Nothing beats the heat like a tall glass of homemade mango iced tea. This delightful beverage combines the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes with the refreshing coolness of perfectly brewed tea, creating a drink that’s both satisfying and energizing. Unlike store-bought versions loaded with artificial flavors, this recipe uses real mango puree and simple ingredients to deliver authentic taste in every sip. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this mango iced tea delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.
Serves: 4-6 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Brewing Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or 4 teaspoons loose black tea)
- 3 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 2 large ripe mangoes (about 2 cups diced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons additional sugar (for mango puree)
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Lemon slices for serving
Preparing the Tea Base
Start by bringing 3 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately add the tea bags or loose tea. Allow the tea to steep for exactly 5 minutes for the perfect strength. Remove the tea bags or strain out loose tea leaves, then stir in 3 tablespoons of sugar or honey while the tea is still warm, ensuring it dissolves completely. Pour the hot tea into a large pitcher and add the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Making the Mango Puree
While your tea cools, wash and peel the mangoes, then cut them into chunks, discarding the pits. Place the mango pieces in a blender along with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. The puree should be thick but pourable. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar one tablespoon at a time.
Combining and Chilling
Pour the mango puree into the pitcher with the cooled tea. Stir thoroughly until the mango and tea are completely combined and the mixture has a beautiful golden orange color. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the drink to become properly chilled.
Serving Your Mango Iced Tea
Fill tall glasses with ice cubes, leaving room at the top for the tea. Give the chilled mango tea one final stir, as the mango may settle slightly. Pour the tea over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon on the rim of each glass. For an extra special presentation, you can rim the glasses with sugar by dipping them in water and then in granulated sugar before adding ice.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this mango iced tea contains approximately 85-95 calories, making it a relatively light and refreshing beverage choice. The majority of calories come from the natural sugars in mangoes and the added sweetener. One serving provides about 18-22 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from natural fruit sugars, with minimal fat and protein content.
Health Benefits
This delicious drink offers more than just great taste. Mangoes are packed with vitamin C, providing about 60% of your daily needs per serving, which supports immune function and collagen production. The fruit also contains vitamin A for eye health and folate for cell function. Black tea contributes beneficial antioxidants called theaflavins and thearubigins, which may help protect against heart disease and support overall wellness. The tea also provides a moderate amount of caffeine for a gentle energy boost without the jitters. Additionally, staying hydrated with this flavorful drink helps maintain proper body temperature and supports healthy digestion.
Tips for the Best Results
Choose mangoes that are ripe but not overly soft for the best flavor balance. The fruit should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy. If your mangoes aren’t quite ripe enough, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the puree. For a stronger tea flavor, increase the steeping time to 6-7 minutes, but be careful not to over-steep as this can make the tea bitter. This iced tea tastes best when consumed within 2-3 days and should be stored covered in the refrigerator.
