Save The humidity was oppressive that July afternoon when my neighbor Sarah brought over a bag of ripe mangoes from her backyard tree. We were both sweating on her porch, and she mentioned her grandmother used to steep them with tea back in Jamaica. I spent the next weekend experimenting, accidentally creating something that became my go-to summer drink whenever the thermometer climbs past ninety.
Last summer I served this at my daughters birthday party and watched three dads hover around the pitcher, suspiciously eyeing the bright orange color. Within an hour they were asking for the recipe, and honestly, seeing grown men get excited about fruit tea might be my proudest hosting moment.
Ingredients
- Black tea bags: I've learned that cheaper bags make the drink taste bitter, so splurge on a decent brand
- Ripe mango: The fruit should give slightly when pressed, and trust me, underripe mango makes the tea taste grassy
- Honey: Start with two tablespoons but you might want more depending on your mango sweetness
- Fresh mango slices: These are worth the extra effort, they float beautifully and make people feel fancy
Instructions
- Steep the tea base:
- Place those tea bags in your largest pitcher and pour the boiling water over them. I always set a timer for ten minutes because anything longer makes the tea develop this weird metallic aftertaste.
- Cook the mango:
- Combine your diced mango with water in a saucepan and bring everything to a rolling boil. Then drop the heat and let it simmer for ten minutes while you mash the fruit against the side of the pan until it practically dissolves.
- Combine everything:
- Pour that hot mango mixture through a fine mesh sieve right into your tea pitcher. The first time I skipped this step my kids complained about the texture, so don't be lazy like I was.
- Sweeten and chill:
- Stir in the honey until it completely disappears into the liquid. Let the whole thing cool on the counter before refrigerating, otherwise the temperature shock can make the honey separate.
- Serve it up:
- Fill glasses with ice and pour that gorgeous orange tea over them. Tuck a fresh mango slice against the glass and watch your guests pretend they're at a spa.
Save My friend Tom calls this sunshine in a glass, which sounds ridiculous until you've had a bad day and someone hands you a cold glass of it. There's something about that tropical sweetness that makes problems feel smaller.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I swap black tea for green when I want something lighter, and my sister swears by adding fresh mint leaves directly into the pitcher. A squeeze of lime juice transforms it completely, giving it this zesty kick that cuts through the sweetness on especially humid days.
Batch Planning
This actually keeps well in the refrigerator for about three days, though the mango tends to settle at the bottom. Just give it a gentle stir before pouring. I've started making double batches during heat waves because my family will demolish a single pitcher in one sitting.
Serving Suggestions
This tea shines brightest alongside spicy foods, which might be why it's perfect with grilled chicken or tacos. The sweetness cools your palate just enough to take another bite of whatever you've got on the grill. And don't tell anyone I said this, but a splash of sparkling water turns it into a grown-up soda that's infinitely better than anything at the store.
- Make extra mango puree and freeze it in ice cube trays for later
- Don't refrigerate the tea until it's completely room temperature
- Always taste before adding more honey because some mangoes are naturally sweeter
Save Whether you're hosting a crowd or just treating yourself on a sweltering Tuesday, this recipe has a way of making ordinary moments feel like a small vacation.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen mango works perfectly for this. Simply use 1 cup of frozen mango cubes and simmer with water as directed. Frozen mango is often more affordable and available year-round, making it a convenient option.
- → How long does this mango iced tea last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, this mango iced tea stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors may actually develop and meld together better after a day. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur.
- → Can I make this without honey for a sugar-free version?
Absolutely. If the mangoes are ripe and sweet, you may not need any additional sweetener. You can also use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or simply omit the honey entirely for a naturally light and refreshing drink.
- → What type of black tea works best?
Any quality black tea works well. English Breakfast, Earl Grey (for a citrusy twist), or Ceylon tea are excellent choices. Loose leaf tea typically produces a more robust flavor, but tea bags are perfectly convenient and still yield delicious results.
- → Can I make this into a carbonated beverage?
Yes. Prepare the mango tea concentrate as instructed, but use half the water. When serving, mix the concentrate with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy, refreshing mango spritz that's perfect for parties.
- → Is it necessary to strain the mango puree?
Straining creates a smoother, more refined texture, but it's not strictly necessary. If you prefer a thicker drink with more fiber and fruit texture, simply mash the mango well and skip the straining step. The choice depends on your personal preference.