Homemade Mango Iced Tea – Fresh & Fruity!

This Homemade Mango Iced Tea is my favorite way to cool down with something fruity and refreshing. It combines the bold, smooth flavor of brewed black tea with the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes, creating a perfectly balanced iced drink that’s both thirst-quenching and energizing. It’s simple to make and even better than anything I can get in a bottle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this mango iced tea because it brings tropical flavor to a classic drink. It’s naturally sweet, easy to make ahead, and customizable to how fruity or strong I want it. I use real mangoes for a fresh, vibrant taste that’s so much better than anything artificial. Whether I’m sipping it on the porch or serving it at a summer gathering, this drink always hits the right note.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ripe mangoes (peeled and chopped)
black tea bags (or green tea, if preferred)
water
lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
honey or sugar (to taste)
ice
optional: fresh mint leaves, mango slices, or lemon wheels for garnish

Directions

1. I start by boiling water and steeping the black tea bags for about 5–7 minutes, then remove the bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.

2. While the tea cools, I blend the chopped mangoes with a bit of water until smooth to make a mango puree.

3. I strain the mango puree through a fine sieve (optional, if I want a smoother texture) and pour it into a large pitcher.

4. I stir in the cooled tea, lemon juice, and sweetener of choice, tasting and adjusting as needed.

5. I chill the tea in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving over ice.

6. I garnish with fresh mint, lemon wheels, or extra mango slices to make it even more refreshing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 90–110 kcal

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of sparkling water or club soda right before serving for a fizzy version. I’ve also swapped honey for agave or maple syrup to keep it vegan. If I want a spiced twist, I steep the tea with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh ginger.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover mango iced tea in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. I give it a good stir before serving again since the mango may settle. I don’t reheat this drink—it’s meant to be served chilled.

FAQs

Can I use bottled mango juice instead of fresh mangoes?

Yes, I’ve used mango juice in a pinch, but fresh mangoes give a brighter, more natural flavor. If I use juice, I adjust the sweetness accordingly.

What kind of tea works best?

I prefer black tea for its bold flavor, but green tea or even herbal tea can work if I want a lighter or caffeine-free version.

Can I make this sugar-free?

Absolutely. I leave out the sweetener or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.

How can I make it more tart?

I add more lemon juice or a splash of lime juice if I want extra zing.

Can I make this into a cocktail?

Yes, I’ve added a shot of rum or vodka to turn it into a fun summer cocktail. It’s delicious with a splash of peach schnapps too.

Conclusion

This Homemade Mango Iced Tea is fresh, fruity, and the ultimate summer refresher. It’s easy to make, full of tropical flavor, and totally customizable. Whether I’m serving it over a pitcher of ice or sipping it solo with a good book, this tea always gives me that perfect blend of sweet and cool.