Tasty Peach Raspberry Drink

This zesty Raspberry Peach Lemonade mixes the natural sweetness of juicy peaches with tangy raspberries and fresh lemon for a cool summer drink that's ideal for backyard cookouts, family outings, or just unwinding by the water on hot days.

I came up with this drink during a brutal summer hot spell when everything in my garden was drooping and we desperately needed something cooling. From the first taste, my family claimed it as our go-to summer refreshment, and now they ask for it at every outdoor party.

Ingredients

• Fresh peaches: add natural sweetness and smooth texture - pick ones that give slightly when pressed for ideal ripeness
• Fresh raspberries: bring gorgeous color and berry sharpness - go for firm, plump ones without wetness or spots
• Granulated sugar: forms the simple syrup base - standard white sugar does the job perfectly
• Fresh lemon juice: can't be skipped - store-bought just can't match what you squeeze yourself
• Cold water: thins the strong flavors to make it drinkable - using filtered water gives the cleanest result
• Ice cubes: cool the drink and slowly water it down as they melt for just the right thickness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare fruit puree:

Blend peaches and raspberries with water until smooth. Make sure to run the blender long enough to break down all chunks, about 60 seconds on high. I find that cutting peaches into 1inch pieces makes blending much easier.

Strain the mixture:

Push the blended fruit through a fine mesh strainer, working in small amounts if needed. This key step gets rid of all seeds and peach skin that would make the drink feel gritty. Take your time and press thoroughly to get as much fruit pulp through as possible, leaving just seeds and tough bits behind.

Create simple syrup:

Mix sugar and water in a small pot over medium heat and stir often. Keep an eye on it as the mixture turns clear when sugar completely dissolves, usually in about 3 minutes. Your syrup should lightly coat a spoon without being thick like pancake syrup.

Combine components:

In a big pitcher that holds at least 2 quarts, first mix lemon juice, cold water and ice, then add the peach raspberry puree and simple syrup. Stir slowly but completely with a long wooden spoon to mix everything well without making too many bubbles.

Chill and serve:

Let the lemonade sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving so flavors can blend and develop. When ready to drink, put extra ice in glasses and pour lemonade over top, serving right away with optional garnishes for best looks.

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Raspberries are truly the secret weapon in this drink. I've tried many different berry mixes, but nothing matches the perfect sweet-tart balance and eye-catching color that raspberries give. My little girl once said it looked like a summer sunset, and we've called it that in our family ever since.

Make It Ahead

This lemonade actually gets better when made early. Mix it up the evening before your event and keep it covered in the fridge. The flavors will get deeper overnight, making the fruit taste even more pronounced. Just stir it well before pouring since some natural settling might happen.

Creative Variations

For grown-ups, try adding a splash of vodka, white rum, or bubbly wine to turn this into a tasty summer cocktail. When I make the boozy version, I cut back on water a bit to keep the flavors strong. For a kid-friendly fancy option, swap some plain water with soda water or ginger ale right before serving to add some fun bubbles.

Serving Suggestions

This drink goes great with summer foods like grilled chicken, crisp salads, or seafood dishes. I like to serve it in mason jars with fun paper straws for casual get-togethers or in nice pitchers with fresh fruit on top for fancier parties. To make it extra special, freeze some raspberries and small peach bits in ice cubes to float in each glass.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare it in advance?

Sure! Making it ahead actually enhances the flavors. Let it chill in the refrigerator for up to three days in a covered container for best results.

→ What can I use instead of fresh peaches?

Frozen peaches are a great choice if fresh ones are unavailable. If needed, peach nectar can work too, though it won't taste as fresh.

→ How can I make it less sugary?

Just adjust the syrup amount. Use 1/3 cup each of sugar and water for the syrup or add an extra splash of lemon juice to make it more tangy.

→ Can I add alcohol to this mix?

This makes a great cocktail base. Add vodka, rum, or prosecco for a fun adult version. You can even create a DIY bar with spirits so guests can mix their own.

→ What if I don’t have a fine strainer?

If you’re missing a fine sieve, try straining with cheesecloth or a clean towel. Another option is blending the fruit longer to break it down more.

→ How do I serve this for a big group?

Use a large dispenser with a spout! Add ice, some sliced fruit, and mint for style. Prepare extra lemonade on the side and freeze portions into ice cubes to avoid watering it down.