This honey-sweetened Peach Ginger Iced Tea is a refreshing way to stay hydrated this summer. It’s bursting with fresh peach flavor and no refined sugar.
Juneteenth (a merge of the words/date June Nineteenth) marks the date in 1865 that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom.
And for over 150 years since, Black American families, home-cooks, chefs, and culinarians have commemorated the summer holiday with a wide range of food traditions that tell a story of the perseverance of a people.
Let’s make the tea
This fresh peach iced tea is made with Georgia peaches and honey for sweetness. It’s an easy summer drink that’s ready in less than 15 minutes and can stay cold in the fridge for a few days.
Start with fresh ripe but firm peaches that are fragrant and flavorful.
I swapped regular sugar for an infusion of fresh peaches with honey, a hint of freshly grated ginger, and fragrant fresh mint. The honey peach syrup can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to a week.
This refreshing peach ginger mint iced tea as a throwback to my southern roots yet jazzed up with some of my favorite seasonal flavors.
Is it sweet tea or sweetened tea?
Who knows? Growing up in South Carolina, we always had “sweet tea” in the fridge. Sure, water will quench your thirst on a hot summer day but offering a glass of sweet tea is required in the unwritten rulebook of southern hospitality.
We were never without it. My Grandma made it by simply steeping regular tea bags in hot water, adding plenty of sugar then more cold water before putting it in the fridge.
When I say regular, I mean that old school orange pekoe and black tea none of the green or herbal teas I’m so used to now. This version of sweet tea was all I knew and how my family still makes it today.
Though we’d sometimes have sweet tea mixed with lemonade, I never thought to try any other flavor combos. Back then simple sweet tea was a refreshing indulgence to be savored with friends and family over a meal or on the porch on long summer nights.
Fast forward to my life here in Atlanta. I start every single day with hot tea, but rarely make a pitcher of iced tea anymore. In fact, my family says I’m not allowed to make the “sweet tea.” I’m told I don’t put enough sugar in the tea. Oh well… More tea for me!
And since it’s summer and peak peach season here in Georgia, making this peach iced tea is a no-brainer.
Health benefits of tea
Flavor is the main reason you want to make this recipe, but if you have a hard time getting your daily water in, try tea. It’s a delicious way to stay hydrated that comes with potential health benefits.
It’s just as hydrating as water, yet packs a ton of flavor. To get the most from it, make tea time a daily habit.
Just 3-4 cups of black tea can deliver up to 400mg flavonoids, those active compounds found in tea that may help maintain a healthy heart.
Ready to take a sip? Grab the easy recipe below and PIN it for later. Be sure to tag me on Instagram (@marisamoore) when you make it or let’s talk tea in the comments.
Juneteenth Cookout Recipes
Check out these and the many other dishes from the Juneteenth Cookout!
Beautiful Eats & Things | Spiced Grilled Peaches
Ethically Living | Vegan Jackfruit Jamaican Patties
FoodLoveTog | Braised Cabbage & Johnny cakes
Gristle & Gossip | Sweet Potato Honey Cornbread Cake
Maple Points | Peas & Rice – Guyanese Style
Murielle Banackissa | Vegan Saka Saka (Congolese Cassava Leaf & Spinach
Open Invitation Entertainment | Coconut Collard Greens
Orchids + Sweet Tea | The Ultimate Vegan Mac + Cheese
Savor and Sage | Black-Eyed Pea Salad
That Green Lyfe | Vegan Red Red Stew (Spicy Ghanaian Black-Eyed Peas) and Plantain
The Vgn Way | Juneteenth Hibiscus Strawberry Vegan Ice Cream
Vegan With Curves | Slow Cooker Black Eyed Pea Sweet Potato Soup
Get the complete list of over 70 Juneteenthrecipes!
Peach Ginger Mint Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 6 bags black tea
- 4 cups hot (boiling) water + 4 cups cold water
- ½ inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 cup honey peach syrup (recipe below)
- Ice for serving
- 2 medium peaches, pitted and sliced
- 8 fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Once your water boils, remove it from the heat. Add the tea bags and steep 3-5 minutes. (You can use the pot or a large, heat-safe carafe or pitcher to steep).
- While the tea is warm, add the grated ginger and stir in the honey peach syrup. Add the cold water. Stir to combine. Refrigerate until cold, about 4 hours.
- Pour the tea into glasses over ice. Garnish with fresh peach slices and mint. To extract more mint flavor, muddle or crush the mint leaves in the glass before adding the tea. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin this recipe for later!
Beth
Hey, I just wanted to let you know the text link inside the recipe card that is supposed to go to the peach syrup recipe is broken.
But this looks miraculously delicious. We love peach iced tea at restaurants but I haven’t been able to get homemade versions to work. I’ll have to try yours asap.
Marisa
I appreciate that, Beth! Fixing the link right now.
Iwona
I also would like the link for the peach syrup! I want to make this delicious sounding ice tea tomorrow!!
Marisa
Hi! Here’s it is https://marisamoore.com/honey-peach-simple-syrup/
Enjoy!
Iwona
Awesome!! I am so eager to make this. Thank you, Marisa!