Homemade Mango Iced Tea Recipe

There's something irresistibly refreshing about sipping a tall glass of Homemade Mango Iced Tea on a sunny afternoon. The tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes pairs beautifully with the bold depth of black tea, making each sip feel like a mini vacation.

I first whipped up this mango iced tea during a summer BBQ when lemonade just felt too predictable. Now, it’s a staple in our fridge from May through August — cool, fruity, and always a crowd-pleaser.

That perfect balance of tang and sweetness, paired with how easy it is to make, will have you brewing a fresh batch every weekend. Ready to make your new favorite summer drink?

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Once you try this mango iced tea, you’ll never reach for store-bought again. Here's why it's quickly becoming a fan favorite:

It's fast and easy. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this recipe takes only 20 minutes of hands-on time. Perfect for spontaneous gatherings or weeknight cravings.

Budget-friendly and better than bottled. Using fresh or frozen mango and bulk black tea makes this drink far more economical — and tastier — than any canned version you’d find at the store.

Naturally sweetened. You can easily swap in honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar, making this a healthier option that still satisfies your sweet tooth.

Customizable. Want it bolder? Brew stronger tea. Like it fizzier? Add a splash of soda water. This recipe is a great base you can tweak to your tastes.

Once you’ve tasted it, don’t be surprised if you start keeping a pitcher of mango tea in the fridge all summer long.

Ingredients Notes

This mango iced tea is crafted from fresh, wholesome ingredients that shine when brought together. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into it.

Mango is the star of this show. Fresh ripe mangoes work best, offering vibrant color and natural sweetness. If mangoes are out of season, frozen mango chunks make an excellent substitute — just be sure to thaw them first.

Black tea gives the drink its backbone. I prefer using classic Lipton or loose-leaf Darjeeling, but any strong black tea will work. For a caffeine-free version, you can use rooibos or herbal tea with fruity notes.

Water may seem basic, but it’s crucial to use filtered or bottled water to ensure the cleanest, freshest flavor in your final brew.

Sweetener is optional but recommended. White sugar is traditional, but honey or agave syrup add a gentle complexity. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste — especially if your mangoes are extra sweet.

You’ll also need a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, a blender for the mango, and a large pitcher to combine and chill everything before serving.

How To Make This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Creating this bright and refreshing drink is easier than you think. Here's how to do it from start to finish.

Start by brewing your black tea. Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil, then steep 4-6 tea bags (depending on desired strength) for about 5–7 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.

While the tea is cooling, prepare your mango purée. In a blender, combine 1½ cups of diced fresh mango (or thawed frozen mango) with ½ cup of cold water. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits.

Now combine the cooled tea and mango purée in a large pitcher. Stir well to mix. Add 1–2 tablespoons of sweetener at this stage and taste as you go. Mangoes vary in sweetness, so you might not need much.

Chill the tea for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the tea to fully cool before serving.

To serve, fill tall glasses with ice, pour in the mango iced tea, and garnish with fresh mint, lime wedges, or even a slice of mango on the rim for a tropical touch.

In total, you’re looking at about 10 minutes of prep time and 2 hours of chill time — well worth it for a pitcher full of tropical refreshment.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this mango iced tea is that it stores beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead sipping.

You can store leftover iced tea in a sealed pitcher or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before pouring, as natural separation can occur with the mango purée.

If you want to prepare the mango purée separately, it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for a month. This makes it easy to whip up a fresh batch of iced tea whenever the craving strikes.

Avoid adding ice directly to the pitcher if you plan to store leftovers — this will water down the tea over time. Instead, add ice to individual glasses when serving.

To re-serve chilled tea, just give it a good stir or a quick shake in a sealed container, and enjoy it over fresh ice.

Variations and Substitutions

This mango iced tea is already a treat, but there are plenty of fun ways to mix it up and make it your own.

For a sparkling version, substitute half the water with unflavored sparkling water just before serving. It adds a refreshing fizz that makes this feel like a fancy mocktail.

To give it a citrusy twist, add a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice to the pitcher. This brightens up the flavors and adds a tangy contrast to the sweet mango.

Want to make it boozy? A shot of vodka or rum transforms this into a light and tropical cocktail — ideal for backyard happy hours or summer brunches.

If you prefer green tea, swap out the black tea entirely. Green tea pairs wonderfully with mango and adds a slightly grassy note that’s both mellow and invigorating.

For those who like things a bit spicier, try infusing your tea with a few slices of fresh ginger or a dash of cayenne while it steeps. It’s an unexpected twist that adds warmth and depth.

Feel free to experiment! This iced tea is a forgiving and flexible base — you might just invent your own signature version.

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