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This lively handcrafted mango iced tea blends rich black tea flavors with sweet tropical mango, making a naturally cool drink that hits the spot during hot summer days.
I've brought this to so many backyard parties, and everyone loves that it's made with real stuff and tastes so bright and fruity.
Key Ingredients
- Black Tea: Go for English Breakfast or Ceylon for a strong foundation
- Mangoes: Try to get Ataulfo or Kent when they're ripe for extra sweetness
- Honey: Pick raw honey for flavors you won't get from plain sugar
- Water: Use filtered water for the cleanest taste
- Ice: Big cubes work best since they melt slower
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get Your Tea Right:
- Bring filtered water to a full boil. Drop in tea bags and let them sit for exactly 5 minutes. Take them out gently without squeezing to keep bitterness away. Throw in an extra bag if you want it stronger to stand up to the ice.
- Make Your Mango Mix:
- Cut and peel mango, then cook it with 2 cups water. Smash the pieces against the side of the pot until they break down completely, about 10 minutes. Pour through a fine strainer, pressing lightly to get all the flavor without making it cloudy.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Put honey in the hot tea first and stir until it's all mixed in. Slowly add your strained mango, tasting as you go. Let it cool on the counter before putting it in the fridge so it stays clear.
- Serve It Up Right:
- Put big ice cubes in your glasses. Pour the tea in carefully along the side to avoid splashing. Top with fresh mango slices and maybe some mint if you want. Drink up while the ice is still cold.
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When you mix Ataulfo mangoes with wildflower honey, you get this amazing flavor that my kids and spouse ask for again and again.
Getting The Temperature Right
Using the right water temperature pulls out all the good tea flavors without making it bitter. Let your tea cool down slowly at room temp before putting it in the fridge to keep it looking clear.
Picking The Best Stuff
Look for mangoes that feel slightly soft when you press them and smell sweet near the stem. Stay away from super mushy ones or stringy ones if you want the best taste and feel.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep your tea in a glass container with a lid that seals well. Don't fill it all the way to the top. It'll stay good in the fridge for about 4 days.
Do-Ahead Ideas
You can make your mango mix and tea separately up to a day ahead. Just mix them together right before you're ready to serve for the freshest taste.
Ways To Serve
Use cold glasses with big ice cubes. Put out some mint leaves, extra mango pieces, and honey on the side so everyone can fix their drink how they want it.
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After tweaking this recipe for years, I've found that good ingredients and watching your temperatures are what makes this drink so refreshing and brings out all that natural mango sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap fresh mango with frozen?
- Definitely! Frozen mango works great and makes this easy to prepare anytime.
- → How long will the tea stay fresh in the fridge?
- You can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.
- → Can this drink be made without added sugar?
- Yes, just leave out the honey or pick any sugar substitute you like.
- → What kind of black tea should I use?
- Any simple black tea is great! Try English Breakfast, Ceylon, or Orange Pekoe.
- → Can this drink be served warm?
- Absolutely! Skip the ice and serve it hot right after mixing.