Homemade Mango Iced Tea is a deliciously refreshing drink that combines the tropical sweetness of ripe mango with the cool, crisp taste of brewed iced tea. This non-alcoholic beverage is perfect for hot summer days or whenever you’re craving something light and fruity. The tea is brewed and blended with a mango pulp mixture, then sweetened with honey for a naturally sweet taste. Serve it over ice with fresh mango slices for a refreshing and flavorful experience. This simple recipe only requires a few ingredients and is easy to prepare in just a few steps, making it a perfect go-to drink for any occasion.
Homemade Mango Iced Tea is a tropical twist on the classic iced tea, combining the sweetness of ripe mango with refreshing brewed tea. This non-alcoholic drink is perfect for warm days when you’re craving something light and fruity. The tea is brewed and blended with a mango pulp mixture, making it flavorful and refreshing with every sip.
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious mango iced tea.
INGREDIENTS
- Tea Bags: Use your preferred black or green tea bags. The tea serves as the base of the drink and balances the sweetness of the mango.
- Water: 4 cups of water are divided between the tea and mango mixture to ensure the flavors are perfectly blended.
- Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness to the tea, balancing the tartness of the mango. Adjust the amount to taste based on your sweetness preference.
- Ripe Mango: 1 ripe mango or 1 cup of frozen mango cubes creates the fruity mango pulp that infuses the tea with a burst of tropical flavor.
- Ice Cubes: Serve the tea over plenty of ice to keep it chilled and refreshing.
- Fresh Mango Slices (optional): Garnishing the tea with fresh mango slices adds an extra touch of freshness and color to each glass.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Brew the Tea
- Start by heating up 2 cups of water. Once it reaches a boil, pour the hot water into a spacious pitcher and add your preferred tea bags (black or green tea works well for this recipe). Allow the tea bags to steep for about 10 minutes to ensure a strong, flavorful base. After steeping, remove the tea bags and set the brewed tea aside to cool.
- Step 2: Make the Mango Pulp
- While the tea is cooling, slice and dice a ripe mango. In a saucepan, combine the diced mango with 2 cups of water and simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes. As the mango cooks, use a spoon to mash it into a pulp. The goal is to extract as much mango flavor as possible while breaking down the fruit.
- Step 3: Strain the Mango Mixture
- Once the mango mixture is done simmering, carefully strain it into the brewed tea pitcher using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. This will remove the pulp, leaving behind only the smooth mango-infused liquid. Stir to combine the mango mixture with the brewed tea.
- Step 4: Sweeten with Honey
- Add honey to the tea, adjusting the amount to your taste. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved in the liquid. The honey not only sweetens the tea but also enhances the natural flavors of the mango.
- Step 5: Chill the Tea
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This ensures the tea is cold and refreshing when served.
- Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled mango iced tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with fresh mango slices for an added tropical touch. Enjoy this refreshing drink on a hot day!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve this Homemade Mango Iced Tea chilled over plenty of ice for the most refreshing experience. Adding fresh mango slices or even a mint sprig can elevate the presentation and add an extra touch of flavor.
- This iced tea is perfect for warm summer days, picnics, or outdoor gatherings. Its light and fruity flavor makes it an ideal non-alcoholic option that everyone can enjoy.
- If you’re making this tea ahead of time, store it in a pitcher in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it over several days.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can try adding a splash of sparkling water when serving for a fizzy, refreshing twist.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a stronger mango flavor, feel free to increase the amount of mango in the recipe or simmer the mango for a bit longer to concentrate the flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less honey. If you prefer a sugar-free option, you can substitute the honey with a sweetener of your choice.
- To add a bit of tartness, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon or lime juice into the tea before serving. This will enhance the fruity notes and provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Ina Garten: Use fresh, high-quality tea leaves or bags for the best flavor. The tea is the base of the drink, so it's important to use a good-quality brand.
- Gordon Ramsay: For a more intense mango flavor, you can roast the mango slices before simmering them with the water. Roasting will enhance the natural sweetness of the mango.
- Rachael Ray: Add a splash of coconut water or pineapple juice to the tea for a tropical twist that pairs well with the mango flavor.