In a medium saucepan, combine 4 chopped ripe peaches, ½ cup of sugar, and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, let it cook for about 2 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well mixed, creating a luscious syrup base.

Reduce the heat to low and let the peach mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and mushy, infusing the water with the sweet flavors of the peaches.

Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the peach syrup to cool for about 30 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl or measuring cup to separate the syrup from the peach solids.

While the syrup cools, prepare your fresh lemon juice. Roll 3 to 4 lemons on the countertop to soften them, then cut them in half and juice them until you have about 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

In a large pitcher, combine the cooled peach syrup with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and 3 cups of cold water. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients blend seamlessly.

Serve the Peach Lemonade in individual glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon slices.