Fresh Peach Margaritas and Sparkling Peach Lemonade
I have just recently discovered the wonders of homemade margaritas, starting with these Ginger Beer Margaritas earlier this summer. I have always been a fan of the refreshing, tart lime flavor of a good margarita, but only this summer did I actually make them at home. What a difference it makes to have fresh squeezed lime juice and good quality Tequila! I have no idea why I waited so long to try these out. Of course, a bottle of good-quality Tequila is a bit eye-wateringly expensive, but it is definitely worth the investment and has lasted us the whole summer.
I recently had a surplus of almost-overipe peaches on hand and wanted a quick way to use them up. I decided to try making a peach flavored simple syrup and use it to make margaritas. They were so perfectly summery; sweet, tart and just a bit peachy. I used the extra syrup to make sparkling lemonade so the kids could have a refreshing drink too. The lemonade was a hit with all of us and I will definitely be making a second pitcher this week. The fresh peaches add so much natural sweetness and a gave the lemonade a lovely pink hue.
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled, diced peaches
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn down the heat and boil, stirring frequently, until peaches are softened and sugar dissolves, about 10 minutes.
- Cover pan and let syrup cool for several minutes. Pour the cooled syrup into a blender and make sure blender is vented. (Some blenders have a vented lid for processing hot liquids, others have a removable section of the lid which then needs to be covered with a clean towel to prevent splattering.) Blend peach mixture until smooth and no peach chunks remain, this should only take a few seconds. Strain the peach mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Fresh Peach Margarita
Fresh Peach Margaritas
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Peach Simple Syrup (recipe above)
2 ounces lime juice
2 ounces Tequila
Ice
Sparkling water
Lime slice for garnish (optional)
Add the syrup, lime juice and Tequila to a cocktail shaker (I use a canning jar with the lid on). Shake well for 20 seconds or so. Strain drink into an ice-filled glass and top off with sparkling water. Garnish with lime slice if desired.
Sparkling Peach Lemonade
Sparkling Peach Lemonade
Makes pitcher of about 10 cups
Ingredients:
1 recipe Peach Simple Syrup (see recipe above)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
6 -8 cups sparkling water
Pour the Peach Simple Syrup into a large pitcher and add the lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. Top with sparkling water until desired sweetness and flavor is achieved.