Pin it
If you need a sweet escape, this mango iced tea brings black tea and juicy mango together for a tropical pick-me-up. It delivers a burst of sunshine any time you want it. Fresh mango’s natural sweetness brings all the fruity vibes to your cup, so every sip feels bright, lively, and just a bit special.
I got the idea for this on one of those sweltering days when regular iced tea just felt boring. Now, it's our go-to drink for any family hangout. Friends always end up asking how to make it themselves before the day’s over.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Ice: Go for ice cubes made with filtered water—keeps the taste fresh
- Honey or sweet stuff: Totally your call based on how sweet your mango is
- Ripe mango: Pick ones that give a tiny bit when you gently squeeze them—super sweet that way
- Black tea bags: Choose the best tea you can since it’s the main flavor—loose leaf is even fancier
Easy Steps
- Strain and finish up:
- Use cheesecloth or a fine strainer to get the liquid out—gently press to pull out all the good stuff, so your drink isn’t chunky. Taste and see if you want it sweeter, then pour over ice and chill out.
- Mix and let it sit:
- Take the tea bags out fast, then drop in your smooth mango puree while the tea’s steaming. Pop it all in the fridge for about half an hour. The chilly wait lets all those flavors mix and cool off.
- Steep the tea:
- Pour hot water over your tea bags in a pot or mug that won’t break from the heat. Put a lid on quick, so none of the aroma escapes. Let it sit for five minutes—more and it’ll taste bitter, less and it’s weak.
- Blend the mango:
- Whizz up your fresh (or thawed frozen) mango cubes until perfectly smooth—no chunks allowed. The silkier, the better, since that helps all that sunny flavor come out later. Ripe mango is the way to go for top taste.
Pin it
This always takes me back to those scorching summers at my grandma’s. She’d have mangoes falling right into her yard, and we’d use whatever was ripe. She showed me the ripest, tree-picked mango is the one that makes your drink really pop with flavor.
Switch It Up
You’ve got loads of tea options to swap in here. Try green tea if you’re after something lighter and mellow. Jasmine tea gets a flowery twist that really gets along with mango’s tropical vibes. Use rooibos for a caffeine-free batch that’s still a little sweet and pairs perfectly with fruit.
Fun Ways To Serve
Kick things up for parties with tall glasses, a chunky mango wedge, and some mint leaves on top. Want to make it grown-up? Splash in some rum or vodka for an instant fruity cocktail. Or freeze the tea in ice cube trays, so your drink stays strong even as the ice melts in the heat.
Sweetener Choices
Most times, super-sweet mango covers you, but extra sweetener can tweak the taste just right. Honey gives a light floral hint, agave is nice and gentle, coconut sugar adds caramel-y notes, and maple syrup adds some seriously rich depth to the fruitiness.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is fresh mango okay instead of frozen?
Yep, just peel your mango and chop it up before blending.
- → Which tea should I pick for this?
Black tea is great and bold, but you can totally try out green tea or herbal if you’re feeling creative.
- → Can I make it more or less sweet?
Sure thing! Add honey or whatever sweetener you like after chilling the tea.
- → Will it keep if I make it early?
Yep, you can fix it a few hours before. Pop it in the fridge and toss in some ice when you serve it.
- → Should I strain after mixing the mango?
Yes, strain it so it’s silky smooth. A regular strainer or some cheesecloth does the trick.
- → How do I keep this vegan?
Easy—swap honey for agave, coconut sugar, or another plant-based sweetener.