
Fresh mint Fresh mint adds a cool, refreshing finish that pairs especially well with the peaches and citrus.
Shopping Made Easy
• Look for ripe peaches that are fragrant and give slightly when gently pressed.
• Green tea bags are readily available at most grocery stores, so there is no need to search for a specialty tea.
• Raw cane sugar is available at many standard grocery stores, but you can substitute another sweetener you prefer.
• Choose a fresh lemon and a large orange for the best citrus flavor.
• Fresh mint is usually available in the produce section of most grocery stores.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
• I prefer green tea over black tea because I find it less harsh in flavor, allowing the peach flavor to remain prominent.
• If using honey, add it after you have strained the peaches rather than adding it while the liquid or syrup is still hot.
• When straining the cooked peaches, you can press down with a spatula if you want some of the peach pulp in your drink. I did not, as I wanted a perfect balance of green tea and peaches without one overpowering the other.
• Taste the finished Peach Iced Tea and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Keep in mind that the drink may dilute slightly when ice is added.
• For more refreshing summertime beverages, I recommend trying my Mauby Lemonade, Easy Strawberry Lemonade, Pineapple Sorrel Drink, Traditional Caribbean Pineapple Juice, and the fan-favorite Watermelon Berry Smoothie.
Easy Homemade Peach Iced Tea
This refreshing homemade Peach Iced Tea combines ripe seasonal peaches, green tea, lemon, and raw cane sugar, finished with orange slices and fresh mint. It is a simple summertime beverage that highlights fresh peaches without allowing the tea to overpower the fruit.
- 12 cups water divided
- 4 green tea bags
- 5 ripe peaches washed, stoned, sliced
- 1/2 lemon juice
- 1 cup raw cane sugar adjust
- 1 large orange sliced
- fresh mint
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Into 5 cups of water, place the tea bags and bring to a boil. I like using green tea versus black tea, as it is less harsh in flavor. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, then allow it to cool. In doing so, it will steep, and we will get all the lovely notes of the green tea.
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In another pot, add 5 cups of water along with the prepared peaches, lemon juice, and sugar. I used raw cane sugar, but you can use any sweetener you prefer, and in the amounts that suit your sweet tooth. If using honey, may I suggest you add the honey after you have strained the pea,ches and not when the liquid or syrup is still hot.
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Bring to a boil, simmer for 15 minutes, then allow it to cool.
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In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, strain the tea and discard the bags.
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Then strain the peaches, pushing or pressing down with a spatula if you want some of the pulp. I did not, as I wanted a perfect balance of green tea and peaches, without one overpowering the other.
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Add the remaining two cups of water and mix well to combine everything. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking, keeping in mind that the Peach Iced Tea may dilute a bit when ice is added.
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Chill and serve with ice, slices of orange ( I find that the hint of ornage compliments the peach and tea flavours perfecty) and sprigs of fresh mint.
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Refer to the video below, as much more about the recipe is discussed there.
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If you have made this recipe, I would love to hear from you and any personalizations you may have made. Please leave a comment and let me know how you enjoyed it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use honey instead of raw cane sugar in Peach Iced Tea?
Yes. You can use honey or another sweetener according to your taste. If using honey, I recommend adding it after you have strained the peaches rather than adding it while the liquid or syrup is still hot.
Can I use black tea instead of green tea?
Yes, but I prefer green tea for this Peach Iced Tea because I find it less harsh in flavor. The lighter tea allows the peaches to remain an important part of the finished drink.
Should I leave the peach pulp in my Peach Iced Tea?
That is completely up to you. You can press down on the peaches with a spatula while straining if you want some of the pulp. I prefer to leave most of it behind because I want a balance between the green tea and peaches without one overpowering the other.
How do I keep Peach Iced Tea from becoming too sweet?
Start with the suggested amount of sugar, then taste the finished drink before serving and adjust as needed. Remember that adding ice will dilute the Peach Iced Tea slightly.
Can I make this Peach Iced Tea ahead of time?
Yes. Chill the finished drink before serving, then pour it over ice and garnish with orange slices and fresh mint when ready to serve.
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