Homemade Mango Iced Tea
A vibrant, naturally sweetened iced tea infused with the tropical essence of fresh mangoes, balanced with bright citrus notes and a hint of aromatic tea tannins for a refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 4 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose black tea
- 4 cups water
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional
- Lemon slices for garnish optional
Instructions
- Brew the tea base. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, cover, and steep for 5 minutes. The color should be a rich amber, but be careful not to over-steep or it may become bitter.
- Remove tea bags and sweeten. Discard the tea bags and stir in your sweetener of choice while the tea is still warm. This ensures it dissolves completely. Allow the sweetened tea to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the mango purée. While the tea cools, add the diced mango to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. For an extra-smooth texture, you can strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits.
- Combine the elements. Pour the cooled tea into a large pitcher, add the mango purée and lemon juice, then stir thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Chill thoroughly. Refrigerate the Mango Iced Tea for at least 2 hours, or ideally 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and develop. The patience pays off with a more harmonious flavor.
- Serve with style. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the chilled tea, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices if desired. Stir gently before serving to redistribute any settled mango purée.
Notes
- For a clearer tea without pulp, strain the entire mixture through a fine mesh sieve before chilling.
- This recipe works beautifully with green tea for a lighter flavor profile with more subtle grassy notes.
- Make a double batch and freeze some in ice cube trays – these mango tea cubes are perfect for preventing dilution when serving.
- The tea will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
- For a sparkling version, replace half the serving portion with cold sparkling water just before serving.