I love making this Mango Iced Tea whenever I want something refreshing, fruity, and naturally sweet. The tropical flavor of ripe mango blends beautifully with bold black tea and a splash of fresh lemon juice. I find it to be the perfect balance between smooth, sweet, and citrusy, making it ideal for warm afternoons or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups water
3 black tea bags
1 ½ cups ripe mango, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup cold water
Ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Mango slices (optional, for garnish)
Directions
I start by bringing 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Once it reaches a boil, I remove it from the heat and add the tea bags. I let the tea steep for about 5 minutes, depending on how strong I want the flavor.
While the tea is steeping, I blend the diced mango with 1 cup of cold water until the mixture becomes completely smooth. If I want an extra smooth texture, I strain the mango puree through a fine mesh sieve.
After removing the tea bags, I stir in the honey or sugar while the tea is still warm, mixing until it fully dissolves. Then I add the fresh lemon juice and mango puree to the brewed tea and stir everything together.
I let the mixture cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until chilled. When I am ready to serve, I fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the mango iced tea over the ice. I like to garnish it with fresh mint leaves and mango slices for a beautiful finishing touch.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 90 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes replace black tea with green tea for a lighter flavor. If I want a stronger tropical twist, I add a splash of pineapple juice. For a sparkling version, I substitute part of the cold water with chilled sparkling water just before serving. When I want it extra refreshing, I add thin slices of fresh ginger while the tea is steeping for a subtle spicy note.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover mango iced tea in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to stir it before serving since natural separation may occur. I do not recommend reheating this drink, as I prefer it chilled. If the flavor becomes slightly muted after storage, I add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh mango?
I can absolutely use frozen mango. I just let it thaw slightly before blending to make it easier to puree smoothly.
Can I make this tea without added sweetener?
I can skip the honey or sugar if the mango is naturally sweet enough for my taste. I always taste and adjust before chilling.
How can I make this recipe sugar-free?
I use a natural sugar substitute or simply rely on the sweetness of ripe mango to reduce or eliminate added sugar.
Can I prepare this tea in advance for a party?
I like to make it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. I add ice and garnishes just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Why should I strain the mango puree?
I strain the puree when I want a smoother and more refined texture. If I enjoy a thicker, more pulpy drink, I skip this step.
Conclusion
I find this Mango Iced Tea to be one of the most refreshing and satisfying homemade beverages I can prepare with minimal effort. The combination of bold tea, sweet mango, and bright lemon creates a perfectly balanced drink that I enjoy throughout the summer. Whether I am serving guests or simply treating myself, this tropical iced tea never disappoints.
📖 Recipe:
Mango Iced Tea
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and naturally sweet mango iced tea made with bold black tea, ripe mango puree, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Perfectly balanced, fruity, and ideal for warm afternoons.
Ingredients
4 cups water
3 black tea bags
1 ½ cups ripe mango, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup cold water
Ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Mango slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan.
- Remove from heat, add the tea bags, and steep for about 5 minutes depending on desired strength.
- While the tea steeps, blend the diced mango with 1 cup of cold water until completely smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if a smoother texture is desired.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in honey or sugar while the tea is still warm until fully dissolved.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and mango puree to the brewed tea and stir well to combine.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until chilled.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the mango iced tea over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and mango slices if desired, and serve chilled.
Notes
Green tea can be substituted for black tea for a lighter flavor.
Add a splash of pineapple juice for a stronger tropical twist.
Replace part of the cold water with sparkling water for a fizzy version.
Add thin slices of fresh ginger while steeping for a subtle spicy note.
Store in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg

