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This recipe for the best Southern Peach Tea is all you will need all summer long to stay refreshed on those hot summer days.

Here in the South, sweet tea is something we crave and drink all year round.

Now, Northerners make sweet tea as well, but — let's just say — it is not up to par with our Southern Sweet Tea. We like our tea like syrup. If you can taste the tea, then you do not have Southern sweet tea just yet.

This recipe for a twist on my Classic Sweet Tea is perfect for those hot summer days. You see, my husband is crazy for Peach Sweet Tea and calls it the Nectar of the gods.

He drinks the Snapple version all the time, so I thought I would try my hand at making a delicious Southern homemade version — and that is how this Southern Fresh Peach Iced Tea was born.

How to Make the Best Southern Peach Tea

To start — you are going to need fresh peaches. While Kayla and I were at the Farmer's Market the other day, one of the vendors had fresh peaches, so I bought some. 

They were so fresh and so sweet! That's the good thing about peaches when you buy them fresh. You can buy the ones that are not super perfect — If they have dings or bruises — it doesn't matter. You are using these peaches just to make a simple syrup.

Now, chop up your peaches — you are going to need about 4 medium-size peaches or 3 large.

Once you get them all chopped up, add the peaches, 2 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar (I told you we like our tea sweet) and the zest of 1 lemon.

Of course, you can cut back on the sugar if you don't want it overly sweet. 

Now, bring it all to a light simmer until the peaches are soft — about 15-20 minutes.

Now, with a potato masher, mash the peaches to release more of their juice and continue simmering for about 10-15 more minutes.

At this point, your peaches will look like this once everything is mashed up.

Now, take your pitcher and place a strainer over the top. Pour the peaches into the strainer. Your juice will go into the pitcher and the peach pulp will be left in the strainer.

Now, in the same pan, boil 3 cups of water and 5 tea bags. Remove from the heat and let it steep for about 10-15 minutes. You are basically making unsweet tea at this point. You will not add any sugar to this.

Add the tea into the pitcher with the peach syrup. Now, add in one cup of water at a time and taste as you go until you reach the taste you are looking for. 

If the tea is too sweet, add more water until you get the sweetness you desire. If it is not sweet enough, add in another 1/4 cup of sugar until you get it to the right consistency.

Stir before serving and then pour over ice to serve. You can garnish it with a little fresh mint and a slice of peach for the perfect drink on a hot summer day.

Looking for other delicious drinks for the summer? Check out this list

• Coconut Lavender Lemonade – a very refreshing Summer Drink
• Mint Julep – a Non-Alcoholic Version Perfect for Derby Day
• Tropical Fruit Tea – A Delicious and Refreshing Twist on Southern Tea