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This bright, homegrown 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 love how it uses real ingredients and tastes so bright and fresh.
Key Ingredients
- Black Tea: Go for English Breakfast or Ceylon for a strong foundation
- Mangoes: Try to find ripe Kent or Ataulfo mangoes for the most sweetness
- Honey: Using raw honey gives flavors that plain sugar just can't
- Water: Use filtered water for the best taste
- Ice: Bigger cubes won't melt as fast
Step-By-Step Guide
- Get Your Tea Just Right:
- Bring filtered water to a full boil. Drop in your tea bags and let them sit for exactly 5 minutes. Take them out without squeezing them or you'll end up with bitter tea. Adding one more tea bag than you think you need makes a stronger brew that stands up to melting ice.
- Make Your Mango Mix:
- Cut up your mangoes and cook them with 2 cups of water. Smash them against the sides of your pot until they're totally mushy, about 10 minutes. Pour through a fine strainer, pressing gently to get all the good stuff without making it cloudy.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Stir honey into the hot tea first so it melts completely. Then slowly add your strained mango mix, tasting as you go. Let it cool on the counter before putting it in the fridge so it stays clear.
- Serve It Up Right:
- Put big ice cubes in your glasses. Pour the tea in carefully from the side to avoid splashing. Top with fresh mango slices and maybe some mint. Drink right away while the ice is still nice and cold.
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The mix of Ataulfo mangoes with wildflower honey creates such an amazing taste that my family keeps asking me to make it again and again.
Getting The Heat Right
Using the right water temperature pulls out all the good tea flavors without any bitter stuff. Let your tea cool down slowly at room temp before putting it in the fridge to keep it looking clear.
Picking The Best Fruit
Look for mangoes that feel a bit soft when you press them and smell sweet near the stem. Stay away from super soft or stringy ones for the smoothest drink.
Keeping It Fresh
Put it in a glass container with a lid that seals well. Don't fill it all the way to the top. It'll stay good in the fridge for about 4 days.
Do-Ahead Ideas
You can make the mango part and tea part separately a day ahead. Just mix them together right before you want to drink it for the freshest flavor.
Ways To Serve
Use cold glasses with big ice cubes. Put out some mint leaves, extra mango pieces, and honey so everyone can fix their drink how they like it.
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After tweaking this recipe for years, I've found that good ingredients and watching your temperatures are what makes this drink so refreshing and really lets that natural mango sweetness shine through.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I swap fresh mango for frozen?
- Absolutely! Frozen mango makes it simple to enjoy this drink anytime.
- → How many days will this stay fresh?
- Keep it sealed in the fridge for up to three days.
- → Can this be made without honey?
- Yes, skip it altogether or go for your preferred no-sugar alternative.
- → What’s the best black tea option?
- Choose any plain variety you like – Ceylon, English Breakfast, or Orange Pekoe.
- → Is there a way to enjoy it warm?
- For sure – just sip it hot straight after combining the ingredients, no ice needed.