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How to make peach juice and peach nectar in a juicer or blender! It’s simple yet sweet, refreshing, and packed with flavor!
As we inch closer to warmer weather, I find myself continuously tempted by refreshing summery flavors. Having already shared recipes for mango juice and pineapple juice, it’s time to share how to make peach juice (and peach nectar juice!).
Peach juice is wonderfully sweet, refreshing, and super simple to make. I’ve included two heat-free methods for 100% peach juice, using a blender (with or without the pulp) and how to juice a peach in a juicer. I’ve also included how to make peach nectar juice with peaches, water, sweetener, and lemon or lime juice.
With no preservatives and 100% control of the ingredients, you’ll love the results of this fresh juice better than any store-bought version. Enjoy the juice immediately, store it in the fridge for a day or two, or even transfer it to the freezer for several months!
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What is Peach Nectar Vs. Peach Juice?
Whereas fresh peach juice is simply 100% peaches (sometimes with water), peach nectar is a combination of peach, a sweetener, and often an acid. Within this post, I’ll take you through how to make both.
The Health Benfits
Peaches are rich in several vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, making them a great addition to your diet.
- Peaches contain good levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Plus moderate levels of vitamin A, K, copper, and manganese, among other vitamins and minerals.
- They’re packed with antioxidants, which will help fight harmful free radicals to protect the body against several chronic diseases and cancers.
- Peaches may be beneficial towards heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- The fiber content (if the juice is not strained) and several plant compounds can benefit digestion and gut health.
- Peaches are beneficial towards skin health and moisture.
- They may also have immune-boosting properties.
Want more ways to enjoy sweet peaches? You might like this raspberry-peach and lemon layered tart, homemade vegan peach ice cream, peach iced tea, or grilled peach burrata salad!
What You’ll Need
- Peaches: use ripe, in-season peaches for the sweetest, tastiest homemade peach juice. White or yellow peaches will work, though semi-freestone varieties are best (which are sweet but still have a pit that isn’t too hard to remove). Avoid any that are wrinkled, browning, or look damaged. They should be firm with a slight give.
When are peaches in season?
You can access in-season peaches almost year-round in the US as there are so many varieties available from different regions. However, the typical peach season is between May-September. In the UK, peach season is between July-September.
It’s best to buy them slightly under-ripe as they will continue to ripen on your kitchen counter. If ripe, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process.
- Water: this will help achieve the correct consistency when using the blender method. For more flavor, use coconut water or another type of juice.
For Peach Nectar
- Sweetener: use any sweetener, though if you want to use something granulated, it’s best to make a 5-minute simple syrup with it. Otherwise, honey, maple syrup, agave, or sugar-free syrup would work. Adjust the amount to taste.
- An acid: add a splash of lemon juice or lime juice to brighten and balance the sweet peach nectar juice.
You might also enjoy adding in or serving the fresh peach juice recipe with some mint leaves, a small amount of ginger, or a pinch of cinnamon. Chia seeds will help to make an even more nutritious drink, too.
You’ll Also Need
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Juicer OR blender/food processor and a nut milk bag/fine sieve.
Juice Blends
It’s simple to use peach juice to make a simple juice blend. Use the juicer or swap out the water typically used in the blender method with another type of fruit juice. A few of my favorite recommendations include:
- Peach mango juice,
- Peach and homemade orange juice,
- Orange peach mango juice,
- Peach and homemade cranberry juice,
- Peach homemade strawberry juice,
- White grape peach juice,
- Peach apple juice.
How to Make Peach Juice?
Juicer Method
- First, wash and slice the peaches into several segments, small enough to fit your juicer chute.
- Then, simply feed the peaches through the chute and let the machine do all the work.
Blender Method
As this method relies on water to help with the blending process, this juice is naturally diluted and won’t be as sweet or flavorful as the juicer version.
- First, wash and slice the peaches in halves or quarters, removing the pit.
- Transfer the fruit to your blender with the water and blend until smooth and juicy.
- If you don’t mind the thick consistency, you can enjoy the juice as is. Otherwise, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag to remove the excess pulp.
You can also follow this method by placing the peaches and water in a large jug and using an immersion blender. Though it won’t be as smooth.
How to Make Peach Nectar?
Follow either of the methods above to make the peach juice recipe. Then, add your sweetener of choice and the acid to taste.
I recommend starting with just ½ tablespoon of sugar per cup of juice and a squeeze of lime (maybe ½-1 tsp). Then increase to taste.
How to Store?
Store: peach juice is best enjoyed immediately for optimal nutrients and freshness. However, you can store it in a covered bottle or mason jar in the fridge for 1-2 days.
With the addition of sugar and acid, which are natural preservatives, the peach nectar will last slightly longer (2-3 days). Note that without the acid, peaches naturally oxidize.
Freeze: you can freeze the peach juice either in XL ice cube trays or within freezer-safe jars or Ziplock bags. I like to separate mine into single-cup portions. Freeze for 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before consuming or blend from frozen with a bit of liquid for a simple peach slushy.
Serving Recommendations
There are several ways to make use of this summery peach juice recipe, including:
- Enjoy a glass of peach juice alone or with ice cubes (and mint) as a refreshing summery beverage.
