There's something irresistible about the sweet, tropical flavor of mango blended with the crisp refreshment of iced tea. Whether you’re sipping it on a sunny porch or serving it at a backyard BBQ, this homemade mango iced tea is like summer in a glass—cool, fruity, and oh-so-satisfying.

I first made this recipe after a trip to a local farmers market, where the scent of ripe mangoes filled the air. Inspired, I came home and brewed up what has since become our go-to drink for hot afternoons and casual gatherings. It’s quick to make, incredibly refreshing, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into what makes this mango iced tea such a hit.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Get ready to meet your new favorite summer beverage. This mango iced tea combines fresh fruit, real brewed tea, and just the right amount of sweetness for a drink that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. No fancy equipment, no hard-to-find ingredients—just simple steps that anyone can follow. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, even on your busiest days.

It’s also budget-friendly. Skip the overpriced bottled teas and coffee shop versions—this homemade version uses affordable pantry staples and seasonal mangoes for a drink that feels luxurious without breaking the bank.

Another reason to love it? You control the sweetness. Whether you like your tea lightly sweetened or full of fruity syrup, this recipe is flexible to suit your taste.

Finally, it’s the ultimate party pleaser. Serve it in a pitcher at your next barbecue or pour it into mason jars for a picnic—it’s always a hit. You can even add a splash of sparkling water or a twist of lime for an extra festive touch.

This drink truly proves that refreshing doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this mango iced tea shine is its fresh, clean ingredients that come together to create something more than the sum of their parts. Each component plays a vital role in both flavor and aroma.

Fresh mangoes are the star of the show here. You’ll want ripe, juicy mangoes for maximum sweetness and flavor. Look for fruit that gives slightly when pressed and has a rich, fruity smell. Ataulfo or Kent mangoes are especially good choices, but any ripe mango will work.

Black tea bags form the base of this drink. Traditional black tea offers a robust flavor that balances the sweetness of the mango puree. If you're sensitive to caffeine, you can easily substitute with decaf black tea or even rooibos for a mellow, herbal twist.

Sugar adds the sweetness that makes this tea so craveable. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet your mangoes are or swap it for honey, agave, or your favorite natural sweetener. For a refined sugar-free version, I’ve also used coconut sugar with delicious results.

Fresh lemon juice brightens up the whole drink. Just a tablespoon or two helps cut through the sweetness and brings out the fruitiness of the mango. Don’t skip this step—it’s the secret to a perfectly balanced iced tea.

To make this recipe, you’ll also need a blender for pureeing the mango, a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp, and a large pitcher or jar for chilling and serving the final drink.

How To Make This Homemade Mango Iced Tea

Making this mango iced tea is a simple process, but there are a few tips along the way to ensure the best results. Here’s exactly how I do it.

Start by boiling about 4 cups of water in a saucepan or kettle. Once the water comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and steep four black tea bags for 5–7 minutes. The longer the steep, the stronger the tea flavor will be. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool slightly while you prepare the mango mixture.

While the tea is steeping, peel and dice two ripe mangoes, removing as much flesh as possible from the pit. Add the mango chunks to a blender along with about ½ cup of water and 2–3 tablespoons of sugar. Blend until completely smooth. If you prefer a smoother tea, pour the mango puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove any stringy bits or pulp.

In a large pitcher, combine the brewed black tea and the strained mango puree. Stir well to combine. At this point, taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if needed. Add a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice for brightness and balance.

Next, add about 2 more cups of cold water and stir again. This helps dilute the concentrated tea and mango mixture and makes the drink perfectly refreshing. For an even colder version, you can chill the pitcher in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours.

When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the mango iced tea over top. Garnish with lemon slices, mango wedges, or fresh mint if desired. The result is a golden-hued drink that looks as amazing as it tastes.

From start to finish, this whole process takes about 20 minutes of active prep, plus chilling time. It’s the perfect make-ahead drink that gets even better as it sits.

Storage Options

This mango iced tea keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping or party planning. Store any leftovers in a sealed pitcher or jar in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days.

If you’re making a big batch ahead of time, be sure to give it a good stir before serving. Natural separation may occur, especially if you’ve skipped straining the mango puree—but that’s nothing a quick stir can’t fix.

Avoid storing the tea with ice inside the container, as it will dilute the flavors over time. Always add ice right before serving to maintain that bold, fruity flavor.

To reheat this tea for a warm version (yes, it works wonderfully!), just heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave without boiling. Add a cinnamon stick or ginger slice for a cozy twist.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this mango iced tea is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

If you want to switch up the fruit, try using peach, pineapple, or papaya instead of mango. These tropical fruits blend beautifully with tea and create their own unique flavor profiles.

For a caffeine-free version, substitute the black tea with herbal teas like hibiscus or chamomile. Hibiscus, in particular, adds a deep red hue and a tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the mango.

Want a sparkling twist? Replace some of the cold water with club soda or sparkling water right before serving. It adds a fun fizz that turns your tea into a festive mocktail.

You can also make a boozy version by adding a splash of rum or vodka to each glass. It’s a great option for summer parties or grown-up brunches.

Finally, for an ultra-refreshing version, blend the tea and mango together with a cup of ice to create a mango iced tea slushie. Perfect for those extra-hot days when you need something icy cold.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe. It’s meant to be enjoyed your way—sweet, tangy, bubbly, or even spiked. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe every time mango season rolls around.