Delicate and bold at the same time, this nectarine lemonade is a visual stunner and absolutely delicious. Made with freshly squeezed lemons and sweetened with a nectarine-ginger syrup, this beverage is easy to make too!
It was inevitable that I would end up trying yet another variation on lemonade before Fall gets here. Though I doubt we Texans would have to give up on cold beverages anytime soon. It’s Texas, after all!!
We used to go pick bushels of fresh peaches at a local orchard every summer. That is, every summer until now. This year, the peaches were forgotten as we were busy savoring other delights back in India! Upon my return, the first thing I bought on my grocery run were… not peaches, but nectarines. Close enough, right?
After eating a ripe one over the kitchen sink, with juices dripping down my arms, I decided to make my famous peach (or nectarine) iced tea with the rest. Once I’d made the fruit syrup I decided to change things a bit and made lemonade instead of iced tea. Well, the fact that I didn’t have the patience to wait for tea to cool down might have swayed my decision. Or not.
But, that syrup! Look at that gorgeous golden deliciousness, would you?!!
The hubs casually suggested that I should probably tweak this nectarine lemonade a bit and make it again. That casual remark was a sure sign that the recipe worked. So I armed myself with more nectarines and lemons. Some mint too. And to gussy it up a bit for our “next time”, I added a good measure of fresh ginger root to the simple syrup. Equal parts sugar and water simmered with ripe fruit, ginger and mint leaves produces a syrup that is delicate and bold at the same time.
Squeeze them lemons, throw in fresh nectarine slices, muddle some mint leaves and top with the golden syrup. Sometimes the simplest things turn out to be the best, don’t they?
I am surely ruining it for my family right now, always tweaking and flavoring their lemonades, that they are probably unable to accept it in its lowly original plain form now. But when you can have naturally flavored peach-hued lemonade, why not? You don’t have to be a purist all the time now, do you? Lemonade loves company… literally!!
See what I mean?!!
If your nectarines are colored like peaches, you will end up with a peach-pink lemonade. White-fleshed nectarines may not give you much color. But that’s ok. And, you can use any stone-fruit that you like. Nectarines (duh), peaches (duh duh), cherries, plums, apricots, anything really. Think beyond berry lemonade, folks!!
- For the syrup,
- Sugar - 1 cup
- Water - 1 cup
- Ripe nectarine - 1, finely chopped
- Ginger - 1 tbsp, grated or chopped
- Mint leaves - 8-10
- For the lemonade,
- Lemons juice - ½ cup (from 2-3 large lemons)
- Cold water - 5 cups
- Ripe nectarine - 1, thinly sliced
- Mint leaves - a few
- Ice cubes - to serve
- Take the syrup ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Once the sugar dissolves, reduce heat, mash the fruit lightly and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and allow to cool down a bit.
- Strain the syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator till needed.
- Squeeze lemon juice into a bowl or pitcher. Stir in cold water.
- At this point, you can stir in the prepared syrup or make individual servings.
- To make a serving, muddle some nectarine slices and mint leaves in a glass. Add a couple of ice cubes. Add the unsweetened lemonade and syrup in a 3:1 ratio. Stir and serve.
Try this recipe for your Labor Day gathering. It’s the perfect “goodbye summer” beverage – light, fruity and oh-so pretty!!
Don’t forget to SAVE & PIN this recipe for later.
I absolutely enjoyed making this post. It makes me feel like I’m back to my pre-summer self, creating, shooting and sharing the things that I love. I hope you liked it too. Do give it a try and let me know how you liked it.
Try these other unique, delicious fruity lemonades that I’ve made before.
Sparkling mango mint lemonade.
See more beverage recipes here.
PS: Thanks ma for the beautiful curved glass pitcher. I’m glad that you gently forced me to pack and carry it.
PPS: Thanks to the hubs who spotted this backdrop at a home improvement store and convinced me to get it.
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I am sharing this over at Fiesta Friday, FoodieFriDIY & Saucy Saturday.
I love when nectarines when they come in season and this is a great drink to compliment them!!! Thanks for sharing with Saucy Saturdays!
Thank you!!
This looks for flavorful and refreshing!
Thank you. Do try this!!
Such a beautiful and refreshing drink. Thank you so much for bringing this to the party.
Thank you!!
I loved this lemonade Anjana! Sounds so soothing!!
I have some peaches at home.. Will try with them ????
Thank you, Sonal. Peaches would work perfectly!!