Pin It The first time I made this mango iced tea, it was one of those sweltering July afternoons where the air conditioning just couldn't keep up. I had bought way too many mangoes at the farmers market, their sweet perfume filling my kitchen, and somehow blending them into a smoothie felt like too much effort. A friend mentioned she'd once had mango tea at a wedding and couldn't stop thinking about it, so I decided to experiment. The result was this gorgeous golden-orange drink that tasted like sunshine in a glass, and now it's become my go-to whenever summer feels unbearable.
Last summer I brought a pitcher to my neighbor's potluck and watched people literally drift away from the wine toward the bright orange concoction on the side table. Someone's teenage daughter asked for the recipe before she'd even finished her first glass, which is basically the highest compliment a drink can receive from that demographic. Now whenever mangoes go on sale, my phone starts blowing up with texts asking if 'that tea' is happening again.
Ingredients
- Black tea bags: The tannins provide a lovely backbone that keeps the mango sweetness from becoming cloying
- Ripe mango: Look for mangoes that yield slightly when pressed and have that unmistakable floral aroma at the stem
- Honey: Dissolves beautifully in warm liquids and adds a depth you just don't get from white sugar
- Ice cubes: Don't skip these, the slight dilution as they melt actually helps all the flavors bloom
Instructions
- Brew the tea base:
- Steep those tea bags in boiling water for the full 10 minutes because we want a strong foundation that won't get lost when mixed with fruit
- Simmer the mango:
- Let the mango chunks bubble away gently until they're soft enough to mash against the side of the pan with your spoon
- Combine and strain:
- Pour that warm mango puree through your finest sieve, pressing firmly to extract every drop of golden liquid
- Sweeten to taste:
- Add honey while everything's still warm so it dissolves completely, then remember that cold drinks need slightly more sweetness to taste balanced
- Chill completely:
- The flavors really come together after a few hours in the fridge, so try to exercise some patience before serving
- Serve with flair:
- Pour over plenty of ice and tuck a slice of fresh mango against the glass for that restaurant-worthy presentation
Pin It There's something almost meditative about standing at the stove, mashing soft mango into water while the tea steeps nearby. The whole house starts smelling tropical and warm, which feels like a little vacation even when you're just making drinks for a Tuesday evening at home.
Make It Yours
I've discovered that swapping black tea for green creates this completely different, almost delicate drink that's perfect for brunch. Once I added a sprig of fresh basil from the garden and it was such an unexpected pairing that I couldn't stop thinking about it for days.
The Art of Balance
The secret is getting the mango puree concentrated enough to stand up to the tea without becoming a smoothie. If you find yourself on the fence about sweetness, start with less honey and let everything chill before adding more.
Serving Suggestions
This drink earns its place at any gathering, from fancy brunches to backyard barbecues. It pairs particularly well with spicy foods because the cool sweetness helps tame the heat while still feeling sophisticated enough for a dinner party.
- Muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of each glass before pouring for an extra layer of freshness
- Add a squeeze of lime right before serving to make the mango flavor really pop
- Freeze some mango cubes in ice cube trays for garnishes that won't water down your drink
Pin It Here's to finding those small ways to make ordinary days feel like a tropical escape, one glass at a time.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the tea and mango puree up to 2 days in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and combine before serving for the freshest taste.
- → What type of mango works best?
Ripe Ataulfo or honey mangoes offer the sweetest flavor and smoothest texture. However, any ripe variety works well—even frozen mango cubes produce excellent results.
- → How can I make this drink stronger?
Steep the black tea bags for 12-15 minutes instead of 10, or use 3 tea bags for a more robust flavor that balances well with the sweet mango puree.
- → Is this suitable for large gatherings?
Absolutely—this batch yields 4 servings but easily doubles or triples. Multiply all ingredients proportionally and use a larger pitcher for parties.
- → Can I use other sweeteners besides honey?
Yes, agave syrup, maple syrup, or simple syrup all work beautifully. Adjust quantities to taste since each sweetener has a different intensity level.