Oh, let me tell you about my absolute summer lifesaver – this mango iced tea! When that afternoon sun hits just right and you’re melting into your patio chair, this sweet-tart drink comes to the rescue. I first tried making it when my neighbor brought over a basket of overripe mangoes – “You’ll figure something out,” she said with a wink. Now it’s our go-to poolside refreshment. The way the mango’s tropical sweetness plays with the tea’s slight bitterness? Perfection. My kids beg for it after soccer practice, and honestly, I don’t blame them one bit. Just wait till you taste how the flavors develop as those ice cubes slowly melt – pure magic!
Why You’ll Love This Mango Iced Tea
Trust me, this isn’t just another boring iced tea recipe – it’s basically summer in a glass! Here’s why it’ll become your new obsession:
- Crazy refreshing: That first sip hits different when you’re sweating buckets – the mango’s sweetness cuts through the heat like magic
- Stupid easy: No fancy techniques here – just blend, mix, and chill (perfect for lazy afternoons)
- Your rules: Want it sweeter? Add honey. Prefer tang? Squeeze in lime. It’s basically impossible to mess up
- Summer vibes: The bright orange color alone will transport you to a tropical beach (even if you’re just in your backyard)
Ingredients for Mango Iced Tea
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this sunshine-in-a-glass drink – and trust me, every ingredient matters:
- 2 ripe mangoes – peeled and diced (the riper they are, the sweeter your tea will be – no sad, stringy mangoes allowed!)
- 4 cups water – filtered if you’re fancy, tap if you’re in a hurry
- 2 tea bags – black tea gives that classic iced tea punch, but green tea works beautifully too
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar – optional, but I always sneak some in (shh!)
- Ice cubes – the more the merrier when it’s hot out
- Fresh mint leaves – optional garnish that makes it feel extra fancy
See? Nothing weird or hard-to-find – just simple ingredients that come together in the most magical way.
How to Make Mango Iced Tea
Okay, let’s get mixing! This couldn’t be simpler – even my twelve-year-old can make it (and does, constantly). Just follow these easy steps and you’ll be sipping paradise in no time:
Step 1: Brew the Tea
First, boil your water – rolling boil, not that lazy simmer. Drop in those tea bags and set a timer for 5 minutes (I use my phone’s timer because I always forget). Any longer and your tea gets bitter, any shorter and it’s just colored water. When the timer dings, fish out the bags and let the tea cool to room temperature – about 15 minutes if you’re impatient like me.
Step 2: Blend the Mangoes
While that’s cooling, toss your mango chunks into the blender. Go for broke here – blend until it’s completely smooth, no chunks allowed! You want that creamy, dreamy mango puree that’ll make your tea luxuriously thick.
Step 3: Combine and Sweeten
Now the fun part! Pour your cooled tea into the blender with the mango puree and give it a whirl. Taste it! Need more sweetness? Add honey or sugar a teaspoon at a time until it’s just right for you. I like mine on the tart side, but my husband dumps in extra honey – no judgment here!
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Pop your mixture in the fridge for at least an hour – I know, waiting’s the worst part. When it’s ice-cold, fill glasses to the brim with ice cubes (crushed ice works great too) and pour over. Garnish with mint if you’re feeling fancy. First sip? Pure bliss. That’s when you’ll understand why I make triple batches all summer long!
Tips for the Best Mango Iced Tea
Want your mango iced tea to be next-level amazing? Here are my hard-earned tricks from making this all summer long:
- Mango matters: Squeeze those mangoes first – if they don’t smell like sunshine, they won’t taste like it either
- Tea timing: Set that timer! Over-steeping makes bitter tea that’ll ruin your whole batch
- Ice, ice baby: Serve it so cold your glass sweats – the flavors pop when it’s properly chilled
- Taste as you go: Adjust sweetness after combining – mangoes vary in sweetness more than you’d think
Follow these simple tips and you’ll be the mango iced tea hero at every summer gathering!
Mango Iced Tea Variations
Oh, the fun doesn’t stop with the basic recipe! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up when I’m feeling adventurous:
- Green tea twist: Swap black tea for green tea – it gives such a fresh, light vibe that pairs beautifully with mango
- Citrus kick: Squeeze in lime juice (start with half a lime) for that perfect sweet-tart balance
- Bubbly version: Replace half the water with sparkling water right before serving – instant fancy!
- Spicy surprise: Add a pinch of cayenne or ginger for a drink that cools you down while warming you up
See? One recipe, endless possibilities – just how I like it!
Serving and Storing Mango Iced Tea
Here’s how I make sure every glass of mango iced tea tastes like perfection: Serve it ice-cold in tall glasses filled to the brim with ice cubes – the clinking sound alone is refreshing! A mint sprig or mango slice on top makes it Instagram-worthy. As for leftovers? They keep beautifully in the fridge for 2 days max in a sealed pitcher. Just give it a good stir before pouring – sometimes the mango settles a bit at the bottom (which I secretly love because that last sip is extra fruity!).
Mango Iced Tea Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in your glass (per serving): About 120 calories, with 25g sugar from those sweet mangoes and 30g carbs. Remember – these numbers dance around depending on your mango’s ripeness and how much honey you add. Personally? I think the refreshment factor makes every calorie worth it!
FAQs About Mango Iced Tea
Got questions about this sunny drink? I’ve got answers from all my trial-and-error sessions!
Can I use frozen mangoes? Absolutely! Thaw them first and drain any extra liquid – they work nearly as well as fresh (lifesaver when mangoes aren’t in season).
How long does it last in the fridge? About 2 days max – though in my house, it never lasts that long. The mango flavor actually gets better after a few hours!
Can I skip the sweetener? Totally! Ripe mangoes are sweet enough on their own – taste before adding anything.
What if my tea turns out too strong? Easy fix – just dilute with a bit more water or mango puree until it’s perfect for you.
Can I make this caffeine-free? Sure thing! Use herbal tea like chamomile or rooibos – the mango still shines through beautifully.
Go Make Some Sunshine in a Glass!
Well, what are you waiting for? Those mangoes aren’t going to blend themselves! Trust me, once you take that first sweet, icy sip of homemade mango iced tea, you’ll wonder how you ever survived summer without it. My neighbors are officially addicted (they keep “casually” dropping by when I’m making a batch), and I have a feeling you will be too. Don’t forget to snap a pic of your creation – that gorgeous orange color deserves to be shown off! Drop a comment below telling me how yours turned out, or what fun twists you added. Now go grab those mangoes and get blending – your new favorite summer drink is waiting!
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out my Pinterest page!
Print
Irresistible Mango Iced Tea Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing drink made with fresh mangoes and tea, perfect for hot days.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups water
- 2 tea bags (black or green tea)
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil 4 cups of water and steep the tea bags for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool.
- Blend the diced mangoes until smooth.
- Mix the mango puree with the cooled tea.
- Add honey or sugar if desired and stir well.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve over ice cubes and garnish with mint leaves.
Notes
- Use ripe mangoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference.
- For a stronger tea taste, steep longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mango iced tea, summer drink, refreshing beverage
