Step 1
In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine peaches, water, and the Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Step 2
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until peaches begin to soften. Add the thyme halfway through the simmering process. Gently stir periodically.
Step 3
Remove from heat. Cover and allow flavours to meld; 15 minutes.
Step 1
Meanwhile, in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring 5 cups (1250 ml) of water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. Submerge the tea bags into the hot water. Steep for 15 minutes, flipping the tea bags halfway through to ensure a full extraction. Remove and discard the tea bags.
Step 2
Strain the peach simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into the saucepan of tea. Gently press down on the peaches to extract as much juice as possible (see Chef’s Tips).
Step 3
Stir well. Divide the tea base into 2 large pitchers or airtight containers. Stir 2½ cups (625 ml) of water into each of the containers (see Chef’s Tips). Place into the fridge to chill completely; at least 3 hours to overnight.
Step 4
Stir and pour the chilled sweet tea into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of peach, a sprig of thyme, or a slice of lemon, if desired. Serve immediately.
*Thawed, frozen peaches can be substituted in a pinch for fresh if not in season.
*Completely cooled leftover peaches from the simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; discard the thyme. Use peaches in smoothies, oatmeal, on top of toast, waffles, or pancakes, or stirred into yogurt or ice cream.
*For smaller servings, reserve half the sweet tea base in an airtight container. When ready to use, transfer to a pitcher and stir in 2½ cups (625 ml) of fridge-cold water for immediate consumption.
*Redpath® Dark Brown Sugar or Redpath Simply Raw™ Turbinado Sugar can be substituted for the Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar. Note that using Dark Brown Sugar may result in a darker colour and a more pronounced caramel flavour. Using Simply Raw™ Turbinado Sugar may result in a lighter colour and less caramel flavour.
