This Southern Peach Tea is all you need to keep cool and refreshed all summer long. If you’ve never had this Southern classic, here’s a simple recipe the whole family is bound to enjoy!
Table of contents
Peach Tea
There’s nothing like sweet tea in the summer, y’all! If you’ve ever been to the American South, then you DEFINITELY know how good it is to have a nice tall glass of sweet iced tea or peach tea when you want to beat the heat.
The sweet and refreshing flavor of this tea is perfect for any occasion, from a lazy afternoon in the garden to a summertime barbecue with friends.
What makes Southern Peach Tea stand out from other fruit-flavored teas is the use of real peaches in the blend. The natural sweetness of the peaches perfectly complements the subtle bitterness of the tea, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Another reason why Southern Peach Tea is so popular is its versatility. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes, from light salads to rich desserts.
Some tea enthusiasts even use it as a base for cocktails and mocktails, adding a fruity twist to classic drinks like iced tea and lemonade.
For example, you can mix it with vodka and a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing Peach Tea Vodka Collins or blend it with frozen peaches and ice for a Peach Tea Smoothie. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious.
Southern Peach Tea is a delightful beverage that offers a refreshing and flavorful experience. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a quiet afternoon at home to a festive gathering with friends and family. I hope you enjoy it!
Homemade Peach Tea: Ingredients & Equipment
To make Southern Peach Tea, you will need …
Ingredients
- ripe peaches – In this recipe, we’ll be using fresh fruit to make the tea. I really think this is the best way to get the most flavor in your drink … after all, no one likes tea that wishes it were peach tea!
- black tea bags, boiling water, and granulated sugar – Hard to make peach tea without the tea, of course!
- lemon juice – Blended into the rest of the tea, this gives your drink a slight citrus punch!
- cold water – To mix with your strained peach juice.
- ice – For serving. Optional but refreshing!
- baking soda – Another optional addition. You can add this to your black tea if you want to tone down its bitterness.
Equipment
- baking sheet – Lined with parchment paper to hold your peaches while they freeze.
- blender or food processor – To chop your peach mixture into smooth bits.
- sieve or strainer – For straining your peach juice.
- pitcher – For finally combining your drink ingredients!
Notes
- Try changing things up! Add some ginger or mint to the mix, creating a unique and refreshing twist on the classic flavor profile. Use black tea leaves for a stronger, bolder taste, or green tea leaves for a lighter, more delicate flavor.
- Add it to recipes! Try it for cooking and baking. For instance, you can infuse the tea into a cake or cupcake batter for a subtle peach flavor, or use it to poach peaches for a delicious dessert. You can even use it as a marinade for grilled meats, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity to your dishes.
- Southern Peach Tea can be used as a base for cocktails and mocktails, adding a fruity and refreshing twist to classic drinks. 😉
How to make Iced Peach Tea
This is an easy drink you’ll want to make time and time again, no matter where in the world you live.
First, prep the peaches. Halve two of the peaches and remove the pits, then slice the peaches into wedges. Place the peach wedges in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen (at least 4 hours).
Second, prep your tea bags. Place the tea bags in the boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. After that, remove the tea bags and discard them. Then stir the sugar into the hot tea until it’s dissolved. Finally, allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Third, blend your peaches. Meanwhile, peel the remaining two peaches and remove the pits. Roughly chop the peaches into pieces and place the pieces into a blender or food processor. Add in the lemon juice. Cover and blend the mixture until smooth.
Fourth, strain the peach mixture. Strain the peach mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl. (You can gently press against the pulp to help drain any liquid!) Discard the pulp.
Finally, combine it all and enjoy! In a pitcher, combine the strained peach juice, tea, cold water, and baking soda (if using). Mix well. Be sure to refrigerate the tea mixture until it’s cold, then serve individual glasses with ice and frozen peach wedges if you want!
Southern Peach Tea: FAQs
This should make about six servings … unless you have someone in your family who will gulp it all down! (That someone in my family tends to be me! 😅)
To preserve the quality and freshness of Southern Peach Tea, it should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Yes, it does contain caffeine since it’s made with tea leaves.
While it is traditionally enjoyed on its own without any added milk or cream, some people may prefer to add a splash of milk or cream for a creamier and richer flavor. However, it’s important to note that milk or cream may affect the taste and quality of the tea, and it may not be suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy.
I highly HIGHLY recommend them if you can get them, y’all. The flavor they add is out of this world!! But if they’re just not in season or too expensive for whatever reason, you can substitute something like Jumex Peach Nectar from Concentrate in place of the peach juice. You can also use frozen peaches.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Southern Peach Tea
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe peaches divided
- 6 – 8 regular-size black tea bags
- 2 cups boiling water
- ½ – 1 cup granulated sugar or to taste
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 6 cups cold water
- pinch baking soda optional
- ice
Instructions
- Halve two of the peaches and remove the pits. Slice the peaches into wedges. Place the peach wedges in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen, at least 4 hours.
- Place the tea bags in the boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard them.
- Stir the sugar into the hot tea until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, peel the remaining two peaches and remove the pits. Roughly chop the peaches into pieces and place the pieces into a blender or food processor. Add in the lemon juice. Cover and blend until smooth.
- Strain the peach mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl. You can gently press against the pulp to help drain any liquid. Discard any pulp or save it for another use.
- In a pitcher, combine the strained peach juice, tea, cold water, and baking soda (if using) and mix well.
- Refrigerate the tea mixture until cold.
- Serve individual glasses with ice and frozen peach wedges, if desired.
Notes
- This refreshingly delicious Southern Peach Tea is best consumed within 2-3 days.
- Try changing things up! Add some ginger or mint to the mix, creating a unique and refreshing twist on the classic flavor profile. Use black tea leaves for a stronger, bolder taste or green tea leaves for a lighter, more delicate flavor.
- Add it to recipes! Try it for cooking and baking. For instance, you can infuse the tea into a cake or cupcake batter for a subtle peach flavor or use it to poach peaches for a delicious dessert. You can even use it as a marinade for grilled meats, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity to your dishes.
- Southern Peach Tea can be used as a base for cocktails and mocktails, adding a fruity and refreshing twist to classic drinks. 😉
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
why do you put baking soda.?
It cuts any bitterness in the tea.