There's nothing quite like a tall glass of mango iced tea to cool you down on a warm afternoon. The fruity sweetness of ripe mangoes blends perfectly with the earthy depth of brewed tea, creating a drink that's as refreshing as it is addictive.

I first made this recipe after coming home with a crate of overripe mangoes from the farmers market. Since then, it's become my go-to summer beverage—ideal for backyard barbecues, lazy weekends, or whenever I need a little tropical escape in a glass.

Let’s dive into what makes this mango iced tea so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Get ready to sip on sunshine. This homemade mango iced tea is everything you didn’t know your summer needed—fruity, chilled, and bursting with natural flavor.

First, it’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll be enjoying this golden drink in no time. No fancy gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients required.

It’s also a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Made with real mangoes and your choice of sweetener, you control exactly what goes into your glass—no preservatives, no artificial flavors.

This recipe is incredibly budget-friendly. Fresh or frozen mangoes, some black tea, and a bit of sweetener are all it takes to make a large pitcher that serves a crowd or keeps in the fridge for days.

And let’s not forget the wow factor. Whether served in mason jars with fresh mint or poured over crushed ice in tall tumblers, it’s a show-stopper at any gathering.

Ready to bring that tropical tea shop magic to your kitchen? Let’s explore the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this mango iced tea truly special is its reliance on fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Mangoes are the star of the show here. Ripe, juicy mangoes offer the best flavor, but frozen mango chunks work beautifully too—especially when fresh ones are out of season. Look for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch with a fragrant aroma at the stem.

Black tea provides the rich, slightly tannic base that balances the sweetness of the mango. I typically use standard black tea bags, but loose-leaf Assam or Darjeeling will give it an even more complex flavor.

Sweetener is up to you. Simple syrup made with sugar and water works best because it blends easily, but you can also use honey, agave nectar, or even a sugar substitute like stevia. Start small and sweeten to taste.

Fresh lemon juice brightens up the drink, cutting through the mango’s richness with a splash of citrus. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference in flavor.

For best results, you’ll also want a blender and a fine mesh strainer. These help you achieve that smooth, café-style consistency without any fibrous mango bits floating around.

How To Make This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Making this mango iced tea is as easy as brewing, blending, and chilling. Let me walk you through it so you can enjoy a perfect glass every time.

Start by brewing your tea. Boil about 4 cups of water, then steep your black tea bags for 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the bags and let the tea cool to room temperature. You can speed this up by placing it in the fridge.

While the tea is cooling, prepare your mango puree. Peel and cube your mangoes, then toss them into a blender with a splash of water and the lemon juice. Blend until smooth. If you’re using frozen mangoes, let them thaw a bit or add more water to get a smooth texture.

Next, strain the mango puree using a fine mesh sieve. This step ensures your iced tea has a silky, smooth finish—no pulpy surprises. Use the back of a spoon to press the puree through if needed.

Once your tea has cooled, combine it with the mango puree in a large pitcher. Add your desired amount of sweetener, stir well, and taste. Adjust the sweetness or lemon if needed.

Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld. Serve over ice with fresh mint or mango slices for an extra special touch.

This whole process takes about 20–30 minutes, plus chilling time. And once it’s ready, you’ll have a pitcher full of golden refreshment waiting for you.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), you’ll be happy to know this mango iced tea stores beautifully.

Keep the iced tea in an airtight pitcher or glass jar in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first two when the mango flavor is brightest.

If you've made a large batch of mango puree, you can store the extra in a separate container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze it in ice cube trays for easy tea-making later.

Want to make it ahead? Brew the tea and prep the mango puree in advance, then mix everything when you’re ready to serve. That way, you get all the flavor with none of the last-minute fuss.

To re-serve, give the tea a good stir, as some settling is natural. Pour over fresh ice and enjoy all over again.

Variations and Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how endlessly adaptable it is. You can tweak it based on your mood, ingredients on hand, or dietary needs.

Swap the black tea for green tea if you want a lighter, more herbaceous flavor. Jasmine tea also pairs beautifully with mango, adding a subtle floral note that’s divine.

Not a fan of caffeine? Use a decaf tea or even an herbal option like rooibos. It keeps the drink mellow and kid-friendly without sacrificing depth.

You can also blend in other fruits. Pineapple, peach, or passionfruit can be combined with mango to create your own custom tropical blend. Just keep the total fruit puree to about 1 cup so the consistency stays right.

Need it sweeter without sugar? Go for honey or maple syrup for a natural option, or use your favorite low-calorie sweetener if you’re watching carbs.

Don’t be afraid to play with garnishes, either. A sprig of fresh mint, a twist of lime, or even a few edible flowers take this drink from everyday to extraordinary in seconds.

So go ahead—have fun with it. Once you get the base down, this mango iced tea becomes your personal canvas for creativity.