Authentic Alphonso Mango Drink Recipe – Easy Summer Cooler

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Alphonso Mango Drink Recipe – Easy Summer Cooler

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything that screams summer quite like a perfectly ripe mango? Growing up, summer holidays meant endless mangoes, and my Dadi (grandmother) always made the most incredible, refreshing mango drinks. This recipe is my attempt to recreate that magic – a simple, authentic Alphonso mango drink that’s guaranteed to cool you down and transport you straight to mango heaven! It’s seriously the easiest thing to make, and trust me, it’s so worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another mango drink recipe. It’s a celebration of the Alphonso mango – often called the ‘King of Mangoes’ for a reason! It’s quick, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time, and needs absolutely no cooking. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon refresher or a festive drink to share, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 1 ripe Alphonso mango
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 0.25 teaspoon ginger
• 4 mint leaves
• 0.5 lemon
• 1 pinch salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

Alphonso Mangoes: The King of Mangoes

Seriously, if you can get your hands on Alphonso mangoes, do it. They have a unique, rich, and creamy texture and an unbelievably fragrant aroma. They’re a little pricier, but the flavour is just unmatched. Look for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet, fruity smell.

Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

I usually use 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, but feel free to adjust this based on how sweet your mango is and your personal preference. You can also use other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup – about 1-2 tablespoons should do the trick.

Ginger: Freshness and Zing

A little bit of ginger adds a lovely warmth and zing to the drink. I prefer using fresh ginger, grated finely. You can adjust the amount depending on how much of a ginger kick you like!

Mint: Cooling Herb

Fresh mint leaves are essential for that cooling effect. Don’t skimp on these! A few leaves really brighten up the flavour.

Lemon: Brightness and Balance

A squeeze of lemon juice balances the sweetness and adds a lovely tang. Freshly squeezed is always best, of course.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get making! It’s super simple, I promise.

First, carefully slice the sides of your Alphonso mango, avoiding the large seed in the middle. Then, scoop out all that gorgeous, golden pulp.

Next, pop the mango pulp into a blender along with the sugar, grated ginger, and mint leaves. Blend until everything is beautifully smooth.

Now, pour the mixture into a bowl. Add the lemon juice and a tiny pinch of salt – this really enhances the flavours! Finally, add about a cup (240ml) of chilled water and mix well.

And that’s it! You can serve it immediately, or chill it in the fridge for a super refreshing treat later.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Chill your glasses: Pop your serving glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving for an extra-cold drink.
• Don’t over-blend: Over-blending can make the drink frothy. We want smooth, not bubbly!
• Taste as you go: Adjust the sugar and lemon juice to your liking.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

Spice Level: Adding a Touch of Cardamom or Chili

My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom powder or a very small piece of green chili to her mango drink for a little extra warmth and spice. It’s surprisingly delicious!

Vegan Adaptation: Naturally Vegan!

Good news – this recipe is already naturally vegan! No changes needed.

Festival Adaptations: Perfect for Summer Celebrations

During summers, we often make a larger batch of this drink for family gatherings and festivals. You can garnish it with a sprig of mint and a thin slice of mango for a festive touch.

Adjusting Consistency: For a Thicker or Thinner Drink

If you prefer a thicker drink, use less water. For a thinner drink, simply add more water until you reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This mango drink is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate it:

• Garnish: A sprig of mint and a slice of mango make it look extra special.
• With a snack: It pairs beautifully with light snacks like namak pare or mathri.
• As a mocktail base: Add a splash of sparkling water for a bubbly mocktail.

Storage Instructions

Leftover mango drink can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavour might mellow slightly, but it will still be delicious! Give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the best way to choose a ripe Alphonso mango?

Look for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet, fruity aroma near the stem. Avoid mangoes that are hard or have bruises.

Can I use other mango varieties if Alphonso mangoes aren’t available?

You can! While Alphonso mangoes are the best, you can use other varieties like Kesar or Totapuri. Just be aware that the flavour and texture will be slightly different.

Can this drink be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?

Simply adjust the amount of sugar you add. Start with less and add more to taste.

What is the best way to serve this mango drink – with ice or without?

I prefer it without ice, as ice can dilute the flavour. But if you like it extra cold, go ahead and add a few ice cubes!

Can I add other fruits to this mango drink?

Absolutely! A few slices of banana or a handful of strawberries would be a lovely addition.