
This sweet and refreshing peach tea has become my go-to summer drink for every backyard get-together and lazy afternoon. The homemade peach syrup gives it a natural fruity flavor that tastes like pure summer in a glass. With a handful of pantry basics and frozen peaches, you get a gorgeous thirst quencher that will cool you down on even the hottest days.
My friends still ask for this tea every barbecue season since I first served it on a hot July day. It has become a seasonal favorite that never lasts more than a few hours at any party.
Ingredients
- Frozen peaches: adds pure fruit flavor and natural sweetness look for peaches with no added sugar for best results
- Granulated sugar: brings a balanced sweetness use a good quality sugar for clean flavor
- Water: forms the base for both syrup and tea filtered water keeps the flavor pure
- Black tea bags: classic rich tea body choose your favorite robust brand for deeper tea notes
- Baking soda: smooths out the tea and reduces bitterness just a pinch is all you need
- Fresh lemons: gives a vibrantly fresh zing use ripe juicy lemons for maximum juice
- Peach syrup: homemade fruit syrup gives the tea its signature summery taste make extra to serve with desserts or to add more sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Peach Syrup:
- Combine your peaches water and sugar in a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for ten minutes. The peaches should soften and the liquid will take on a glowing golden color. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool completely for about thirty minutes before straining. Press gently on the peaches for extra flavor then discard them or save them for a treat over ice cream.
- Steep the Tea:
- Boil four cups of water in a saucepan. Once at a rolling boil add the black tea bags and let them steep for five minutes. The color will deepen and you will smell the warm tea aroma. Remove the tea bags and press them gently to release every last drop of tea.
- Combine and Flavor:
- Pour four cups of cooling water into your pitcher. Add in the strong tea then stir until the liquid blends evenly. Sprinkle in your baking soda for velvety smoothness.
- Add Lemon and Peach Syrup:
- Juice your lemons and pour in the fresh juice. Add the peach syrup stir thoroughly and taste. You can add more syrup if you prefer a sweeter fruity tea.
- Chill and Serve:
- Place your entire pitcher in the fridge and let it chill for at least one hour. Serve over ice with lemon rounds or a few of the syrupy peaches for a gorgeous finishing touch.

Whenever I make this tea I love using the leftover peach pieces as a sweet topping for my toddler’s vanilla yogurt. The syrupy fruit puts a big smile on her face every time.
Storage Tips
Store any extra tea in the fridge for up to three days in a well-sealed pitcher or jar. Keep the peach syrup in a separate container and add right before serving for the brightest flavor. If your tea starts tasting less fresh add a quick squeeze of lemon and a splash more syrup.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try white tea or green tea bags instead of black tea for a lighter refreshing twist. Honey can replace granulated sugar in the peach syrup just use two thirds the amount and stir gently as it dissolves. Feel free to use store-bought peach nectar in a pinch but homemade syrup is always best for flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Pour over plenty of ice and garnish with fresh peach slices for extra flair. This tea goes perfectly with grilled chicken salads or classic picnic fare like sandwiches. Fill a thermos and bring it to the pool or park for an easy portable treat.
Peach Tea in American Summers
In southern kitchens sweet tea is practically its own food group and adding ripe fruit to it is a beloved summer tradition. Peach sweet tea is a seasonal staple for backyard reunions and porch-swing afternoons. The combination of black tea peaches and lemon brings a nostalgic homemade taste that never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make peach syrup for sweet tea?
Simmer frozen peaches, water, and sugar together for about 10 minutes. Cool the mixture, then strain for a smooth syrup.
- → What type of tea bags work best?
Standard black tea bags are ideal for a robust flavor that pairs well with peach and lemon notes.
- → Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peaches work wonderfully. Simply slice and simmer as directed for rich peach flavor.
- → Why add baking soda to iced tea?
Baking soda softens any bitterness in the tea, producing a smoother-tasting, less astringent drink.
- → How long should I chill sweet tea before serving?
Let the tea chill for at least one hour to ensure it’s thoroughly cold and refreshing over ice.