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This bright homemade mango iced tea blends strong black tea 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 ask for the recipe because they love the real ingredients and sunny flavor.
Key Ingredients
- Black Tea: Go for English Breakfast or Ceylon for a rich foundation
- Mangoes: Grab Ataulfo or Kent mangoes when they're fully ripe for maximum sweetness
- Honey: Using raw honey brings flavors that plain sugar just can't offer
- Water: Pick filtered water for the best taste
- Ice: Bigger cubes will keep your drink from getting watery too fast
Step-by-Step Guide
- Brew Your Base Right:
- Bring filtered water to a full boil. Drop in tea bags and let them sit for exactly 5 minutes. Take them out gently without squeezing to keep bitterness away. Throw in one extra bag to make sure your tea stays strong even with ice melting.
- Get That Mango Flavor:
- Cut and peel your mango, then simmer the chunks with 2 cups water. Smash them against the sides of your pan until they break down completely, about 10 minutes. Pour through a fine strainer, pushing down gently to get all the good stuff without making it cloudy.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Put honey into the hot tea first so it melts right away. Slowly pour in your strained mango mix, tasting as you go. Let it cool on the counter before putting it in the fridge – this keeps it nice and clear.
- Serve It Up Right:
- Put big ice cubes in your glasses. Pour the tea carefully along the side to avoid splashing. Top with fresh mango slices and maybe some mint if you want. Drink it right away while the ice is still good.
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When you mix Ataulfo mangoes with wildflower honey, you get this amazing taste that my kids beg for whenever the weather gets warm.
Getting The Heat Just Right
Using the right water temperature pulls out all the good tea flavors without making it bitter. Let your tea cool down slowly on the counter before putting it in the fridge so it stays nice and clear.
Picking The Perfect Fruit
Look for mangoes that smell sweet near the stem and give just a little when you press them. 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 well. Don't fill it all the way to the top. When kept cold, it'll stay good for about 4 days.
Do-Ahead Options
You can make the mango part and the tea part separately a day ahead. Just mix them together right before you want to serve for the freshest taste.
Ways To Serve
Pour into cold glasses over big ice cubes. Put out some mint leaves, extra mango slices, and honey so everyone can fix their drink just 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 makes this recipe work so well, giving you a refreshing drink that really shows off the mango's natural sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
- Absolutely. Frozen mangoes work great and let you make this tasty drink any time of the year.
- → How long can I store this tea in the refrigerator?
- You can keep this tea fresh for up to 3 days if you store it in a sealed container in your fridge.
- → Can I make this tea sugar-free?
- Sure thing. Just leave out the honey or swap in your favorite sugar alternative.
- → What type of black tea works best?
- Any regular black tea is fine. Try English Breakfast, Ceylon, or Orange Pekoe for good results.
- → Can I serve this tea hot?
- Definitely. Just skip the ice and serve it warm right after you mix everything together.