Equipment Needed
- A large pitcher
- A muddler or sturdy wooden spoon
- A fine-mesh strainer
- A large bowl
- A citrus juicer or reamer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, we’re going to coax every bit of flavor out of those beautiful peaches. In your large pitcher, add the chopped peaches and your chosen sweetener. Now, take your muddler or the back of that wooden spoon and get to work pressing and twisting until the peaches are completely broken down and juicy, and the sweetener is beginning to dissolve into the peach nectar. This is my favorite part—the fragrance that rises up is pure summer. I learned the hard way that rushing this step means less peach flavor in your final glass, so really take a minute here and enjoy the process.
Next, it’s time for the lemon juice. Pour that glorious, freshly squeezed cup of sunshine right into the pitcher with the muddled peaches. Give it a really good stir. At this point, the mixture will be incredibly concentrated and almost like a thick syrup. I like to let it sit for about 5 minutes here, which allows the acid from the lemons to further break down the peach solids and marry all the flavors together. You’ll see the color deepen slightly, which is exactly what you want.
Now, we strain. Place your fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl and pour the entire peach-lemon mixture into it. Using that sturdy spoon again, press firmly on the solids to extract every last drop of that potent nectar. What’s left in the strainer will be pretty dry pulp—you can compost it or save it for a muffin mix-in! What’s in your bowl is liquid gold: the perfectly smooth, intensely flavored base of your lemonade.
Finally, pour that vibrant base back into your now-empty pitcher. Add the 4 cups of cold water and the 1 cup of ice. Stir vigorously until everything is completely combined and chilling. I always take a tiny taste test here—sometimes, depending on the sweetness of the peaches, I’ll add another tiny drizzle of honey or a splash more lemon. Trust your palate! Then, just pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors get to know each other. This resting time makes a huge difference.(See the next page below to continue…)