Mango Iced Tea Recipe – Refreshing Summer Drink with Lemon

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Mango Iced Tea Recipe – Refreshing Summer Drink with Lemon

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a drink that’s both incredibly refreshing and easy to make, especially when the summer heat kicks in. This Mango Iced Tea is exactly that – a vibrant, flavorful escape in a glass! I first made this when my family was visiting during a particularly scorching heatwave, and it was an instant hit. Now, it’s a summer staple in our home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average iced tea. The sweetness of ripe mangoes perfectly complements the subtle bitterness of tea, and a squeeze of lemon brightens everything up. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors that’s seriously addictive. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up – perfect for those days when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Honestly, it’s the kind of drink that just feels like sunshine in a glass!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Mango Iced Tea:

• 2 cups water (approx. 475ml)
• 1 teaspoon tea powder (approx. 5g)
• ¾ cup mango pulp (approx. 175ml)
• ⅛ cup sugar (approx. 30g) – adjust to your liking!
• 1 small lemon

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Tea Powder: I prefer using a strong Assam tea for this recipe. It gives a lovely robust base that stands up well to the mango. Darjeeling also works beautifully if you prefer a more floral note. You can even experiment with a mix!
• Mango Variety: Alphonso mangoes are dreamy for this, if you can get your hands on them. Their intense sweetness and aroma are unbeatable. But honestly, any sweet, ripe mango will do – Kesar, or even a good quality Totapuri will work wonderfully.
• Sugar: Feel free to use any sugar you like – granulated, caster, or even a little honey or maple syrup.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best! It adds a lovely zing.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Once bubbling, add your teaspoon of tea powder. Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes – don’t over-boil, or it’ll become bitter.
2. Now, strain the tea decoction into a heatproof jug or bowl. This gets rid of the tea leaves and gives you a clear base.
3. While the tea is still warm, stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved. Give it a good whisk! Then, pop it in the fridge to chill completely.
4. Next, blend your fresh mango pieces into a smooth, luscious puree. You want it to be completely smooth, so no chunks are left.
5. Once the tea is chilled, it’s time to combine everything! Pour the chilled tea into a jug, add the mango puree, and squeeze in the juice of that small lemon. Whisk everything together really well.
6. Finally, strain the mixture again. This ensures a silky-smooth texture and removes any remaining mango fibers.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t skip the straining! It really does make a difference in the final texture.
• Chill everything thoroughly. The colder the ingredients, the more refreshing the drink.
• Taste as you go. Adjust the sugar and lemon juice to your preference.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: If you like a little tang, add a bit more lemon juice. My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of black salt for an extra zing!
• Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your liking. You can also use a sugar substitute if you prefer.
• Festival Adaptations: This is perfect for a summer solstice celebration or just to beat the heat during a heatwave. I sometimes add a few mint leaves for an extra cooling effect during really hot days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Mango Iced Tea over a generous amount of ice cubes in tall glasses. Garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of mint. It’s also lovely with a little mango chunk on the rim of the glass! This is fantastic with a light lunch, a barbecue, or just enjoyed on its own.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Mango Iced Tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It might separate a little, so just give it a good stir before serving. I wouldn’t recommend storing it for much longer, as the flavors can start to fade.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this recipe suitable for diabetics? You can make this recipe diabetic-friendly by using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
• Can I use mango juice instead of fresh mango? Yes, you can! But fresh mango puree will give you the best flavor and texture. If using juice, opt for 100% mango juice with no added sugar.
• What type of tea powder works best? Assam tea is my go-to, but Darjeeling or a blend of both are also delicious.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the tea concentrate ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just add the mango puree and lemon juice when you’re ready to serve.
• How can I adjust the strength of the tea? Use more or less tea powder to adjust the strength. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your liking.

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe and what you think. I hope it brings a little sunshine to your day!