This email may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you.

Hey, Reader!

If you want one beverage to keep on hand for unexpected guests, or simply when you need to cool off, it's hard to beat iced tea.

Sure, you may think it's just a Southern thing, but iced tea is actually a perfect pick-me-up for a hot day. And when you can add a seasonal flavor? **chef's kiss**

When summer rolls around, I can't wait to make a batch of peach iced tea. Made with real peaches (no artificial ingredients in sight) and smooth cold brew ice tea, it's such a treat to sip. I love to make it ahead anytime I'm entertaining because it's always a crowd pleaser!

If you only try one iced tea recipe this summer, let it be this one:

start with the base

​Cold brew iced tea is the key to the most perfect peach iced tea. Cold brewing tea actually helps to hold back the bitterness tea can have, so it’s much gentler and lovely to drink. The other great thing about cold brew is that it has less caffeine (about 50% less!) than tea made with hot water, so you really can enjoy it anytime throughout the day.

You'll want to plan ahead, since this method takes more time than simply steeping with hot water. With just minutes of effort up front, you'll have your base ready in a few hours.

sweeten with syrup

Peaches bring such a soft, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. At the same time, it can be easily overpowered or over powering (especially the latter when added artificially with peach-flavored tea bags).

A peach simple syrup is the best way to really harness their potential. While fresh peaches are in season you can use them, but frozen work if you're in a pinch or want to enjoy it outside of the summer months.

Like most simple syrups, this one comes together in about 20 minutes. Plus, it only needs three ingredients! The other great part about using a simple syrup is that you are totally in control of the final drink. Add a little or a lot depending on how sweet you want your iced tea.

don't dilute it

If you use regular ice cubes on a hot day — and boy, is it hot out there —you'll end up with a watered-down drink. Instead, use your cold brew iced tea to make a batch of tea ice cubes, and use them to cool down your drink.

That way as they melt, they're simply strengthening the flavor of the drink itself. You could even use your peach iced tea for the ice cubes if you want to make sure the peach flavor stays strong!

What's your favorite way to use peaches while they're in season? Hit 'reply' and let me know — I'm always looking for more ways to enjoy one of my summer favorites.

Stay cool out there!
​Susannah