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This sunny homemade mango iced tea blends strong black tea with sweet tropical mango flavors, making a naturally cool drink that's just right for hot summer days.
I've brought this to so many backyard parties, and everyone loves how it uses real ingredients and has such a bright, fresh taste.
Key Ingredients
- Black Tea: Go for English Breakfast or Ceylon for a rich foundation
- Mangoes: Grab ripe Kent or Ataulfo mangoes for the most natural sweetness
- Honey: Use unprocessed honey for flavors you won't get from plain sugar
- Water: Pick filtered water for the purest taste
- Ice: Bigger cubes will keep your drink from getting watery too fast
Step-by-Step Guide
- Brew Your Tea Right:
- Warm filtered water to boiling point. Drop in tea bags and let them sit for exactly 5 minutes. Take out the bags without squeezing them or you'll get bitter tea. Throw in one extra tea bag so your drink stays flavorful even with ice.
- Get the Mango Ready:
- Cut and peel your mango, then cook the chunks with 2 cups water. Smash them against the sides of your pot until they're soft and mushy, about 10 minutes. Push through a fine strainer, pressing gently to get all the flavor without making it cloudy.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Stir honey into the hot tea first so it melts completely. Then slowly pour in 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:
- Fill your glasses with big ice cubes. Pour the tea in carefully along the side of the glass. Add some fresh mango slices on top and maybe some mint if you want. Drink it right away while the ice is still cold.
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When you mix Ataulfo mangoes with some good wildflower honey, you get this amazing flavor that my family always begs me to make again.
Getting The Temperature Right
Using the right water temperature pulls out all the good tea flavors without the bitter stuff. Let your tea cool down slowly on the counter before putting it in the fridge so it doesn't get cloudy.
Picking The Best Stuff
Look for mangoes that smell sweet at the stem and give a little when you press them. Don't use ones that are too soft or stringy or your drink won't taste as good.
Keeping It Fresh
Put it in a glass container with a good lid. Don't fill it all the way to the top. It'll stay fresh for about 4 days in your fridge.
Do-Ahead Options
You can make the mango part and the tea part up to a day ahead. Just mix them together right before you want to drink it for the freshest flavor.
Ways To Serve
Use cold glasses and big ice cubes. Put out some mint leaves, extra mango pieces, and honey so everyone can fix their drink just how they like it.
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I've tweaked this drink for years, and I've found that good ingredients and watching your temperatures are what makes it so refreshing every time, really showing off that natural mango sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is frozen mango okay to use?
- Totally! Frozen mango makes it easy to prep anytime.
- → How long will this last in the fridge?
- Keep it chilled in an airtight jar for up to three days.
- → Can I skip honey for no sugar?
- Sure, leave it out or swap for a sugar-free option.
- → Which type of black tea is best?
- Plain types like English Breakfast or Ceylon work great.
- → Can I drink this hot instead of iced?
- Yup, just skip the ice and enjoy it warm.