- Combine it with other juices to create a juice blend.
- Dilute it with coconut water or soda for a simple, refreshing drink.
- Mix with champagne or prosecco (for a peach Bellini) and enjoy.
- Add it to other cocktails.
- Use it to make peach iced tea.
- Add a small amount to dressings or marinades.
FAQs
I can imagine that would work if you allow them to fully thaw first. Alternatively, frozen peaches could be blended with a small amount of liquid to make an instant peach slushy.
It’s not necessary for the juicer method or blender method when straining. However, if you’re using a blender and not planning to strain the juice, you can do so if preferred.
A high-speed blender should make the pieces of peel also unnoticeable, but a lower-powered machine will have more noticeable pieces.
To peel a large number of peaches with minimal effort: score the bottom with X’s and blanch them in boiling water for 45 seconds. Then place them in an ice bath and peel.
There are several ways to avoid discarding the pits/stones. These include making a peach pit syrup or vinegar. You could also use it to grow a peach tree or grind it as an exfoliator or for several other uses. Let me know in the comments how you use them.
My favorite way to use fruit pulp is to add extra fiber and nutrients to smoothies. You could also add it to baked goods like muffins or quick bread recipes.
You can experiment with reducing it, yes. However, I wouldn’t remove too much as it will make for a much lower juice yield when straining and thicker juice when not. But you can adjust the amount to personal preference.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Color will vary: based on the type of peaches you use.
- Chill the peaches in advance: I recommend leaving them in the refrigerator overnight before making the juice. That way, you can enjoy it fresh and chilled without needing to add ice (which will dilute the drink).
- When blending multiple juices: give the juice blend 30 minutes in the refrigerator for all the flavors to meld.
- Avoid tinned peaches: even if they’re packed in juice without tons of added sugar, the peaches used for tinned peaches are less flavorful.
- Make popsicles: the peach drink is delicious alone or in a juice blend. It can also be made into simple popsicles (optionally with some fresh fruit chunks).
- Use other fruit: this method will work exactly the same with nectarines or plums.
More Juice Recipes
- Watermelon juice (4 methods)
- Pineapple juice (Multiple methods)
- Grape Juice
- Apple Juice
- Kiwi juice
- Carrot juice
- Cucumber juice (3 methods)
- Cherry Juice (Multiple Methods)
If you make peach juice or peach nectar juice, I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
How to Make Peach Juice (Peach Nectar)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 13 peaches more or less as wanted
- 1/2 cup water needed when using the blender method
For Peach Nectar
- sweetener simple syrup, honey, maple, agave, sugar-free syrup, etc.; add to taste
- lemon or lime juice to balance the flavors and add brightness
Instructions
Juicer Method
- Wash and slice the peaches into several segments, small enough to fit your juicer chute.
- Simply feed the peaches through the chute and let the machine do all the work.
Blender Method
- Wash and slice the peaches in halves or quarters.
- Transfer the fruit to your blender with the water and blend until smooth and juicy.If you don’t mind the thick consistency, you can enjoy the juice as is. Otherwise, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag to remove the excess pulp.You can also follow this method by placing the peaches and water in a large jug and using an immersion blender. Though it won't be as smooth.
How to Make Peach Nectar?
- Follow either of the methods above to make the peach juice recipe. Then, add your sweetener of choice and the acid to taste.I recommend starting with just ½ tablespoon of sugar per cup of juice and a squeeze of lime (maybe ½-1 tsp). Then increase to taste.
How to Store?
- Store: this peach juice is best enjoyed immediately for optimal nutrients and freshness. However, you can store it in a covered bottle or jar in the fridge for 1-2 days. With the addition of sugar and an acid, which are natural preservatives, the peach nectar will usually last slightly longer (2-3 days). Just note that without the acid, peaches naturally oxidize. Freeze: you can freeze the peach juice either in an XL ice cube tray or within freezer-safe jars or Ziplock bags. I like to separate mine into single-cup portions. Freeze for 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before consuming or blend from frozen with a bit of liquid for a simple peach slushy.
Video
Notes
- Color will vary: based on the type of peaches you use.
- Chill the peaches in advance: I recommend leaving them in the refrigerator overnight before making the peach juice. That way, you can enjoy it fresh and chilled without needing to add tons of ice (which will dilute the drink).
- When blending multiple juices: give the juice blend 30 minutes in the refrigerator for all the flavors to meld. You won’t regret it.
- Avoid tinned peaches: even if they’re packed in juice without tons of added sugar, the peaches used for tinned peaches are less flavorful, too.
- Make popsicles: the peach drink is delicious alone or in a juice blend but can also be made into simple popsicles (optionally with some fresh fruit chunks).
- Use other fruit: this method will work exactly the same with nectarines or plums.
- Wash and chop the peaches, optionally peeling them, too.
- Add the water (from the blending method) and peaches to a large saucepan with a small amount of sweetener.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Either use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer it to a blender and process until smooth. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, and voila!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I freeze fresh peaches when they are in season. Would the frozen peaches work for this recipe?
Hi Dorothy,
Yes, you can make peach juice with frozen peaches. Thaw the peaches first, then use the blender method to make the juice.