One day, my youngest granddaughter came over with sticky hands and a plastic cup filled with something yellow, frosty, and far too sweet. She declared it “lemon slush from the gas station” and offered me a sip. I tried it and while the cold hit the spot on that 95-degree day, the syrupy taste stayed with me far too long. That was when I promised her (and myself) we’d make a better version together — one with real fruit, fewer additives, and more joy.
I’ve always loved peaches. We had a tree in our backyard in North Carolina when I was raising my boys, and each August, the fruit would come down faster than we could eat it. I used to stew them, bake them into cobblers, or slice them fresh over vanilla ice cream. But blending them into a drink? That was a newer adventure.
This peach lemonade slush recipe was born out of a bit of that nostalgia and a desire to share something cold and bright with my grandkids during those muggy Southern afternoons. Now, it’s become a staple — simple to make, pretty in the glass, and far healthier than those store-bought frozen drinks.
It only takes a handful of ingredients, a blender, and a few minutes. There’s nothing fussy here — just ripe peaches, lemonade, water, and a little kitchen magic. If you’re looking for a cooling treat that still feels homemade and wholesome, this one’s for you.
Short Description
This peach lemonade slush is a refreshing, naturally sweetened summer drink made with real peaches, frozen lemonade concentrate, and water — blended to icy perfection in under 10 minutes. It’s vibrant, tart, and irresistibly slushy.
Key Ingredients
- 3 ripe peaches, chopped (keep the skin for color and nutrients)
- 1 can (12 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate
- 2 cans (24 oz) cold water (use the lemonade can to measure)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish and brightness)
Tools Needed
- High-speed blender
- Measuring cup (or use lemonade can)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Chilled serving glasses
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Wash peaches thoroughly. Cut around the pit, discard the seed, and chop the fruit into medium chunks. Keep the skin on — it adds fiber, color, and blends smoothly.
Step 2: Combine in Blender
In your blender, add the chopped peaches, frozen lemonade concentrate (right from the freezer), and two can-fulls of cold water.
Step 3: Blend It All
Blend on high speed for 60 to 90 seconds. The mixture should be smooth and icy, with a thick slush texture.
Step 4: Adjust as Needed
Taste the slush. Too thick? Add a splash more water. Not sweet or tart enough? You can squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice for zing, or a touch of honey if your peaches are under-ripe.
Step 5: Serve Right Away
Pour into chilled glasses. Add mint leaves on top if you like a fresh herbal twist. Serve with straws or spoons and enjoy the chill.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally Refreshing: Ripe peaches offer sweetness without added sugar.
Quick and Easy: From prep to sip, it’s ready in under 10 minutes.
Kid-Friendly & Healthier: No dyes, no high-fructose corn syrup — just fruit and juice.
Beautifully Balanced: Sweet peaches meet tart lemonade for a flavor that pops.
Versatile: Great as a snack, party drink, or alcohol-free mocktail base.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using Unripe Peaches
Problem: The slush will taste bland and lack sweetness.
Solution: Use peaches that give slightly when pressed. If they’re still firm, let them ripen on the counter for a couple days.
Over-blending
Problem: The mixture can go from slushy to watery fast.
Solution: Blend just until smooth. Stop and check the texture after 60 seconds.
Not Chilling the Water
Problem: Room-temp water dilutes the icy texture.
Solution: Use cold water or even partially frozen cubes of lemonade concentrate for a thicker slush.
Adding Too Much Sweetener
Problem: It can quickly go from tangy to overly sugary.
Solution: Always taste first — ripe peaches and lemonade usually offer enough sweetness on their own.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve in mason jars for that farmhouse look, or tall iced tea glasses.
Pair with grilled chicken, veggie skewers, or a light summer salad.
Perfect for summer picnics, porch gatherings, or poolside lounging.
For adults, splash in a bit of bourbon or vodka for a grown-up twist.
Serve buffet-style with lemon slices, peach wedges, and mint in bowls for garnish fun.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
Pour leftovers into a freezer-safe container. Leave space at the top for expansion. Freeze up to 1 week.
Reheating:
Don’t reheat. Instead, let thaw slightly at room temp for 10–15 minutes, then stir or blend again.
Alternative Use:
Freeze in popsicle molds for peach lemonade slush pops. A hit with kids and adults alike.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peach slices work well. Just skip adding extra ice or water at first — blend and adjust the texture from there.
2. Do I need to peel the peaches?
Nope. The skin blends smoothly and adds color and nutrients. Just make sure to wash thoroughly.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, though it’s best fresh. You can freeze it, then re-blend before serving.
4. What can I use instead of lemonade concentrate?
You can use freshly squeezed lemon juice (about ½ cup), but you’ll need to sweeten with honey or maple syrup to balance it out.
5. Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely. Mango, strawberry, or even pineapple pair beautifully with peach and lemon. Adjust sweetness and water accordingly.
Tips & Tricks
Add a few ice cubes while blending if you like a frostier texture.
Freeze chopped peaches ahead of time for an extra icy result.
Want an herbal touch? Add a couple basil or mint leaves into the blender.
Chill your glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving.
For a party, double the recipe and keep extra in the freezer in batches.
Recipe Variations
1. Peach-Strawberry Slush
Use 2 peaches and 1 cup strawberries.
Keep other ingredients the same.
The result is pinker, slightly sweeter, and super fruity.
2. Ginger Peach Lemonade Slush
Add ½ tsp grated fresh ginger to the blender.
Adds a warm, spicy kick that balances the tart lemon.
3. Tropical Peach Slush
Swap one peach for ½ cup pineapple chunks.
Use coconut water instead of plain water for a tropical twist.
4. Low-Sugar Version
Use fresh lemon juice (½ cup), 2 tbsp honey, and 2 ½ cups water instead of concentrate.
Still slushy, still tart, just more natural.
Final Thoughts
There’s a joy in blending just three ingredients and ending up with something that delights kids, impresses guests, and cools you down in a heartbeat. It feels like a glass full of sunshine, honestly.
You don’t need perfect measurements or fancy equipment. Just good peaches, a blender, and the desire for something a little special. I’ve served this at Sunday suppers, birthday picnics, and even on quiet afternoons when the porch fan’s spinning and all I want is a moment of refreshment.
If you try this recipe, I hope it brings a bit of that joy to your table. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll never look at those gas station slushies the same way again.
No-Fuss Peach Lemonade Slush
Print ThisIngredients
- 3 ripe peaches, chopped (keep the skin for color and nutrients)
- 1 can (12 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate
- 2 cans (24 oz) cold water (use the lemonade can to measure)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish and brightness)
Instructions
Step 1: Chop the Peaches
Wash the peaches well. Cut out the pit and chop the fruit into chunks. Leave the skin on — it blends well and adds color.
Step 2: Add Everything to Blender
Put the peaches, frozen lemonade concentrate, and 2 cans of cold water into a blender.
Step 3: Blend
Blend on high for about 1 minute, until it’s smooth and slushy.
Step 4: Taste and Fix
Take a sip. Too thick? Add water. Not sweet or tangy enough? Add a little lemon juice or honey.
Step 5: Serve Cold
Pour into glasses, top with mint if you like, and serve right away with straws or spoons.
