There’s nothing quite like sipping a chilled glass of mango iced tea on a hot summer afternoon. The sweet tropical mango blends beautifully with the bold, refreshing flavor of black tea, creating a drink that’s as thirst-quenching as it is flavorful.

I first made this mango iced tea after a vacation in Thailand, where fruit-infused teas were served on every corner. It instantly became a warm-weather staple in our home—simple, vibrant, and endlessly refreshing. This is the kind of drink you’ll want to keep in your fridge all season long.

Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your summer beverage rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to summer refresher. This homemade mango iced tea is as easy as it is impressive, bringing tropical café vibes straight to your kitchen.

First off, it’s wonderfully easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of active prep time, you can whip up a pitcher that rivals any store-bought or restaurant version.

This recipe is also refreshingly budget-friendly. Using fresh mangoes, black tea bags, and pantry staples like sugar and lemon juice, you can make a large batch for a fraction of the cost of bottled iced tea.

It’s naturally customizable. You can control the sweetness, swap in green tea for a lighter flavor, or add herbs like mint or basil for a gourmet twist. The possibilities are endless.

And most importantly—it tastes amazing. It’s sweet, slightly tangy, and deeply aromatic, with layers of fruitiness and a smooth tea finish. Each sip is like a mini-vacation in a glass.

Now that you’re tempted, let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring this sunshine in a glass to life.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this mango iced tea lies in its fresh, accessible ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect sweet-tart-fruity balance that makes this drink so addictive.

Fresh mango is the star here. Look for ripe, fragrant mangoes that give slightly to the touch. Ataulfo or honey mangoes work wonderfully due to their smooth texture and natural sweetness. You’ll puree the mango to create a vibrant fruit base for your tea.

Black tea brings a deep, slightly bitter contrast that perfectly balances the sweet mango. I like to use standard black tea bags (like Lipton or Twinings), but loose-leaf tea works just as well if you have a preferred blend. Brew it strong so the tea flavor holds up after chilling.

Sugar helps round out the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the mango. You can adjust the amount to taste, or substitute with honey, agave, or a sugar alternative if you prefer.

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and a slight tang that lifts the overall flavor profile. It’s optional, but I find it gives the tea a more complex, refreshing edge.

As for equipment, all you need is a blender for the mango puree, a pot or kettle to steep the tea, and a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to ensure your tea is smooth and pulp-free. A large pitcher and some ice round things out.

How To Make This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Crafting your own mango iced tea is surprisingly simple—and once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought again.

Start by brewing the black tea. Bring about four cups of water to a gentle boil, then steep four black tea bags in the hot water for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the tea to be strong so it holds its flavor even after dilution with ice and mango.

While the tea is steeping, peel and dice your fresh mango. Add the mango chunks to a blender along with a splash of water and a few tablespoons of sugar. Blend until completely smooth, then taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Once the tea is brewed, discard the tea bags and let it cool for a few minutes. Then stir in the mango puree and fresh lemon juice, mixing thoroughly to combine.

If you prefer a smooth tea without any pulp, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Press down gently with a spoon to extract all the flavor, then discard the solids.

Refrigerate the tea for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled. Serve over plenty of ice, and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a thin slice of mango for a touch of flair.

Altogether, this recipe takes about 30 minutes of hands-on time and yields a generous pitcher of tropical delight. It’s the perfect make-ahead drink for barbecues, pool parties, or lazy days on the porch.

Storage Options

Homemade mango iced tea stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Pour any leftovers into an airtight glass pitcher or jar and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors may even deepen slightly as they sit.

If you’ve made a large batch and want to preserve it longer, consider freezing individual portions in ice cube trays or popsicle molds. These mango tea cubes are great for cooling down drinks without watering them down.

Avoid storing it in plastic containers if possible, as they can absorb and alter the taste of the tea over time. Glass is ideal for preserving freshness.

To re-serve, give the tea a good stir as the mango may settle slightly at the bottom. Serve over ice and enjoy just like it was freshly made.

Variations and Substitutions

This mango iced tea recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to adapt based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Try swapping black tea for green tea or oolong for a milder, more floral base. Each one pairs beautifully with mango and gives the drink a slightly different character.

Want to make it caffeine-free? Use an herbal tea like rooibos or hibiscus. These teas offer deep color and flavor without the buzz, perfect for kids or evening sipping.

For a spicy twist, add a small slice of fresh ginger or a pinch of cayenne to the mango puree. It adds just enough kick to contrast the sweetness and brings an unexpected depth.

If mangoes aren’t in season, frozen mango chunks work just as well. Just thaw them slightly before blending, and you’ll still get a rich, smooth puree.

Feeling fancy? Add a splash of coconut water or a drizzle of passion fruit syrup to take things tropical. You can even spike it with rum or vodka for a grown-up party version.

No matter how you mix it up, this mango iced tea is a drink worth experimenting with. Let it inspire your inner mixologist—you might just discover your new signature summer beverage.