There's nothing quite like a tall glass of peach iced tea on a hot summer day. The sweet aroma of ripe peaches, the tang of fresh-brewed tea, and the clink of ice cubes in a chilled glass—this drink is summer in every sip.

I first fell in love with this peach iced tea during a family trip to Georgia, where roadside stands sold mason jars full of fruit-infused drinks. Ever since, this has been my go-to refreshment whenever the temperatures rise. It’s quick, easy to make, and always a crowd favorite at cookouts or just lazy afternoons on the porch.

Get ready to cool down and unwind, because this Summer Peach Iced Tea is about to become your new seasonal staple.

Why You'll Love This Summer Peach Iced Tea

If you're searching for the ultimate summer beverage, look no further. This Summer Peach Iced Tea checks all the boxes: refreshing, easy to make, and bursting with natural flavor.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll have a pitcher ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you just need something cold and satisfying.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Peaches are in abundance during the summer months and reasonably priced, especially if you can grab some at a local farmers market. Combine them with pantry staples like black tea and sugar, and you’ve got a delicious drink without spending much.

What makes this tea truly shine is its natural flavor. Unlike store-bought versions that rely on artificial syrups, this recipe uses fresh peaches to create a homemade peach syrup that infuses the tea with vibrant fruitiness.

Plus, it’s easily customizable. Want it sweeter? Add more syrup. Prefer it tart? Squeeze in a bit of lemon juice. You can even spike it with a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist. The options are endless.

Whether you're hosting a summer brunch or just relaxing after mowing the lawn, this iced tea brings the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Summer Peach Iced Tea lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, resulting in a drink that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.

Fresh peaches are the star of the show. Look for ones that are ripe but still firm—too soft and they’ll turn mushy when simmered. You can peel them if you like, but I prefer to leave the skins on for a richer color and added flavor in the syrup.

Black tea forms the base of the drink. I typically use standard tea bags like Lipton or Luzianne, but feel free to opt for a more robust variety like English Breakfast or even Earl Grey if you enjoy a bit of complexity. Just avoid flavored teas, which can compete with the peach syrup.

Granulated sugar sweetens the peach syrup, helping to draw out the fruit’s juices and create that luscious, slightly sticky consistency that mixes perfectly into the tea. You can adjust the sugar level depending on how sweet you like your drinks.

Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the syrup. Freshly squeezed is best, and a little goes a long way in balancing the flavors. It also helps the drink feel even more refreshing on a hot day.

You’ll also need a fine mesh strainer, a saucepan, and a large pitcher. A wooden spoon or muddler is handy if you want to mash the peaches a bit while they simmer.

How To Make This Summer Peach Iced Tea

Making this Summer Peach Iced Tea is easier than you think, and it fills your kitchen with the heavenly scent of ripe peaches and brewing tea.

Start by slicing your fresh peaches and placing them in a saucepan with water and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. As it simmers, the peaches begin to break down and release their juices.

After about 10–12 minutes, remove the pan from heat and let the syrup cool slightly. Use a fine mesh strainer to separate the peach solids from the syrup. Press gently on the fruit to extract as much flavor as possible, then discard the pulp (or save it for yogurt topping!).

While the syrup is cooling, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Steep your black tea bags in the hot water for 5–7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Once it’s brewed, remove the bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.

Now comes the fun part—combining the tea and peach syrup. In a large pitcher, stir together the cooled tea, syrup, and a splash of lemon juice. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more syrup for sweetness or more lemon for brightness.

Chill the tea in the fridge for at least an hour, then serve over ice with a slice of peach or lemon on the rim. The result is a drink that tastes like pure summer sunshine.

Storage Options

This Summer Peach Iced Tea keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for make-ahead preparation. Store any leftovers in a sealed pitcher or mason jar for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some settling may occur.

If you'd like to store the peach syrup separately, it will last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container and add it to tea, lemonade, or even sparkling water as needed.

For longer storage, you can freeze the peach syrup in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag and use them to chill and flavor drinks at the same time.

When it comes to reheating—well, you won’t need to! But if you accidentally let your pitcher sit out, a quick stir and a handful of ice should bring it right back to life.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this peach iced tea is how versatile it is. You can tweak it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Swap the black tea for green tea if you want something lighter and slightly more herbal. Green tea pairs beautifully with peach and creates a more delicate flavor profile.

Try using nectarines or apricots instead of peaches for a fun twist. They have similar textures and sweetness, and bring a subtle difference that keeps things interesting.

For a sugar-free version, replace the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or even honey. Just keep in mind that each sweetener has its own unique taste and sweetness level.

Want to take it up a notch? Add a splash of bourbon or peach schnapps for an adults-only version that’s perfect for evening entertaining. It’s the ideal porch sipper.

Finally, try infusing your tea with fresh herbs like mint or basil during the cooling stage. It adds an unexpected freshness that elevates the entire drink.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is your canvas, and there are so many ways to make it your own.