Refreshing Iced Tea Recipe – Mango, Watermelon & Orange Flavors

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Refreshing Iced Tea Recipe – Mango, Watermelon & Orange Flavors

Hey everyone! Summer’s here, and honestly, nothing beats a tall glass of iced tea to cool down. I’ve been experimenting with different fruit flavors lately, and I’m so excited to share these three variations with you – Mango, Watermelon, and Orange Iced Tea! They’re super easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and perfect for beating the heat. Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This iced tea isn’t just about quenching your thirst; it’s about a burst of flavor in every sip! It’s quick to whip up – seriously, you can have a pitcher ready in under 10 minutes. Plus, it’s totally customizable. Don’t like mango? Watermelon is your friend! Want it a little spicier? We’ve got you covered. It’s the perfect drink for a hot afternoon, a picnic, or just relaxing with friends and family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:

• 4 tea bags
• 3 cups hot water (about 720ml)
• Sugar (to taste – start with ¼ cup, about 50g, and adjust!)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice (about 45ml)

And for the fruit variations:

• Mango Iced Tea: 1 cup mango pulp (about 240ml)
• Watermelon Iced Tea: 2 cups cubed watermelon (about 320g)
• Orange Iced Tea: 2 medium oranges, segmented (about 300g)
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish and extra flavor!)
• Ice cubes, plenty of them!
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Choosing the right tea can make all the difference.

• Tea Bags: I usually go for black tea like Assam or Ceylon for a classic iced tea flavor. But feel free to experiment! Green tea or even herbal teas work beautifully too.
• Sugar: White sugar is traditional, but you can absolutely use alternatives. Honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar-free sweetener work great. Adjust the amount to your liking – everyone has a different sweet spot!
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. You can also play around with different citrus fruits – lime or even a splash of orange juice can add a lovely twist.
• Fruit: Ripe, juicy fruit is key! For the mango, Alphonso mangoes are divine if you can get them, but any sweet mango will do.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s make some iced tea!

1. Prepare the Tea Decoction: First, we’ll make a strong tea base. Steep the tea bags in the hot water for about 5 minutes. Don’t over-steep, or it might get bitter!
2. Sweeten & Add Lemon: Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely. Then, add the lemon juice and give it a good mix.
3. Chill the Decoction: This is important! Let the tea decoction cool down to room temperature, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the ice from melting too quickly and diluting your tea.
4. Blend the Fruit: While the tea is chilling, let’s prep the fruit. For the mango, watermelon, and orange variations, simply blend the fruit with about ½ cup (120ml) of water until smooth.
5. Assemble the Iced Tea: Now for the fun part! Grab your prettiest glasses. Layer ice, lemon slices, and mint leaves in each glass.
6. Layer the Flavors: For the classic iced tea, pour in some mint juice, then the chilled tea decoction. For the mango, watermelon, and orange versions, layer the blended fruit with ice, fruit pieces, and the chilled tea decoction.
7. Garnish & Enjoy: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon slice. And that’s it! Your refreshing iced tea is ready to enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Strong Tea is Key: Don’t be afraid to make a strong tea decoction. It will get diluted with the ice and fruit.
• Chill Everything: Chilling the tea and the fruit purees makes a huge difference in the final result.
• Don’t Skip the Mint: Mint adds such a lovely freshness. Don’t be shy with it!

Variations

I love experimenting with flavors! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Peach Iced Tea: My friend Sarah swears by adding peach puree to her iced tea. It’s delicious!
• Raspberry Iced Tea: A handful of raspberries blended into the tea adds a beautiful color and tartness.
• Spiced Iced Tea: A pinch of cardamom or ginger can add a warm, comforting flavor.

Vegan Adaptation

Making this iced tea vegan is super simple! Just make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly (some white sugar is processed with bone char). Honey is a no-go, but maple syrup or agave nectar work perfectly.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mint Intensity)

If you’re a mint lover like me, feel free to add more mint leaves to the blender when making the mint juice. You can also muddle a few mint leaves directly in the glass before adding the ice and tea. For a milder mint flavor, use fewer leaves or just use them for garnish.

Festival Adaptations (Summer Coolers)

These iced teas are perfect for summer festivals and gatherings. Make a big batch in a dispenser and let everyone help themselves. They’re a much healthier and more refreshing alternative to sugary sodas.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. You can enjoy it without any worries.

Serving Suggestions

These iced teas are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with light snacks like:

• Fruit salad
• Biscuits or cookies
• Sandwiches or wraps

Storage Instructions

Leftover iced tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavor might mellow slightly over time, but it will still be delicious. It’s best to store the tea decoction and fruit purees separately to maintain their freshness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of tea works best for iced tea? Black tea is classic, but green tea, white tea, and herbal teas all work beautifully. Experiment and find your favorite!
• Can I use fresh mint instead of mint juice? Absolutely! Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the glass before adding the ice and tea.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the iced tea? Start with a small amount of sugar and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Can I make this iced tea with sparkling water? Yes! Substitute sparkling water for some of the still water for a fizzy twist.
• How long does the iced tea stay fresh in the refrigerator? Up to 24 hours, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
• What is the best way to blend the fruits for a smooth texture? Use a high-speed blender and add a little water if needed to help the fruit blend smoothly.

Enjoy your homemade iced tea! Let me know in the comments which flavor is your favorite. Happy sipping!