Mango Iced Tea with Black Tea

The first time I made mango iced tea, I was hosting a last minute summer get together and realized I had forgotten to buy anything to drink. My mango tree had dropped a few perfectly ripe fruits on the ground that morning, so I decided to experiment. Everyone ended up asking for the recipe instead of leaving.

Last July when my sister visited, she walked into the kitchen just as I was mashing mango into a simmering pot. She thought I had lost my mind making tea from scratch, but after one sip she was standing over the pitcher with her own glass.

Ingredients

• Black tea bags: I use English Breakfast for its robust flavor that stands up to the sweet mango
• Boiling water: Freshly boiled water extracts the full depth of flavor from the tea leaves
• Ripe mango: The fruit should yield slightly to pressure and smell fragrant at the stem
• Water for puree: Enough to help the mango break down into a smooth liquid
• Honey: Adds a floral sweetness that complements the mango naturally
• Ice cubes: Essential for serving this refreshingly cold
• Fresh mango slices: A beautiful garnish that hints at what is inside

Instructions

Brew the tea base:

Place your tea bags in a large pitcher and pour the boiling water over them. Let them steep for a full 10 minutes to extract a deep, rich flavor before removing the bags.

Create the mango puree:

Combine the diced mango with water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes while you mash the mango into a soft, fragrant puree.

Combine and strain:

Pour the hot mango mixture through a fine mesh sieve directly into your tea pitcher. This removes any fibrous pieces while letting all that mango flavor through.

Sweeten to taste:

Stir in the honey while everything is still warm so it dissolves completely. Taste and adjust if you like things sweeter.

Chill thoroughly:

Let the tea cool to room temperature first, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely cold.

Serve over ice:

Fill tall glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled mango tea over them. Top with fresh mango slices if you want to impress.

Save

This drink has become my go to whenever summer temperatures climb above 90 degrees. Something about the combination of brisk tea and sweet mango just hits different on a sweltering afternoon.

Making It Ahead

You can prepare the mango puree up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The tea base also keeps well for several days, but I recommend combining them only a few hours before serving for the freshest taste.

Tea Variations

Green tea creates a lighter, more delicate version that my grandmother actually prefers. The mango flavor really shines through when the tea is not too assertive.

Serving Suggestions

I have found this drink pairs beautifully with spicy foods or rich desserts. The cool sweetness helps balance heat and clears the palate after heavy dishes.

• Consider adding a splash of coconut milk for a creamy tropical twist
• Try serving in clear glasses to show off the golden color
• Always keep extra ice handy because people will want seconds

Save

There is nothing quite like watching someone take that first sip and seeing their eyes light up with unexpected delight. Simple pleasures are often the best ones.

Common Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

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

→ What type of mango works best?

Ripe, sweet mangoes like Ataulfo or Tommy Atkins work perfectly. You can also use frozen mango cubes which are often picked at peak ripeness and conveniently pre-cut.

→ Can I use other tea varieties?

Absolutely. Green tea creates a lighter, more delicate version while herbal teas like hibiscus offer a tart variation. Adjust steeping time according to the tea type you choose.

→ How do I make it stronger?

For a more intense mango flavor, use less water when making the puree or add an extra half mango. For stronger tea flavor, steep the bags for an additional 2-3 minutes.

→ Is this suitable for vegans?

Simply replace the honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or your preferred plant-based sweetener to make this completely vegan-friendly while maintaining the delicious taste.