There's something magical about the sweet scent of ripe mangoes blending with the earthy aroma of freshly brewed tea. When those two come together in a chilled glass over ice, it's more than just a drink—it's a tropical escape in every sip.
This mango iced tea became a summer staple in our house after a family trip to the Caribbean. One glass turned into a daily ritual, and now, it's my go-to recipe for pool days, picnics, or just unwinding on the porch. It's naturally sweet, easy to make, and way better than anything store-bought. Let's dive in.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Mango Iced Tea
Get ready to meet your new favorite summer refresher. This mango iced tea hits the perfect balance of fruity, tangy, and lightly sweet—without being overpowering.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a pitcher chilling in the fridge in under 30 minutes. No fancy tools required.
It’s a healthier option, too. Since you’re controlling the sweetness, it’s easy to skip refined sugar or use honey or agave as a natural alternative. Plus, the antioxidants from the black tea and vitamins from the mango give this drink an extra boost.
And let's talk about the flavor. It’s vibrant, fresh, and exactly what you crave on a hot day. The mango adds a naturally creamy, tropical twist to the boldness of the tea.
Lastly, it's endlessly customizable. Add mint, lime, or even a splash of sparkling water for some fizz. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just sipping solo, this iced tea fits the moment.
Ingredients Notes

This iced tea recipe uses just a few simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one brings something special to the table, so let’s take a closer look.
Mangoes are the heart of this recipe. Fresh, ripe mangoes are best, but frozen mango chunks work just as well if you're in a pinch. Look for fruit that’s slightly soft to the touch with a fruity aroma. The riper the mango, the sweeter your tea will be.
Black tea gives the drink its robust, refreshing base. I prefer classic black tea bags—English Breakfast or Darjeeling work great—but you can use loose leaf if that’s what you have. Just make sure to steep it long enough for full flavor without letting it get too bitter.
Honey or sweetener is optional, but it helps enhance the mango flavor. If your mangoes are ultra-ripe, you may not need much (or any). You can also substitute maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.
Lemon juice brightens everything up with a hint of acidity. It keeps the tea from tasting flat and helps balance the sweetness from the mango.
Cold water and ice are essential for chilling. You’ll want to cool the tea before mixing in the mango so the flavor stays clean and refreshing. Crushed ice gives it a slushy vibe if you're feeling fancy.
No special equipment is required—just a blender, a saucepan, and a fine mesh strainer if you want an ultra-smooth finish.
How To Make This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Making mango iced tea from scratch is surprisingly simple. Once you try it, you'll never go back to the bottled version.
Start by brewing your tea. In a medium saucepan or heatproof pitcher, steep four black tea bags in four cups of boiling water. Let it steep for 5 to 7 minutes, then remove the bags and let the tea cool to room temperature. For stronger tea, leave the bags in a minute or two longer.
While the tea cools, peel and dice two large ripe mangoes. Place the mango chunks in a blender along with a splash of lemon juice and a few tablespoons of water to help it blend. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Once blended, you can strain the mango puree through a fine mesh sieve if you want a silky-smooth tea. Otherwise, leave it slightly pulpy for more texture and mango flavor.
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea with the mango puree. Stir well to combine. Taste and add honey or your preferred sweetener, if needed. The amount will vary depending on how sweet your mangoes were.
Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour in the tea. Garnish with mint leaves, lemon slices, or even mango cubes if you like.
This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings, and the total prep and chill time is around 90 minutes—most of which is hands-off. You’ll end up with a gorgeously golden iced tea that looks as refreshing as it tastes.
Storage Options
Homemade mango iced tea keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in a sealed glass pitcher or container to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from fading.
If you made it with pulp, give it a quick stir before pouring each time. Natural separation is normal.
Want to prep ahead? Make the mango puree and tea separately and mix them just before serving. You can even freeze the puree in ice cube trays for future use.
Reheating isn’t necessary, but if you want to enjoy it warm (yes, it works!), just heat the mango tea gently on the stove until warm—not boiling—and serve without ice.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is super flexible, and that’s one of the things I love most about it. You can tweak it based on what you have or what you’re craving.
Try it with green tea for a lighter, more herbal base. It’s especially nice with honey mangoes or champagne mangoes, which are a bit more delicate in flavor.
Add a burst of freshness with mint or basil. Muddle a few leaves and stir them in before chilling the tea. It adds a subtle herbal note that pairs beautifully with the mango.
If you want a bit of sparkle, top each glass with sparkling water or club soda. It transforms this iced tea into a fizzy mocktail, perfect for summer parties.
Short on mangoes? Sub in peaches or pineapple for a similar tropical feel. You can even mix and match for a fun twist.
For a spiked version, a splash of rum or vodka turns this into a breezy summer cocktail. Just make sure to label the pitcher if you're serving both kids and adults!
Whether you're following the recipe to a tee or playing around with flavors, this mango iced tea is a delicious blank canvas. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might just discover your next signature summer drink.
PrintHomemade Mango Iced Tea Recipe
Enjoy a tropical and refreshing Homemade Mango Iced Tea made with real mango puree, black tea, and a touch of lemon. This fruity iced tea recipe is a perfect summer drink, combining the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the bold flavor of brewed tea. It’s quick, easy, and naturally delicious—ideal for hot days and entertaining guests. Serve over ice and garnish with mint or lemon slices for a café-style treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages, Summer Recipes
- Method: Blending, Chilling, Brewing
- Cuisine: American, Tropical Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
2 ripe mangoes (peeled and chopped)
-
4 cups water
-
2 black tea bags
-
2 tbsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
-
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
-
Ice cubes
-
Fresh mint leaves or lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Brew the tea: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add the tea bags, and let steep for 5–7 minutes. Discard the tea bags and let it cool.
-
Prepare mango puree: In a blender, blend chopped mangoes until smooth. Strain for a smoother texture if desired.
-
Mix it all: In a pitcher, combine the mango puree, brewed tea, remaining water, sweetener, and lemon juice. Stir well.
-
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice and garnish as desired.
Notes
-
Use green tea instead of black tea for a lighter taste.
-
Adjust sweetness depending on how ripe your mangoes are.
-
You can store the tea in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approx. 250ml)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 5mg
Leave a Reply