Mango Iced Tea

The air conditioning had broken during the worst July heatwave, and my friend Sarah showed up with armfuls of overripe mangoes from her tree. We spent the afternoon improvising cold drinks, and this mango tea emerged as the absolute winner of our sweaty experiment session.

I made a giant batch for my daughters birthday party last summer, and the kids actually chose this over the soda. Watching them ask for thirds while the ice clinked in their glass cups made me realize I had stumbled onto something special.

Ingredients

• Black tea bags: The tannins provide backbone that balances the mango sweetness
• Boiling water: Steep for exactly 10 minutes or the tea gets bitter
• Ripe mango: Soft, fragrant mangoes puree better than firm ones
• Honey: Dissolves easier in warm tea than granulated sugar
• Ice cubes: Fill glasses to the top for maximum refreshment

Instructions

Steep the Tea:

Place tea bags in a large pitcher, pour in boiling water, and let steep for exactly 10 minutes before removing the bags

Make the Mango Puree:

Combine diced mango and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer 10 minutes while mashing the fruit

Combine Everything:

Strain the mango mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the pitcher with the tea

Sweeten and Chill:

Stir in honey until dissolved, then cool to room temperature before refrigerating

Serve Over Ice:

Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled tea, and garnish with fresh mango slices if you want to impress

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My grandmother tried this during her visit and declared it better than the fancy version she had at a resort. Now she requests it every time she comes over, calling it our special house tea.

Making It Ahead

This tea actually gets better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator. The mango flavor infuses more deeply into the tea base, creating this smooth, harmonious taste that feels like it came from a professional kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

I have found that clear glass pitchers show off the beautiful golden color perfectly. Keep the pitcher on the dining table during summer meals and let guests serve themselves. They will love feeling like they are at a cafe.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to play around with different tea bases. Green tea makes it lighter and more delicate, while hibiscus tea adds a gorgeous pink color and tart note that cuts through the mango sweetness.

• Muddle fresh mint leaves in the bottom of each glass for extra aroma
• Add a squeeze of lime to brighten everything up
• Sparkling water turns it into a mango tea spritz

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There is something deeply satisfying about creating something so refreshing from simple ingredients. Hope this becomes your go to summer drink too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this mango iced tea can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving over fresh ice.

→ Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Frozen mango works wonderfully and is often more convenient. Simply use 1 cup of frozen mango cubes and follow the same cooking instructions to create the puree.

→ How can I make this drink stronger?

For a more robust tea flavor, steep the bags for 12-15 minutes instead of 10. You can also increase the mango concentration by using less water when creating the puree or reducing the simmering liquid.

→ What other teas work well with mango?

Green tea creates a lighter, more delicate version, while herbal teas like hibiscus or rooibos offer caffeine-free alternatives. Each brings a unique character that pairs beautifully with mango's tropical sweetness.

→ Can I make this without heating the mango?

Yes, you can blend fresh or thawed frozen mango with water until smooth. This raw method preserves more of the fruit's fresh flavor and nutrients, though the texture may be slightly different from the cooked version.

→ How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in a sealed container, this mango iced tea will stay fresh for 3-4 days. The flavors may actually develop and improve after sitting for a few hours, making it an excellent make-ahead option.