Simply Suzanne's AT HOME: peach and thyme lemonade

My husband and I recently spent a wonderful weekend on Coronado Island celebrating my 40th birthday.

While we were there we enjoyed long walks on the beach, bike rides, and relaxed over long, leisurely meals.

One of the highlights of our weekend was having Sunday brunch in the Crown Room at Hotel del Coronado.

I'm still in awe over the incredible menu that not only included typical American brunch entrees, but also Mediterranean, Italian, Spanish, and French. There were even fresh juices like cantaloupe & peach, honeydew & mint, and fresh lemonades.

There was one juice, in particular, that captured my heart (and taste buds). What made it so special was that it was sweetened with maple syrup, instead of sugar.

I know, sounds a little strange, right!?! But it was so good. Complex . . . and good.

After arriving home, I thought I would try my hand at a refreshing lemonade that's sweetened with maple agave syrup . . . and so inspired this unique and refreshing Summer drink.

While walking through our Farmer's Market with my little ones, I spotted beautiful yellow and white peaches. Within just a few feet of them, I could smell their intoxicating sweetness . . and couldn't resist buying them.

While I was eyeing the peaches, my little ones were eyeing the lemons. No surprise, I guess. They love making lemonade, like blackberry & mint lemonade and blueberry lemonade.

I had a thought of pairing our two finds . . . peaches and lemons . . . and making another flavored lemonade. A new one . . . inspired by the beautiful, fresh drinks we had on our trip.

Since I think that adding herbs to lemonade adds an incomparable freshness, I added thyme to this one (instead of mint), as it pairs well with maple and lemon.

This recipe has everything you love about homemade lemonade but with the sophisticated pairing of peach and thyme along with a healthier sweetener.

The meat of the peach gives this lemonade 'body' . . . and the maple and thyme warm the tart flavors of the lemon; together with the tender sweetness of the peaches and agave . . . you have a refreshing (and unique) Summer drink.

maple agave lemonade with peaches & thyme

. . . . . .

3 peaches, sliced and pit removed

zest of 1 small lemon

2 sprigs of fresh thyme, and a few extra for serving

3/4 cup maple agave syrup

4 cups water, fresh or sparkling

½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

. . . . . .

Preparation

In a blender, combine the peaches, lemon zest, thyme, maple agave syrup and ½ cup of the water. Blend until smooth.

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve and into a large pot or bowl. Discard the leftover pulp.

Stir in the lemon juice then top up with the water until you reach a desired taste and sweetness. Add more if needed.

Pour into a pitcher or glass bottle. Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To serve, pour over a glass of ice and add a few sprigs of fresh thyme, and a slice of lemon and peach, if you wish.

I recommend having a petite carafe with extra maple agave syrup for those who like their lemonade on the sweeter side.

For a fast and easy dessert,

serve with a humble (and slightly sweet) cookie like a Madeleine.

The tender flavor of the Madeleine will allow the sophisticated flavors of this lemonade shine!