Mango Iced Tea

I stumbled on a mango iced tea recipe that actually made me pause and smile.

If you love fruity drinks with zero fuss and big flavor, you will love this.

I made it first for a hot afternoon and people fought over the last glass, no joke.

In this post I share why it works, the exact ingredients and method, and simple hacks to level it up.

FYI I borrowed a technique from a brown sugar vanilla iced coffee recipe for richer flavor: brown sugar vanilla iced coffee.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and bright mango flavor that plays nicely with black tea.
• Quick to make in under 30 minutes, no special equipment.
• Flexible: use fresh or frozen mango, loose leaf or bags.
• Kid-friendly and sophisticated enough for guests.
• Lower sugar option when you swap honey or skip sweetener.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grab these simple ingredients.

• 2 Black Tea Bags (or 2 tsp loose leaf tea)
• 1 Ripe Mango (or frozen mango cubes)
• 4 cups Water (divided)
• 2 tbsp Honey
• Ice

How to Make (Step-by-Step)

Brew the Tea

Add 2 cups of boiled water and the tea bags into a large pitcher and steep for about 10 minutes.

I press the bags gently after steeping to squeeze extra flavor.

Keep the pitcher away from direct sun to prevent bitterness.

Cook the Mango

Heat 2 cups of water and diced mango in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

Turn down the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes while mashing the mango into a puree.

I like a few chunks left for texture, but you can make it super smooth if you prefer.

Combine and Sweeten

Strain the mango puree into the pitcher with the steeped tea and stir.

Add honey and stir until it dissolves, tasting as you go.

Use less honey if you prefer a lighter drink or swap for simple syrup to keep flavors smooth.

Chill and Serve

Let the tea cool down to room temperature then refrigerate until cold.

Serve over ice and add fresh mango slices for a pretty garnish.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Use ripe mangoes for the sweetest, most vibrant flavor.
• If mangoes stay underripe, thaw frozen cubes or add a splash of lemon to brighten the profile.
• Steep tea a bit longer for stronger tea backbone, but avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
• Chill the tea before adding ice to prevent immediate dilution.
• Make a concentrate with extra mango and freeze cubes for quick single-serve blending.

Fun Variations & Topping Ideas

Variations:

• Iced Green Tea Mango: swap black tea for green for a lighter, grassy note.
• Mango Thai Iced Tea: add condensed milk for a creamy, dessert-like drink.
• Spicy Mango Tea: muddle a slice of jalapeño or add a dash of ginger syrup.

Toppings:

• Fresh mint leaves
• Toasted coconut flakes for a tropical crunch
• A squeeze of lime for brightness

Storing and Reheating

Store the mango iced tea in a sealed pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Stir well before serving because separation happens naturally.

I do not recommend microwaving; instead heat gently on the stove if you need a warm cup.

Leftover ideas

• Turn leftovers into smoothies by blending with yogurt and ice.
• Freeze mango concentrate in ice cube trays and add to sparkling water for instant soda.
• Use leftover tea as a poaching liquid for fruit or a subtle cocktail mixer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned mango?

Yes, you can use canned mango in a pinch, but fresh or frozen taste better.

Can I make this sugar free?

You can skip the honey or use a sugar substitute to reduce calories.

How long does it keep?

The tea stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I use green tea instead?

Absolutely, green tea yields a lighter flavor that pairs well with mango.

Conclusion:

This mango iced tea hits the sweet spot between simplicity and wow factor, and it scales for one or many.

Make it, remix it, and then rate the recipe so others know what to expect.

For another take on mango iced tea you might enjoy, check this detailed recipe and compare notes: Mango Iced Tea – LeelaLicious.

Leave a comment and a rating below; I read them and I actually care.

Try the basic version first, then experiment with green tea, Thai condensed milk, or a pinch of chile to find your signature pour.

Share a photo and tag someone to spread the mango joy; I will absolutely try your version next time I host.

Happy brewing, and may your pitcher always chill properly.

Cheers from my kitchen—now go make something delicious and tell me how it went.

If you have questions about swapping ingredients or technique, drop them below and I will answer.

FYI I adore mango with a basil twist, always.