Today was the first day of school for my son, I can’t believe how fast Summer went and before you come at me, I know that Summer doesn’t officially end until September 23 BUT now that school has started that means, homework, lunches, dinner and early wake ups, so for me that means summer is done. Bring on Pumpkin Spice!!
Recently, I’ve been loving iced tea, and I don’t mean the sweet stuff you make from a can. I’m talking real tea, brewed and put in the fridge. Years ago, I never would have drank it, because it wasn't sweet enough, but I’m finding as I get older I like sweet stuff less and less. Since our garden has been producing mint like crazy I decided to make a mint simple syrup, which I mix with the sweet tea and it’s so good! Even my son likes it! Because that turned out so well, I decided to try it with peaches, Yes! You heard me right. It was such a refreshing drink! And if you really wanna go wild, mix a little of the mint and peach together! :)
Simple Peach Syrup Recipe
6 Peaches pitted and chopped (you can leave the skins on)
2 Cups of Water
½ to 1 Cup of White granulated Sugar (depending on how sweet you want it)
- Wash the peaches well. Then slice them into quarters (or even smaller chunks), removing the pits.
- Transfer the fruit, sugar, and water to a large, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet and heat over medium heat, bringing to a boil, stirring often until the sugar dissolves.
For a clear peach simple syrup: leave the peaches to simmer for between 10-15 minutes, only gently stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down, and the mixture has reduced and thickened.
For a lighter/thicker version: follow the step above but also use a potato masher to mash the fruit while it simmers.
- When the peach simple syrup is ready, allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes (it will thicken as it cools). Then, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the solids. Press down the peach pieces to extract as much syrup as possible.
Simple Mint Syrup
2 Cups Mint Leaves Washed
2 Cups Water
½ to 1 Cup White granulated sugar (depending on how sweet you want it)
Combine water, sugar, and mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 1 minute; remove from heat and let syrup steep, about 30 minutes.
Pour syrup into a sterilized glass jar through a mesh strainer to remove mint leaves; let cool.
