Name: Southern Peach Iced Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486958H25M55S
Total time: PT-486958H25M55S
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4-6 black tea bags (depending on how strong you want the tea); 4 cups water; 2 ripe peaches, peeled and chopped (or 1 cup peach puree); 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste); 2 cups cold water or ice; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra tang); Peach slices and fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southern Peach Iced Tea combines the smooth, slightly bitter taste of black tea with the bright, sweet flavor of peaches, creating the perfect balance of flavors. It’s incredibly refreshing and naturally sweetened with real peaches, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought sugary beverages. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll want to have a pitcher in your fridge at all times. Whether you’re sipping on it while lounging in the sun or serving it at a family gathering, this iced tea is always a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

4-6 black tea bags (depending on how strong you want the tea)
4 cups water
2 ripe peaches, peeled and chopped (or 1 cup peach puree)
1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
2 cups cold water or ice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
Peach slices and fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the tea: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Once steeped, remove the tea bags and set the tea aside to cool.
Prepare the peaches: While the tea is cooling, blend the chopped peaches in a blender until smooth, or use peach puree if you prefer. If you like your iced tea extra sweet, you can add a bit of sugar to the peaches while blending.
Combine the tea and peach puree: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea and the peach puree. Stir in sugar, adjusting to your desired sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet version, start with 1/4 cup sugar and taste, adding more if needed.
Chill the tea: Add 2 cups of cold water or ice to the pitcher to dilute the tea slightly. Stir to combine, then place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until completely cold.
Serve: Pour the chilled peach iced tea into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with peach slices or a sprig of fresh mint if desired.
Enjoy: Serve your refreshing Southern Peach Iced Tea and enjoy the perfect balance of tea and peach flavor!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Use frozen peaches: If fresh peaches are not in season, you can use frozen peaches. Just thaw them and blend them into a puree as usual.
Add mint: For a fresh twist, add a few sprigs of fresh mint to the tea as it cools or use it as a garnish.
Make it sparkling: Add a splash of sparkling water or club soda to the tea for a fizzy version of Southern Peach Iced Tea.
Make it boozy: For an adult version, try adding a shot of bourbon or rum for a fun twist on this Southern classic.
Sweeten with honey: If you prefer, you can sweeten the tea with honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover iced tea in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor will continue to develop and deepen over time.
Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy the tea warm, you can gently heat it on the stove or microwave, but it’s typically served cold.

FAQs

1. Can I make this tea ahead of time?

Yes! Southern Peach Iced Tea is perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare the tea, combine with the peach puree, and refrigerate. The tea will stay fresh and flavorful for a few days.

2. Can I use bottled peach juice instead of fresh peaches?

Yes, you can use bottled peach juice, but fresh peaches will give the tea a richer, more natural flavor. If you use peach juice, be sure to taste and adjust the sweetness, as it may already be sweetened.

3. Can I use green tea instead of black tea?

Yes, you can use green tea or any other type of tea you prefer. The flavor will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious with the peach flavor.

4. How do I adjust the sweetness?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar. Start with 1/4 cup, taste, and then add more if you prefer a sweeter tea. You can also use honey, agave, or a sugar substitute if desired.

5. Can I make this tea without sugar?

Yes, you can skip the sugar or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. The peach puree adds some sweetness naturally, so you can definitely make it less sweet if preferred.

6. Can I use peach preserves or jam instead of fresh peaches?

Yes, you can use peach preserves or jam in place of fresh peaches. Just reduce the amount of added sugar since the preserves will already be sweetened. Stir well to dissolve the jam in the tea.

Conclusion

Southern Peach Iced Tea is the perfect drink for hot days, offering the refreshing sweetness of peaches and the smooth, comforting flavor of tea. It’s an easy-to-make, customizable beverage that’s perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a relaxing afternoon. Whether you keep it classic or add a fun twist, this iced tea is sure to become a favorite in your beverage rotation. Enjoy the taste of the South with every sip!