Homemade Mango Iced Tea Recipe

There's something about the tropical sweetness of mango paired with the crisp bite of black tea that feels like a vacation in a glass. This Homemade Mango Iced Tea is the perfect balance of fruity, refreshing, and just sweet enough to brighten any summer afternoon.

I first whipped up a batch of this iced tea after a beach trip when we had more ripe mangoes than we could handle. With a few pantry staples and minimal effort, this breezy drink quickly became our go-to for barbecues, pool days, and even lazy weekends on the porch.

Whether you're looking for a naturally sweetened drink to cool off with or something special to serve at your next gathering, this mango iced tea fits the bill. Let’s dive into what makes it so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Get ready to meet your new favorite summer refresher. This mango iced tea isn’t just tasty – it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser and so simple to make.

First and foremost, it's bursting with fresh mango flavor. Unlike store-bought versions, which often rely on artificial syrups, this recipe uses real mangoes for an authentic tropical taste that’s hard to beat.

It’s quick and easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and no fancy equipment needed, you can have a pitcher ready in under 30 minutes – most of that time is just chilling in the fridge!

This recipe is budget-friendly too. Fresh or frozen mangoes work equally well, so you can whip it up no matter the season without breaking the bank.

And if you're hosting, this iced tea is totally customizable. Serve it over ice with a sprig of mint, jazz it up with a splash of sparkling water, or even turn it into a fruity cocktail with a dash of rum.

Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making this again and again – especially when the temperatures rise.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this mango iced tea lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something essential to the table, working together to create a balanced, refreshing beverage.

Mango is the star of the show here. You can use fresh, ripe mangoes for the best flavor, but frozen chunks will work just as well. If using fresh, look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch and fragrant – these will be at peak sweetness.

Black tea forms the base of this drink, offering a bold, slightly tannic backdrop that complements the mango's sweetness. I like to use classic black tea bags (like Lipton or English Breakfast), but you can experiment with green tea or even herbal blends if you prefer a milder flavor.

Honey or sugar adds a touch of sweetness to enhance the mango without overpowering the tea. Honey gives a more floral, rich note, while plain sugar lets the fruit shine. You can adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.

Lemon juice gives the iced tea a fresh, tangy kick that balances the richness of the mango. Don’t skip this step – even a little lemon juice makes the flavor pop.

As for equipment, you’ll just need a blender, a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, a saucepan, and a large pitcher. A wooden spoon and a few mason jars for serving don't hurt either!

How To Make This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Making this mango iced tea is a breeze – and once you’ve done it once, you’ll have it memorized.

Start by brewing your black tea. Bring about 4 cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat and steep 3–4 black tea bags for around 5 minutes. You want a strong brew since it will be diluted slightly later with mango puree and ice. Once steeped, remove the bags and let the tea cool slightly.

While the tea is steeping, it’s time to make the mango puree. Peel and dice your mangoes, then toss them in a blender with a little water and your chosen sweetener (honey or sugar). Blend until completely smooth. For a smoother tea, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits.

Once both your tea and mango puree have cooled a bit, combine them in a large pitcher. Add the juice of half a lemon (or more to taste), and stir everything together until well mixed.

Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures your tea is nice and cold when served.

When ready to serve, pour over a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon slice, mint sprig, or even a few chunks of frozen mango for a festive touch. The total process takes about 25 minutes, not including chilling – and the end result is well worth the wait.

Storage Options

Homemade mango iced tea keeps well in the refrigerator, making it ideal for make-ahead prepping. Simply store it in an airtight pitcher or jar for up to 4–5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as the mango puree may settle slightly.

If you want to freeze it for later, pour the iced tea into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. The cubes are great for blending into slushies or using in other drinks without watering them down.

For storing mango puree alone, you can keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for about 3 days, or freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. This is handy if you want to whip up a quick glass later without the full prep.

To reheat for a warm version (yes, it’s delicious warm too!), simply heat a portion on the stove or in the microwave. It’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings.

Variations and Substitutions

This iced tea is incredibly versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

If you’re avoiding caffeine, swap the black tea for herbal teas like rooibos or hibiscus. These still give depth of flavor and pair beautifully with mango.

For a fun twist, try adding other fruits. A bit of pineapple or passion fruit blended with the mango creates a tropical fusion that’s hard to resist.

You can also turn this into a sparkling mango tea by mixing in some club soda or sparkling water right before serving. It adds a fizzy, festive element that’s perfect for parties.

Want to make it a cocktail? A shot of vodka, rum, or even prosecco turns this iced tea into a refreshing summer drink for the adults.

If you're watching your sugar intake, opt for stevia, agave, or monk fruit sweetener in place of honey or sugar. Just start small and adjust to taste.

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