In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of filtered water to a boil over medium heat. This step is crucial as boiling water helps extract the flavors from the tea leaves.

Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and add 4 teaspoons of black tea leaves (or 4 tea bags). Allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea.

After steeping, remove the tea leaves or tea bags. Stir in 1 cup of sugar while the tea is still warm to ensure it dissolves completely.

Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, about 1-2 hours.

In a blender, combine the chopped ripe peaches and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Blend until smooth. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps preserve the vibrant color of the peaches.

Strain the peach puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove any pulp, if desired. This will give your iced tea a smoother texture.

In a large pitcher, combine the chilled tea and the peach puree. Stir well to mix the flavors together.

To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the iced peach tea over the ice.

Garnish each glass with a slice of fresh peach and a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.