non-alcoholic
MAKES: half-gallon pitcher
Ingredients
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
6 fresh mint sprigs
4 ripe peaches, pitted and chopped (peel included)
1 cup fresh lemon juice
3 cups cold water
4 cups ice
1 peach, thinly sliced
4 mint sprigs
Sparkling water (optional)
Preparation
Combine sugar and half cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar fully dissolves, then remove from heat and cool.
Add mint sprigs to your pitcher and give them 4–5 gentle presses with a muddler or wooden spoon, just enough to release their fragrance without going bitter.
Pulse peaches in a food processor until completely smooth. For a silkier result, press through a fine mesh sieve.
Pour the peach purée, lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and cold water into the pitcher. Stir well and taste. Add more lemon for brightness or more syrup if the peaches need a boost. Can be made up to 2 days ahead.
