Feeling the heat, but tired of plain old water? Let’s whip up a batch of mango iced tea, a taste bud explosion that’s as refreshing as a dip in the pool! No fancy tools needed, just a love for juicy mangoes and a thirst for something fun.
Recipe Highlights
- Two ways to play: Make it from scratch with fresh mangoes or grab store-bought syrup for a shortcut. Both ways are delicious!
- Naturally sweet or a touch of sugar: You choose! Ripe mangoes bring their own sunshine, but a sprinkle of sugar can take it up a notch.
- Easy as 1-2-3: A few simple steps and you’ll be sipping away in no time. Perfect for those lazy summer afternoons.
Ingredient Notes
- Mangoes: Choose ripe ones for the best flavor. If using fresh, peel and chop them up.
- Tea: Black tea is classic, but green or herbal teas work too. Pick your favorite!
- Sweetener: Sugar, honey, or agave nectar, it’s all up to you. Start with a little and add more to taste.
- Lemon juice: Adds a touch of tartness and brightens the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew the tea: Make a pot of your chosen tea according to package directions. Let it cool slightly.
- Muddle the mangoes (optional): If using fresh, toss them in a blender or mash them up with a fork. Skip this step if using syrup.
- Mix it up: In a pitcher, combine the cooled tea, mangoes (or syrup), sweetener, and lemon juice. Stir till everything’s happy.
- Chill out: Pop the pitcher in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until it’s nice and cold.
- Serve it up: Fill a glass with ice, pour in your mango magic, and garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a lemon slice (optional). Now go bask in the sun and sip away!
Notes & Tips
- For a smoother iced tea, strain the mixture through a sieve before chilling.
- For a richer flavor, simmer the mango puree with a bit of sugar before blending.
- Want a fizzy twist? Add some club soda or sparkling water to your glass.
- Feeling adventurous? Throw in some other fruits like strawberries, pineapple, or peaches.
- Leftovers? Freeze them in popsicle molds for a cool summer treat! Leftover mango puree can be used in smoothies, yogurt bowls, or even baking!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overripe mangoes: They might be mushy and not taste as good.
- Too much sweetener: Start with a little and add more if needed. Remember, ripe mangoes are already sweet!
- Not chilling enough: Patience is key! Let the tea infuse with the mango flavors for the best taste.
Storing and Preserving
Store leftover iced tea in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If using fresh mangoes, it’s best to make the tea fresh each time.
Interesting Facts
- Mangoes are full of vitamins and antioxidants, making this iced tea a healthy treat!
- There are over 1,000 varieties of mangoes worldwide! Can you imagine trying them all in your iced tea?
Questions You May Have
1. Can I use mango syrup instead of fresh mangoes?
Absolutely! Just add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of syrup to the cooled tea, depending on how sweet you like it.
2. I don’t have a blender, can I still make this?
Sure! Just mash the mangoes with a fork or the back of a spoon until they’re nice and smooth.
3. Is this drink healthy?
It can be! Skip the added sugar and use natural sweeteners like honey or stevia. And remember, mangoes are a good source of nutrients.
Mango Iced Tea
Recipe by Tania FaysalCourse: Drinks4
servings10
minutes5
minutes100
kcal15
minutesThis refreshing and flavorful mango iced tea recipe is perfect for a hot summer day or anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients
4 cups water
3 tea bags (black, green, or herbal)
1/4 cup mango syrup (or to taste)
1-2 tablespoons sweetener (sugar, honey, agave nectar)
1/4 cup lemon juice
Ice cubes
Mint sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly.
- If using fresh mangoes, add them to the blender with the mango syrup, sweetener, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Add the tea to the mango mixture (or skip this step if using store-bought mango syrup/juice) and stir to combine.
- Put your iced tea in fridge and let it chill for at least an hour. Or, fill glasses with ice and pour the mango iced tea over the top. Garnish with mint sprigs and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Use 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped to make mango puree if not using syrup/juice.
- For a sweeter tea, add more mango syrup or sweetener to taste.
- For a tarter tea, add more lemon juice.
- This iced tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Black tea pairs well mango flavor but you can use green tea or any herbal tea as well.
- If you have black loose leaf tea, you can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of it to replace one tea bag.