There is nothing quite like a vibrant, refreshing drink to lift your spirits on a warm day, and this Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe does exactly that. Combining the tangy floral notes of hibiscus with the luscious sweetness of ripe mango, this iced tea is a beautiful balance of flavors and colors, perfect for quenching your thirst while delighting your taste buds. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a garden party, this drink will become your new favorite go-to summer refreshment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is key to letting each ingredient shine in this Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe. Every component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute brightness, natural sweetness, and that signature deep rose color that makes this tea so inviting.
- 2 cups water: Acts as the base for brewing the hibiscus flowers, extracting their bold flavor and color.
- 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers: Provides the tart, cranberry-like taste and stunning red hue that defines the tea.
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced: Adds a juicy tropical sweetness and a smooth texture to balance the tartness.
- 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup: Gently sweetens without overpowering, customizable to your preference.
- Ice cubes: Essential for serving the tea chilled and refreshing.
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional): Offers a burst of herbal fragrance and an elegant finishing touch.
How to Make Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Water
Begin by bringing 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. This hot water is crucial to properly extracting the flavors and vibrant color from the hibiscus flowers.
Step 2: Steep the Hibiscus Flowers
Once boiling, remove the water from heat and add the dried hibiscus flowers. Let them steep for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the water transforming into a deep rosy-red, releasing that tangy, floral aroma that just invites you to take a sip.
Step 3: Strain the Hibiscus Tea
After steeping, strain the hibiscus tea into a pitcher to remove the flowers. This step ensures your iced tea is smooth, free from any bits, and ready for the next flavorful additions.
Step 4: Add Mango and Sweetener
Mix in the diced ripe mango and your chosen sweetener, honey or agave syrup, while the tea is still warm. Stir until the sweetener fully dissolves and the mango infuses into the tea, adding a bright fruity dimension.
Step 5: Cool the Tea
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. Chilling the tea intensifies its refreshing quality, perfect for a hot day or anytime you need a cooling beverage.
Step 6: Serve Over Ice
Serve your chilled Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea over plenty of ice cubes for that icy, invigorating sip. Be sure to add fresh mint leaves on top if you like, to enhance both the aroma and presentation of this stunning drink.
How to Serve Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves are a natural choice—they bring a cool herbal kick that complements the fruity and floral notes beautifully. If you want to get a bit fancy, thin slices of mango or a twist of lime zest can also make your presentation pop and add subtle layers of aroma.
Side Dishes
This Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea pairs wonderfully with light and fresh fare. Think crunchy salads, grilled chicken skewers, or tropical fruit platters. Its vibrant flavor cuts through savory dishes and refreshes the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the tea with a mango puree at the bottom of clear glasses for a pretty ombre effect. You could also freeze some mango pieces or edible flowers in your ice cubes for a decorative and flavorful touch that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight pitcher or bottle to retain its freshness and flavor. Give it a gentle stir before serving to re-mix any settled ingredients.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this tea freezes well in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Frozen tea cubes make a fabulous addition to cocktails or simply keep the drink chilled without watering it down as ice melts.
Reheating
This iced tea is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it warm on a cool day, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavors and fragrance of the hibiscus and mango.
FAQs
Can I use fresh hibiscus instead of dried hibiscus flowers?
Fresh hibiscus can be used but dried hibiscus flowers are typically preferred because they have a more concentrated flavor and are easier to source. If using fresh, adjust steeping times as the flavor may be milder.
Can I substitute the mango with another fruit?
Absolutely! Fruits like peach, pineapple, or even berries can lend their own sweetness and aroma to the hibiscus tea. Just be sure to choose ripe, flavorful options for the best results.
Is this Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe vegan?
Yes, it is vegan-friendly as long as you choose agave syrup over honey. If you’re not vegan, honey adds a lovely depth, but agave syrup is a great plant-based alternative.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 4 servings, perfect for sharing at a small gathering or enjoying throughout the day with family and friends.
Can I make this tea less sweet?
Definitely! The sweetness is adjustable, so start with less honey or agave syrup and add more only if you desire. The natural tartness of hibiscus blends beautifully with a subtle touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten your day with a drink packed full of flavor, color, and refreshing vibes, don’t hesitate to try this Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe. It’s simple, elegant, and incredibly satisfying—sure to become a staple in your recipe collection and a favorite summer elixir to share with all your loved ones.
Print
Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. This delightful drink combines the tartness of hibiscus flowers with the sweet, tropical flavor of ripe mango, sweetened naturally with honey or agave syrup. Easy to prepare and wonderfully hydrating, it’s a perfect beverage to serve chilled over ice and garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers
Flavoring
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
To Serve
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan to prepare the base for the hibiscus tea.
- Steep Hibiscus Flowers: Add 1/4 cup of dried hibiscus flowers to the boiling water and allow to steep for about 10 minutes, releasing a tangy, floral flavor and rich color.
- Strain Tea: Pour the brewed hibiscus tea through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding the soaked hibiscus flowers to ensure a smooth beverage.
- Add Mango and Sweetener: Stir the diced ripe mango and 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup into the warm tea until the sweetener dissolves completely, infusing the tea with tropical sweetness.
- Cool and Chill: Let the tea mixture cool down to room temperature, then place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly before serving.
- Serve: Pour the chilled mango hibiscus tea over ice cubes in glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired for a refreshing finish.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey or agave syrup to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- For a smoother texture, you can blend the mango before adding to the tea.
- Use fresh mint leaves to add a bright, aromatic flavor to your iced tea.
- The tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this recipe vegan, choose agave syrup instead of honey.
