🍑 Sweet(ish) Peach Tea
Canned Ready-to-Drink Southern Perfection – Beautiful Jars!
📌 In This Article
🍑 The Peach Tea Story
"Second batch of Sweet(ish) peach tea. I can't get over how pretty these jars look!" 🤩🍑✨
"I don't have it written down or else I would of posted it sooner. I will write out and post my recipe when I get home from work tonight😊"
There's something magical about opening a jar of homemade peach tea – the golden color, the sweet aroma, and those beautiful peach halves floating in the tea. This recipe makes a ready-to-drink peach tea (not a concentrate) that's perfect for sipping straight from the jar, over ice, or as a gift for friends and family.
The peaches are blanched, peeled, and added whole to each jar, infusing the tea with their natural sweetness and creating a stunning presentation. The tea itself is sweetened just enough – "sweet-ish" – allowing the peach flavor to shine.
💬 The response: "Wow, I didn't expect this awesome response and requests for the recipe... thank you!! ❤️"
⚠️ Important Safety Information
⚠️ Read This Before You Start
This recipe must be water bath canned. The tea has added sugar and lemon juice, making it acidic enough for safe water bath processing.
Key Safety Rules:
- Use bottled lemon juice – it has consistent acidity for safe canning
- Add lemon juice to each jar – 2 tablespoons per quart is essential for acidity
- Leave 1 inch headspace – critical for proper sealing
- Process for full time – 35 minutes for quarts
- Adjust processing time for altitude – see chart below
- Use FIRM, ripe freestone peaches – they hold their shape during processing
Always inspect jars before consuming – bulging lids, off odors, or discoloration mean discard immediately.
📈 Altitude Adjustments
- 0-1,000 ft: 35 minutes
- 1,001-3,000 ft: 40 minutes
- 3,001-6,000 ft: 45 minutes
- Above 6,000 ft: 50 minutes
📦 Ingredients – Makes 6 Quarts
For the Tea
- 🍑 24 ripe FIRM freestone peaches – about 6-8 lbs
- 💧 24 cups water – for boiling and steeping
- 🍬 1½ – 2 cups granulated sugar – adjust to taste
- 🍵 5 tablespoons loose leaf tea – black tea, hibiscus, or blend
- 🧵 Cheesecloth – for loose tea
- 🍋 12 tablespoons bottled lemon juice – 2 tbsp per quart
💡 Pro tip: "If you want just a touch of lemon, then put 1 tbsp per quart."
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Blanch and Peel the Peaches
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Blanch WHOLE peaches in boiling water for approximately 30 seconds.
- Transfer peaches to an ice bath and let sit until peaches are cool.
- Peel peaches, cut in half, and remove the pit.
- Put halved peaches in a bowl and drizzle with lemon juice so they stay bright.
💡 Pro Tip
"I used 24 ripe FIRM freestone peaches. Freestone peaches are easiest to pit and hold their shape beautifully."
Step 2 – Make the Tea
- Boil 24 cups of water in a large pot.
- Get your loose tea ready and tie in a cheesecloth.
- Once water is boiling, turn off the heat, add sugar, and place the tea bundle into the water.
- Let it steep for 20-30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to disperse tea and dissolve sugar.
💡 Pro tip: "I used black, hibiscus, dragon fruit – or use tea bags if you prefer."
Step 3 – Prepare Jars
- Wash 6 quart jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water.
- Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
Step 4 – Fill the Jars
- To each quart jar, add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice.
- Put 2 peaches (4 halves) in each jar.
- Pour your hot (not boiling) tea over the peaches, leaving 1 inch headspace.
⚠️ Important: "Pour your hot (not boiling) tea to 1' headspace."
Step 5 – Seal and Process
- Clean rims thoroughly with a damp cloth.
- Put lids and rings on, tightening to fingertip-tight.
- Place jars in a boiling water bath canner.
- Process for 35 minutes (adjust for altitude).
- Remove jars and cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
- Check seals – lids should be concave and not flex when pressed.
💡 Pro tip: "I can't get over how pretty these jars look!" 🤩
🍹 How to Enjoy Your Canned Peach Tea
Over Ice
Pour over ice for a refreshing summer drink
Eat the Peaches
The canned peaches are delicious on their own
Gift Giving
Beautiful jars make thoughtful homemade gifts
Party Punch
Use as a base for summer punches
💡 Pro tip: "Serve chilled with fresh mint and a slice of lemon for the ultimate summer drink."
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use clingstone peaches?
Freestone peaches are recommended – they're much easier to pit and hold their shape better.
❓ Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaf?
Yes – use 5-6 tea bags for the 24 cups of water.
❓ Why do I need to add lemon juice?
The lemon juice adds acidity needed for safe water bath canning and also gives a bright flavor.
❓ Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but sugar helps with preservation and flavor balance. Start with 1½ cups.
❓ How long does canned peach tea last?
Properly sealed jars last up to 18 months in a cool, dark pantry.
❓ What if my jars don't seal?
Refrigerate unsealed jars and use within 2-3 weeks.
❓ Can I use frozen peaches?
Fresh peaches are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
❓ Can I use a pressure canner instead?
Water bath canning is the standard method for this high-acid recipe.
❓ What are signs of spoilage?
Bulging lids, off odors, or mold – discard immediately.
❓ Can I add mint or other herbs?
Yes – add fresh mint leaves to the jar for a refreshing twist.
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ SWEET(ISH) PEACH TEA ║
║ Canned Ready-to-Drink Southern Perfection – Beautiful Jars! ║
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YIELD: 6 quarts | PROCESS: 35 min water bath
INGREDIENTS:
- 24 ripe FIRM freestone peaches
- 24 cups water
- 1½ – 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 Tbsp loose leaf tea (or 5-6 tea bags)
- Cheesecloth (for loose tea)
- 12 Tbsp bottled lemon juice (2 Tbsp per quart)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Blanch whole peaches in boiling water 30 seconds. Transfer to ice bath.
2. Peel peaches, cut in half, remove pits. Drizzle with lemon juice.
3. Boil 24 cups water. Turn off heat. Add sugar and tea bundle. Steep 20-30 min.
4. Prepare jars – keep hot.
5. Add 2 Tbsp lemon juice to each quart jar.
6. Add 2 peaches (4 halves) to each jar.
7. Pour hot tea over peaches, leaving 1" headspace.
8. Wipe rims, apply lids (fingertip-tight).
9. Process 35 minutes in water bath (adjust for altitude).
10. Cool 12-24 hours. Check seals.
STORAGE: 18 months (cool, dark place).
"Second batch of Sweet(ish) peach tea. I can't get over how pretty these jars look!" 🤩🍑✨
© CanningRebels — Sweet(ish) Peach Tea | Canned Ready-to-Drink Southern Perfection
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