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This bright, homemade mango iced tea blends strong black tea flavors with sweet tropical mango, making a naturally cool drink that's just right for hot summer days.
I've brought this to so many backyard parties, and people always comment on how much they love the real ingredients and bright taste.
Key Ingredients
- Black Tea: Go for English Breakfast or Ceylon for a rich foundation
- Mangoes: Look for ripe Kent or Ataulfo types for the most sweetness
- Honey: Pick unprocessed honey for flavors you won't get from plain sugar
- Water: Use filtered for the cleanest taste
- Ice: Bigger cubes will melt slower in your drink
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get Your Tea Right:
- Bring filtered water to a boil. Drop in tea bags and let them sit for exactly 5 minutes. Take out bags without squeezing them so your tea won't taste bitter. Throw in one more tea bag than usual so your tea stays strong when the ice melts.
- Make Your Mango Mix:
- Cut up your mango and dump the pieces in a pot with 2 cups water. Let it bubble while you mash the fruit against the sides until it's all soft and broken down, about 10 minutes. Pour through a fine strainer, pushing down gently to get all the juice without making it cloudy.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Put honey in the hot tea first and stir until it disappears. Then pour in your strained mango juice bit by bit, tasting as you go. Let it cool on the counter before putting it in the fridge to keep it clear.
- Serve It Up Right:
- Put big ice cubes in glasses. Pour your tea in carefully along the side to avoid splashing. Top with fresh mango pieces and maybe some mint. Drink it right away while the ice is still cold.
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When you mix Ataulfo mangoes with wildflower honey, you get this amazing flavor that my family keeps asking me to make again and again.
Managing Your Heat
Getting your water to the right heat for tea brings out good flavors but skips the bitter taste. Let your tea cool on the counter before putting it in the fridge so it stays clear and pretty.
Picking The Best Fruit
Go for mangoes that feel slightly soft when you press them and smell sweet near the stem. Stay away from super soft or stringy ones if you want the best flavor and texture.
Keeping It Fresh
Put it in a glass container with a lid that seals tight. Don't fill it all the way to the top. It'll stay good in the fridge for about 4 days.
Do-Ahead Options
You can make your mango mix and tea separately up to a day ahead. Just mix them right before your guests arrive for the freshest taste.
Ways To Serve
Pour into cold glasses with big ice cubes. Set out some mint leaves, extra mango slices, and honey so everyone can fix their drink how they like it.
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After trying different versions for years, I've found that good ingredients and watching your temperatures are what make this drink so refreshing every time, really showing off the mango's natural sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen mango be swapped for fresh?
- Yes! Frozen mango makes it just as tasty and is super handy year-round.
- → How long can I keep it in the fridge?
- It keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored airtight.
- → Is it possible to make without sugar?
- Yes, you can skip honey entirely or replace it with a sugar-free alternative.
- → What kind of black tea works well?
- Plain options like Ceylon, Orange Pekoe, or English Breakfast are ideal.
- → Can this drink be served hot?
- Absolutely, skip the ice and enjoy it warm right after mixing.