Homemade Mango Iced Tea Recipe

There's something magical about sipping a glass of chilled mango iced tea on a warm afternoon. The sweet, tropical flavor of ripe mangoes paired with the boldness of black tea creates a refreshing drink that feels like summer in every sip.

I first crafted this mango iced tea when I had a few too many overripe mangoes on hand and didn’t want them to go to waste. Now, it’s our go-to beverage for barbecues, lazy Sunday brunches, and even as a caffeine pick-me-up on busy workdays.

The vibrant color alone will make your guests smile, but it’s the naturally sweet, fruity taste that keeps them coming back for more. Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Get ready to upgrade your usual iced tea routine. This Homemade Mango Iced Tea is bursting with flavor and comes together with minimal effort.

First, it’s incredibly refreshing. The combination of juicy mango and brisk black tea delivers a crisp, cool drink that quenches your thirst like no other. It’s the perfect antidote to a hot day or a post-workout treat.

Secondly, it's easy to make and uses just a handful of ingredients. No fancy gadgets or syrups—just fresh fruit, tea bags, and water. It’s ideal for home cooks of all skill levels, and a fun kitchen project to try with kids.

Third, it’s naturally sweetened and healthier than store-bought versions. You can control the level of sweetness, making it a guilt-free indulgence. No high-fructose corn syrup here—just the pure taste of ripe mangoes.

Finally, it’s a versatile drink that you can serve over ice, with sparkling water, or even mix into cocktails for a tropical twist. Keep a pitcher in your fridge and you're always one pour away from a mini getaway.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a summer party, this mango iced tea fits right in.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up a pitcher of mango iced tea that tastes far better than anything you’d find in a bottle.

Mangoes are the star of this show. You’ll want to use ripe, juicy mangoes for the best flavor. Look for ones that give slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma near the stem. If fresh mangoes aren’t in season, frozen mango chunks will work beautifully too—just thaw them first.

Black tea bags provide the bold, tannic base that balances the sweetness of the mango. I typically go for classic English Breakfast or orange pekoe, but feel free to experiment with green tea or herbal blends if you prefer a milder or caffeine-free version.

To sweeten the tea, I use a touch of honey or simple syrup, depending on what I have on hand. Honey adds a floral undertone, while simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved) offers a neutral sweetness. You can adjust the amount to your taste or omit it altogether if your mangoes are super sweet.

Fresh lemon juice adds just the right pop of acidity. It brightens the drink and balances out the natural sweetness of the mangoes. Don’t skip this—it makes a noticeable difference!

You’ll also need a blender, fine-mesh strainer, and a large pitcher. These tools help create that silky-smooth mango purée and make it easy to chill and serve the finished tea.

How To Make This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Creating this tropical tea delight is easier than you think. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Start by boiling four cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once it reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and steep your black tea bags for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the bags and let the tea cool slightly.

While the tea is steeping, peel and chop your ripe mangoes. Place the chunks into a blender along with a splash of water or lemon juice to help it blend smoothly. Blend until completely pureed and silky.

Next, strain the mango puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. This step removes any fibrous bits and leaves you with a velvety mango base.

Pour the slightly cooled tea into the pitcher with the mango puree. Stir well to combine. Taste the mixture and decide how much sweetener you want to add. Start with one tablespoon of honey or syrup, stir, and taste again before adding more.

Once your tea is perfectly sweetened, add 2–3 cups of cold water and stir. This dilutes the concentrate and brings everything to a perfect balance. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to chill.

When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour over the mango tea. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, or even a wedge of mango if you’re feeling fancy.

From start to finish, the whole process takes about 20–25 minutes, with minimal hands-on time. After chilling, you’ll have a full pitcher ready to enjoy throughout the day.

Storage Options

This mango iced tea keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in a sealed glass pitcher or mason jar to preserve its freshness and vibrant flavor.

If you want to prep ahead, you can make the mango purée in advance and refrigerate it separately for up to 3 days. Just mix it with freshly brewed tea when you’re ready.

Avoid freezing the full tea mixture, as it can separate and lose its smooth texture once thawed. However, freezing leftover mango puree in ice cube trays is a great way to always have some on hand.

To re-serve, give the tea a good stir or shake, especially if it’s been sitting for a while. Pour over fresh ice and enjoy like it was just made.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this mango iced tea means there are endless ways to personalize it. Here are a few of my favorite twists:

Swap in green tea for a lighter, grassier flavor. It pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of mango and is lower in caffeine if you're looking for a gentler pick-me-up.

Try using frozen mangoes if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them fully before blending. This also makes it a year-round drink, even when mangoes are out of season.

For a tropical punch, add a splash of pineapple or orange juice to the mix. It intensifies the fruity notes and makes the tea taste like sunshine in a glass.

Want it bubbly? Replace the cold water with sparkling water or club soda just before serving. It adds a fun effervescence and makes it party-ready.

You can even spike it with a bit of vodka or rum for an adult version—perfect for summer gatherings or sunset happy hours.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you’ll have a blank canvas for fruity tea experiments all summer long.

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