Refreshing Southern Sweet Peach Iced Tea Recipe
A simple and satisfying southern-style sweet peach iced tea that balances natural peach flavor with traditional sweet tea, perfect for hot summer days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 black tea bags
- 2 large fresh ripe peaches, sliced
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) water
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Optional garnishes: peach slices or fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Boil 6 cups (1.4 liters) of water in a large saucepan over high heat (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add sliced fresh peaches to the boiling water and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pot from heat and add 4 black tea bags. Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and stir in ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar while the liquid is still warm until fully dissolved. Add a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher to remove peach solids and tea leaves. Press gently on peaches to extract juice but avoid pulp.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve over glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish with peach slices or fresh mint if desired.
Notes
Use ripe or quality frozen peaches for best flavor. Avoid oversteeping tea to prevent bitterness. A pinch of salt enhances flavor. Sweetness can be adjusted or substituted with honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Prepare tea base ahead for convenience. Variations include using herbal tea for caffeine-free or adding spices like cinnamon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz (240 ml) per se
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 21
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: sweet tea, peach iced tea, southern drink, summer beverage, homemade iced tea, refreshing drink