Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea
Introduction
Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea is a vibrant and sophisticated beverage that transforms simple ingredients into a truly spectacular drink. This iced tea is a beautiful fusion of sweet, tropical mango and the uniquely tart, floral notes of hibiscus, creating a flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly refreshing. Its stunning ruby-red color, derived from the hibiscus flowers, makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Light, caffeine-free, and naturally sweetened, this drink is the perfect antidote to a hot summer day, a elegant non-alcoholic option for parties, or a simple way to elevate your everyday hydration. It offers a far more exciting and flavorful experience than any store-bought iced tea.
Perfect for:
A refreshing cooler on a hot summer day.
An elegant non-alcoholic beverage for brunches or parties.
A flavorful and healthy alternative to sugary sodas and juices.
A relaxing afternoon pick-me-up.
A make-ahead drink for a week of healthy hydration.
Why You’ll Love This Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe
Naturally Vibrant and Flavorful: The combination of ripe mango and hibiscus flowers creates a stunningly beautiful drink with a complex, sweet-tart flavor that is entirely natural, without any artificial colors or flavors.
Incredibly Simple to Make: This recipe requires no special equipment or complicated techniques. It involves simple simmering, blending, and straining for a perfectly smooth result.
Caffeine-Free and Customizable: Enjoy it any time of day without worrying about caffeine. The sweetness can be easily adjusted with honey or agave to suit your personal taste.
Visually Impressive: The deep red color from the hibiscus makes this iced tea a show-stopping centerpiece for any beverage station or gathering.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2+ hours
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 60-80 calories
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):
Calories: 60-80 kcal
Protein: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Nutritional Disclaimer
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Ingredients
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4 cups water
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1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
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2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 2 cups)
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1/4 cup honey or agave syrup, plus more to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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Fresh mint sprigs and mango slices for garnish
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Ice, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Steep the Hibiscus: In a medium saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add the dried hibiscus flowers, and cover. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes to develop a deep color and flavor.
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Strain the Tea: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the hibiscus tea through the strainer to remove the flower solids. Discard the flowers.
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Prepare the Mango Puree: While the tea is steeping, add the chopped mango to a blender. Blend on high until a smooth and silky puree forms.
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Combine and Sweeten: Pour the mango puree into the strained hibiscus tea. Add the honey (or agave) and fresh lime juice. Whisk vigorously until everything is fully combined and the sweetener has dissolved.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more honey or lime juice as needed.
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Chill Thoroughly: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
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Serve: Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled mango hibiscus tea over the top, and garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a slice of mango.
How to Serve Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea
Served in a tall glass over plenty of ice for maximum refreshment.
Garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a thin slice of mango or lime.
As a base for a cocktail; add a shot of white rum, vodka, or tequila.
Served in a large dispenser for a party or barbecue for easy self-serving.
Paired with spicy foods, as the sweet and tart flavors help balance the heat.
Additional Tips for Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea
For the best flavor, use the ripest, sweetest mangoes you can find.
If your mango puree is very fibrous, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending for an ultra-smooth texture.
The strength of the hibiscus flavor can be adjusted by steeping for a shorter (more mild) or longer (more tart) time.
Always chill the tea completely before serving; this allows the flavors to meld and results in a much more refreshing drink.
For a quicker version, you can use 4 cups of pre-brewed, unsweetened hibiscus tea, warmed slightly to help dissolve the honey.
Recipe Variations of Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea
Spicy Ginger Version: Add 4-5 thin slices of fresh ginger to the water while it boils with the hibiscus flowers for a zesty, warming kick.
Berry Hibiscus Version: Replace one mango with 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
Sparkling Tea Spritzer: For a fizzy finish, fill the glass only halfway with the tea and top it off with chilled club soda or sparkling water.
Freezing and Storage for Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea
Storage: Store the iced tea in a sealed pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving as some natural separation may occur.
Freezing: This tea freezes exceptionally well. Pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the tea cubes to chill a glass without diluting it.
FAQ Section about Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea
Where can I find dried hibiscus flowers?
They are often sold as “Flor de Jamaica” in Latin American markets, in the bulk food or tea section of health food stores, or online.
Can I use tea bags instead of loose flowers?
Yes, you can. Use 4-5 hibiscus tea bags in place of the 1 cup of loose flowers. The steeping time will be similar.
My tea is too tart. How can I fix it?
Simply stir in more honey or agave syrup, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.
Conclusion of Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe
Mango Hibiscus Iced Tea is more than just a drink; it’s a refreshing escape in a glass. It masterfully balances the lush sweetness of mango with the bright, cranberry-like tartness of hibiscus, resulting in a beverage that is as healthy as it is delicious. Its stunning appearance and sophisticated flavor make it perfect for entertaining, while its simplicity and make-ahead nature make it an ideal staple for daily life. Ditch the store-bought powdered mixes and embrace the art of crafting your own refreshing beverages with this foolproof recipe. It is guaranteed to become your new go-to drink for summer and beyond.