Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced (plus more for serving)
• 2-3 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea (or 3-4 tea bags, depending on desired strength)
• 8 cups filtered water
• Ice cubes (for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the organic cane sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. This is your simple syrup.
2. While the simple syrup is cooling, place the thinly sliced peaches in a large heatproof pitcher or container.
3. If using loose-leaf black tea, place it in a tea infuser or tea filter bag. If using tea bags, you can simply add them directly to the pitcher with the peaches.
4. Bring 8 cups of filtered water to a boil. Once boiling, pour the hot water over the tea and peaches in the pitcher.
5. Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes, or until desired strength is reached. Keep in mind that the tea will become slightly diluted when served over ice.
6. Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea infuser or tea bags. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
7. Once the tea has cooled, strain out the peach slices and discard them. You can add fresh peach slices to the serving glasses if desired.
8. Once the simple syrup has cooled, pour it into the pitcher with the brewed tea. Stir to combine.
9. Refrigerate the peach iced tea until chilled, about 1-2 hours.
10. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled peach iced tea over the ice.
11. Garnish each glass with a slice of fresh peach, if desired.
12. Enjoy your refreshing and delicious Perfect Peach Iced Tea on a hot day!