Peach Strawberry Lemonade

This refreshing Peach Strawberry Lemonade is a perfect blend of sweet peaches, juicy strawberries, and tart lemon juice. It’s a delightful drink for hot summer days or any time you crave a fruity, homemade lemonade.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe peaches, chopped into large chunks
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed and halved
• 1 cup water (for blending)
• 1/2 cup water (for simple syrup)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Ice
• 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
• 6-8 cups cold water
• Fresh chopped strawberries, to garnish
• Fresh sliced peaches, to garnish
• Lemon wedges, to garnish

Instructions:

1. Puree Fruits: In a blender, combine the chopped peaches, halved strawberries, and 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the Puree: Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the pulp, leaving you with a smooth juice. Set aside.
3. Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to a boil. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from heat and let it cool.
4. Mix the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice, the strained fruit puree, the cooled simple syrup, and 6-8 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the lemonade until it’s cold. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh chopped strawberries, sliced peaches, and lemon wedges.

Serving:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

Variations:

• Herbal Twist: Add fresh mint or basil leaves to the lemonade for a refreshing herbal note.
• Sparkling Version: Replace 2 cups of the cold water with sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
• Honey Lemonade: Substitute the granulated sugar with honey for a richer, natural sweetness.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as the fruit puree may settle.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen peaches and strawberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw them before blending.

Q: How can I make this lemonade less sweet?
A: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the simple syrup or use more water when diluting the lemonade.

Q: Can I make this lemonade ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the lemonade a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.

Q: Is there a way to make this lemonade without straining the puree?
A: If you prefer a more textured lemonade, you can skip the straining step, but the drink will be thicker and pulpier.

This Peach Strawberry Lemonade is a vibrant and flavorful drink that’s sure to quench your thirst. It’s perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying on a warm day!