There's nothing quite like a tall glass of Summer Peach Iced Tea to cool you down on a sweltering afternoon. Sweet, floral peaches meld seamlessly with bold black tea, creating a refreshing drink that’s both soothing and invigorating.

I first made this on a humid July afternoon, when I had an overflow of ripe peaches from the farmer’s market. One sip of this chilled, peach-infused tea and I was instantly hooked. It's now my go-to summer beverage – simple to make, budget-friendly, and a huge hit at every backyard gathering.

The best part? You can make a big batch ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for whenever the heat calls for a cool-down. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

Why You'll Love This Summer Peach Iced Tea

Get ready to meet your new favorite summer drink. This Summer Peach Iced Tea is more than just refreshing – it’s a beautiful blend of convenience, flavor, and summer vibes in a glass.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh peaches, you can whip up a full pitcher in under 20 minutes. No fancy tools, no complicated steps – just pure, homemade refreshment.

It’s also budget-friendly. If you’ve ever glanced at the price of gourmet iced teas at a café, you’ll appreciate how much money you can save by making your own at home – without compromising on taste or quality.

Another win? This recipe is family-friendly and caffeine-adjustable. Use decaf tea for kids or those sensitive to caffeine, or boost it with stronger black tea if you need a midday pick-me-up.

And finally, it’s versatile. Add herbs like mint or basil for a twist, or even spike it with a splash of bourbon for an adult-friendly version at your next BBQ.

Once you make this once, I promise you’ll be brewing it on repeat all summer long.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this iced tea lies in its simplicity. With just a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients, you’ll have a drink that feels both nostalgic and fresh – like sipping summer straight from a mason jar.

Fresh peaches are the star of this show. Choose ripe, juicy peaches that give slightly when pressed. They’ll infuse the tea with their natural sweetness and floral aroma. No need to peel them – the skins add extra flavor and a gorgeous hint of color.

Black tea provides a sturdy, slightly tannic base that balances the sweetness of the peaches. I prefer using classic Lipton or English Breakfast, but you can also try Earl Grey for a citrusy twist. Use decaf if you want a caffeine-free option.

Sugar helps extract the peach juice and deepens the syrup’s flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute honey or maple syrup, though each will bring its own flavor profile to the mix. Start small and adjust to your sweetness preference.

Lemon juice adds brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the tea’s boldness and the peaches’ sweetness. Just a tablespoon is enough to elevate the entire drink.

For the best flavor, you’ll want a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter out the peach solids. A large pitcher or mason jar works great for chilling and serving.

How To Make This Summer Peach Iced Tea

Making this peach iced tea is as easy as a summer breeze, and the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Start by slicing your fresh peaches into wedges. There’s no need to peel them unless you prefer a smoother syrup. Add them to a saucepan along with water and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

As the peaches simmer, they’ll soften and release their juices into the syrup. Let it bubble gently for about 10-12 minutes until the fruit is tender and the liquid turns a golden peach color. Give the peaches a gentle mash with a spoon to release even more flavor.

While your syrup is simmering, brew your black tea. Boil water and steep the tea bags for about 5 minutes – any longer and the tea can turn bitter. Once brewed, remove the tea bags and let it cool slightly.

Strain your peach syrup using a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing the peaches to extract all the juicy goodness. Discard the solids or save them as a topping for yogurt or ice cream – they’re too good to waste!

Pour the brewed tea into the pitcher with the peach syrup and stir well. Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, then refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour, or until fully chilled.

When you're ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the tea over. Garnish with a peach slice or sprig of mint for that extra-summery touch. One sip and you’ll be hooked.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this Summer Peach Iced Tea is how well it stores – perfect for making ahead or enjoying over a few days.

You can store the tea in a sealed pitcher or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as some of the syrup may settle at the bottom.

If you’ve made extra peach syrup, keep it in a small airtight jar for up to one week. It’s also delicious drizzled over pancakes, stirred into lemonade, or even spooned over vanilla ice cream.

To keep your iced tea as fresh as possible, avoid storing it with ice in the pitcher, which can dilute the flavor. Instead, add ice directly to serving glasses.

To reheat the tea for a warm peach tea version (yes, it’s just as good hot!), gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. You can also microwave individual servings, but avoid boiling to preserve the delicate fruit notes.

Variations and Substitutions

This drink is endlessly adaptable, which is part of why it’s a staple in my kitchen every summer.

If you don’t have fresh peaches, you can use frozen peaches with great results. No need to thaw – just simmer them directly in the syrup. Canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) also work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Looking to cut down on sugar? Try using stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or honey in place of granulated sugar. Start with less and sweeten to taste – it’s easy to add more later.

Want to make it sparkling? Top your finished tea with a splash of club soda or sparkling water just before serving. It gives the drink a lovely effervescence that’s especially refreshing on hot days.

For a grown-up twist, add a shot of bourbon or peach schnapps to your glass. It turns this family-friendly drink into a charming summer cocktail with very little effort.

You can even experiment with herbs – mint, basil, or thyme all pair beautifully with peaches and add an extra layer of aroma. Just toss a few sprigs into the syrup as it simmers and strain them out before serving.

However you choose to make it, don’t be afraid to play around and find your own signature version of this drink. That’s the joy of homemade recipes – you get to make them your own.