Mango Black Tea Lemonade: A Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

Mango Black Tea Lemonade: Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with every sip of this vibrant and refreshing drink! Imagine the sweet, tangy burst of ripe mangoes perfectly harmonizing with the robust flavor of black tea, all brightened by the zesty tang of lemonade. It’s a symphony of flavors that will awaken your senses and leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of mango black tea lemonade are a bit hazy, the combination of tea and fruit has a long and rich history across various cultures. From the iced teas of the American South to the fruit-infused teas of Asia, people have long enjoyed the delightful marriage of these two elements. Mangoes, revered in many cultures for their sweetness and nutritional value, add a touch of exoticism to this already delightful beverage.

What makes this drink so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing. The mango provides a luscious sweetness that’s tempered by the slight bitterness of the black tea and the invigorating acidity of the lemonade. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a thirst-quenching treat on a hot summer day or a flavorful pick-me-up any time of year, this mango black tea lemonade is guaranteed to become your new favorite drink. So, let’s dive in and discover how to create this taste of sunshine in a glass!

Ingredients:

• For the Mango Puree:
• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water (optional, for smoother consistency)
• For the Black Tea Concentrate:
• 4 cups water
• 8 black tea bags (English Breakfast or similar)
• For the Lemonade:
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6-8 lemons)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups water
• For Assembling the Drink:
• Ice cubes
• Mango slices, for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Mango Puree

1. Prepare the Mangoes: Peel the mangoes carefully, removing all the skin. Then, cut the mango flesh away from the pit and dice it into roughly 1-inch cubes. The riper the mangoes, the sweeter and smoother your puree will be!
2. Blend the Mangoes: Place the cubed mangoes into a blender or food processor. Add the lemon juice. The lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also helps to prevent the puree from browning.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mangoes and lemon juice until completely smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. I like mine to be thick enough to hold its shape slightly, but still pourable.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mango puree and adjust the sweetness if needed. If your mangoes weren’t very sweet, you can add a teaspoon or two of sugar or honey. However, remember that the lemonade will also add sweetness, so don’t overdo it!
5. Refrigerate: Transfer the mango puree to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the puree to chill, which is especially refreshing in a cold drink. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Brewing the Black Tea Concentrate

1. Boil the Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Make sure your saucepan is clean to avoid any unwanted flavors in your tea.
2. Add the Tea Bags: Once the water is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the 8 black tea bags. Gently submerge the tea bags in the water, ensuring they are fully saturated.
3. Steep the Tea: Cover the saucepan and let the tea steep for 5-7 minutes. The longer you steep the tea, the stronger the flavor will be. I prefer a 6-minute steep for a robust black tea flavor that stands up well to the mango and lemon.
4. Remove the Tea Bags: After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags from the saucepan. Don’t squeeze the tea bags too hard, as this can release bitter tannins into the tea. Gently press them against the side of the saucepan to extract as much liquid as possible without squeezing.
5. Cool the Tea: Allow the black tea concentrate to cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the tea to a heat-safe pitcher and placing it in the refrigerator. The tea concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Making the Lemonade

1. Juice the Lemons: Juice the lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice often has a slightly artificial taste.
2. Make a Simple Syrup (Optional): While you can simply mix the lemon juice, sugar, and water, making a simple syrup first ensures that the sugar dissolves completely and the lemonade is smooth. To make a simple syrup, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, sugar (or cooled simple syrup), and the remaining 3 cups of water. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking. If it’s too tart, add more sugar, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too sweet, add a little more lemon juice.
5. Chill the Lemonade: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the lemonade to chill. This is crucial for a refreshing drink! You can store the lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Assembling the Mango Black Tea Lemonade

1. Prepare Your Glasses: Fill your glasses with ice cubes. The amount of ice you use will depend on your preference, but I like to fill the glasses about two-thirds full.
2. Add Mango Puree: Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of mango puree into each glass. You can adjust the amount of mango puree depending on how mango-y you want your drink to be.
3. Add Black Tea Concentrate: Pour about 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of black tea concentrate into each glass. Again, adjust the amount to your taste. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, add a little more.
4. Top with Lemonade: Fill the rest of the glass with lemonade. Leave a little room at the top for garnishes.
5. Stir Gently: Gently stir the drink to combine the mango puree, black tea concentrate, and lemonade. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can dilute the flavors.
6. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with mango slices, lemon wedges, and fresh mint sprigs, if desired. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also enhance the aroma and flavor of the drink.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve your Mango Black Tea Lemonade immediately and enjoy! This drink is best enjoyed fresh, as the ice can melt and dilute the flavors over time.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of this drink can be easily adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of sugar in the lemonade or use less mango puree. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more sugar or honey to the mango puree or lemonade.
• Use Different Teas: While I recommend black tea for its robust flavor, you can experiment with other types of tea, such as green tea, white tea, or herbal tea. Each type of tea will impart a different flavor profile to the drink.
• Add Sparkling Water: For a fizzy twist, top off the drink with sparkling water or club soda instead of plain water. This will add a refreshing effervescence to the drink.
• Make it a Cocktail: For an adult version, add a shot of rum, vodka, or tequila to each glass. This will transform the drink into a delicious and refreshing cocktail.
• Freeze into Popsicles: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing summer treat. This is a great way to use up any leftover Mango Black Tea Lemonade.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh ginger to the mango puree for a spicy kick.
• Use Frozen Mango: If fresh mangoes are not available, you can use frozen mango chunks. Just thaw them slightly before blending.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mango puree, black tea concentrate, and lemonade ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, simply assemble the drink when you’re ready to serve.

Enjoy your homemade Mango Black Tea Lemonade!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Mango Black Tea Lemonade is more than just a drink; it’s a vibrant, refreshing experience that’s incredibly easy to whip up. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, especially as the weather warms up. The combination of the sweet, tropical mango, the robust black tea, and the tangy lemonade creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling invigorated. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a subtle caffeine kick to keep you going throughout the day. But why is it *really* a must-try? Because it’s adaptable! Feel free to experiment with different types of black tea. A Darjeeling will offer a more floral note, while an Assam will provide a bolder, maltier flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet drink, simply reduce the amount of sugar or honey you add. For a richer flavor, consider using ripe Alphonso mangoes, known for their intense sweetness and aroma.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Sparkling Mango Black Tea Lemonade: Add a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy twist. * Mango Black Tea Lemonade Popsicles: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing summer treat. * Spiced Mango Black Tea Lemonade: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warm, spicy kick. * Mango Black Tea Lemonade Cocktail: For an adult version, add a shot of rum or vodka. Garnish with a mango slice and a sprig of mint. * Iced Tea Perfection: Serve over a generous amount of ice for the ultimate thirst quencher on a hot day. Consider using flavored ice cubes (like mango or lemon) to prevent dilution. * Party Punch: Make a large batch and serve in a punch bowl for your next gathering. Add slices of mango, lemon, and orange for a beautiful presentation. I’ve personally made this Mango Black Tea Lemonade countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy on a lazy afternoon, to serve at a barbecue, or to simply brighten up your day. It’s also a fantastic way to use up ripe mangoes that you might have lying around. Plus, it’s so much healthier than store-bought sugary drinks! You know exactly what’s going into it, and you can control the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What kind of black tea did you use? How did your family and friends like it? Share your photos and comments below. Let’s create a community of Mango Black Tea Lemonade lovers! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy sipping! Print