Peach Iced Tea with Fresh Mint
Peach Mint Iced Tea
A refreshing pitcher of black iced tea infused with ripe peaches, fresh mint, and just enough honey to round out the fruit.
Peach iced tea is best when the peach flavor comes from the fruit itself rather than a bottled syrup. Sliced ripe peaches are lightly mashed with honey and lemon so their juice blends into the tea while still leaving soft fruit in the pitcher.
Strong black tea gives the drink enough structure to stay flavorful after chilling and pouring over ice. A short steep keeps the tea brisk without turning bitter, and the mint is added while the tea is warm so its aroma opens without tasting cooked.
This version is lightly sweet, which lets the peaches lead. If your peaches are very fragrant and juicy, start with the smaller amount of honey; if they are firm or a little tart, add a bit more before chilling.
Serve the tea cold in tall glasses with extra peach slices, mint sprigs, and plenty of ice. It is an easy make-ahead drink for warm afternoons, cookouts, brunch, or a simple nonalcoholic option at the table.
Nutrition (per serving)
Directions
-
1
Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan, then remove it from the heat.
-
2
Add the black tea bags and steep for 4 to 5 minutes, until the tea is deep amber but not harsh.
-
3
Discard the tea bags and stir in the honey while the tea is still hot so it dissolves completely.
-
4
Add the mint leaves to the warm tea and let them steep for 5 minutes, then strain the tea into a heatproof pitcher.
-
5
Place two-thirds of the peach slices in a bowl with the lemon juice and gently mash them until juicy but still chunky.
-
6
Stir the mashed peaches and any juices into the pitcher of tea, then add the remaining peach slices.
-
7
Refrigerate the tea for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and fragrant.
-
8
Serve over plenty of ice with fresh mint sprigs and spoon a few peach slices into each glass.
Ingredients
- Ripe Peaches, pitted and thinly sliced:3 large
- Black Tea Bags:6
- Water:6 cups
- Fresh Mint Leaves, plus sprigs for serving:1/2 cup
- Honey:1/3 cup
- Fresh Lemon Juice:2 tablespoons
- Ice:as needed
Tips & Notes
- Use fragrant peaches that give slightly when pressed; underripe peaches will not infuse the tea as well.
- For a clearer tea, strain out the mashed peaches after chilling and serve with fresh peach slices.
- Taste before serving and add a little more lemon juice if the tea needs brightness.
