Mango Tea Recipe – Refreshing Iced Black Tea with Honey & Pomegranate

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Mango Tea Recipe – Refreshing Iced Black Tea with Honey & Pomegranate

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a drink that’s both incredibly refreshing and a little bit special. This Mango Tea is exactly that! I first made this during a particularly scorching summer, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s the perfect blend of sweet mango, robust black tea, and a little zing from pomegranate. Let’s get brewing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another iced tea. It’s a vibrant, flavourful experience. It’s super easy to make, needing just a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those perfectly ripe mangoes! It’s a beautiful drink to serve when you have guests, or just to enjoy on a lazy afternoon.

Ingredients

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

• 1 ripe mango
• 2 black tea bags
• 5 cups water (approximately 1.2 litres)
• 8-10 ice cubes
• 2 tbsp honey (or to taste)
• 2-3 tbsp fresh pomegranate seeds
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Mango Varieties for the Best Flavor

Honestly, any ripe mango will work, but some are better than others. Alphonso mangoes are the gold standard – incredibly sweet and fragrant. However, Kesar or even a good quality Totapuri will also give you a fantastic flavour. Aim for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch.

Black Tea Bag Options & Strength

I usually use a good quality English Breakfast tea bag, but you can experiment! Darjeeling or Assam tea bags will also work beautifully, giving slightly different flavour profiles. If you like a stronger tea, feel free to use 3 tea bags instead of 2.

The Sweetness of Honey – Types to Use

Honey adds a lovely floral sweetness. I prefer wildflower honey, but clover or acacia honey are also great choices. You can adjust the amount to your liking – start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed.

Pomegranate Seeds: A Burst of Freshness

Pomegranate seeds add a lovely pop of colour and a refreshing tartness. They really balance out the sweetness of the mango and honey. You can find pre-seeded pomegranates in most supermarkets now, which saves a lot of time!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. Prepare mango puree: Peel and cube the mango. Blend it with a little water (about ¼ cup) until smooth. Set aside. You want a nice, smooth puree, so blend it well!
2. Brew the tea: In a kettle, bring the water to a boil. Add the tea bags, turn off the heat, and cover. Let steep for 5-7 minutes. Don’t over-steep, or the tea will become bitter.
3. Cool the tea: Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool for 15-20 minutes. This is important! You don’t want the mango puree to cook when you mix it in.
4. Mix ingredients: Stir in the mango puree and honey into the cooled tea. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is well combined.
5. Refrigerate: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to blend. Trust me, this step makes a huge difference.
6. Assemble & serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled mango tea over the ice.
7. Garnish & enjoy: Top with fresh mint leaves and pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way…

Brewing the Perfect Tea Base

Don’t underestimate the importance of a good tea base. Using filtered water will also improve the flavour.

Achieving the Right Mango Puree Consistency

If your mango puree is too thick, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Blending Flavors: Chill Time is Key

Seriously, don’t skip the chilling step! It allows the mango and tea flavours to meld together beautifully.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Mango Tea

Simply substitute the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup. It works beautifully! My friend, Priya, who’s vegan, always requests this version.

Adjusting Spice Level (Adding Ginger or Cardamom)

For a little warmth, add a small piece of grated ginger or a pinch of cardamom powder to the tea while it’s steeping. It’s especially lovely in the cooler months.

Mango Tea Concentrate – For Quick Serving

Double or triple the recipe and store the concentrate in the fridge. Then, just mix with water and ice when you’re ready to serve. Perfect for parties!

Festival Adaptations (Summer Coolers for Holi/Baisakhi)

Add a splash of rose water for a festive touch, especially during celebrations like Holi or Baisakhi.

Serving Suggestions

This mango tea is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with light snacks like biscuits, fruit salad, or even a small slice of cake. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to spicy Indian snacks – the sweetness helps to balance the heat.

Storage Instructions

Leftover mango tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavour might mellow slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is this mango tea best served immediately?

Yes, it’s best enjoyed fresh! The ice will melt over time, diluting the flavour.

Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the mango completely and drain off any excess liquid before blending.

What type of honey complements mango flavor best?

Wildflower or clover honey are excellent choices, but feel free to experiment with your favourites.

Can I make this tea ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Make the tea concentrate and store it in the fridge. Then, just mix with ice and garnish before serving.

How can I adjust the sweetness level of the tea?

Start with 2 tablespoons of honey and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness.