Brew up a batch of peachy iced tea for a weekend lunch party - or as a healthier alternative to soft drinks when you fancy a treat.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes + chill time

Serves six

Ingredients​

• Black tea​ (3 bags or 2 1/2 tbsp loose leaf)
• 3 peaches, sliced​
• 3 nectarines, sliced​
• Mint, half bunch, torn ​

Simple syrup

• Peach skins​
• Mint, half bunch​
• 1 cup sugar​
• 1 cup water​

Method​

Simple syrup

1. Put sugar and water in a pan, bring briefly to the boil, then turn down and cook, stirring, until sugar is full dissolved.​
2. Add 2 peach skins, cook on low until syrup colours slightly.​
3. Remove from heat, add the mint. ​
4. Steep until cool, remove solids and chill​

Peachy Iced Tea

1. Fill a jug or punch bowl at least 1/3 full with ice.
2. Add sliced peaches and nectarines.
3. Pour in chilled tea and add the rest of the mint, reserving a few sprigs for glasses if you're feeling fancy.
4. Stir gently​, add simple syrup to taste​, then serve over ice.

Cook's Notes

You can make this sparkling by steeping the tea in less water and adding sparkling water to the punch.

Earl Grey makes a softer, smoky punch.

If you want to add a kick - rum, whisky, and gin are all great options for turning this into a party punch!​