Name: Strawberry Mango Iced Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-487113H7M40S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced; 4 cups water; 4 black tea bags; 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional, to taste); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Ice cubes; Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

A vibrant, fruit-forward iced tea that pairs ripe strawberries and juicy mangoes with a refreshing tea base. Perfect for summer gatherings or quiet afternoons, this beverage strikes an ideal balance between flavour and simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with fresh fruit notes that complement black, green, or fruit-infused teas.
Quick, straightforward preparation—no specialised equipment required.
Easily scalable from a single glass to a party-sized pitcher.
Naturally colourful, making each serving visually appealing.
Adjustable sweetness to suit any palate.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Tea bags (black, green, or strawberry-mango blend)
Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Fresh mango, peeled and cubed
Strawberry syrup (or agave/honey)
Fresh mint leaves, lightly bruised
Ice cubes
Cold water

directions

Brew the tea – Bring water to a gentle boil (approximately 95 °C for black tea, 85 °C for green). Steep 1 tea bag per 150 ml (for a glass) or 16 tea bags per 2 litres (for a pitcher) for 8–10 minutes. Remove the bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
Sweeten – While the tea is still warm, stir in strawberry syrup (about 2 tablespoons per glass or 200 ml per pitcher), adjusting to taste.
Prepare the fruit – Combine sliced strawberries, mango cubes, and mint leaves in your serving vessel. Lightly muddle to release their flavours without breaking the fruit apart.
Assemble – Fill the glass or pitcher halfway with ice. Pour the cooled, sweetened tea over the ice and fruit.
Serve – Stir gently and garnish with an extra mint sprig for a polished finish.

Servings and timing

Quantity	Yield	Active Time	Total Time (incl. cooling)
Single glass	1 × 250 ml	10 min	20 min
Pitcher	~10 × 200 ml (2 L)	15 min	30 min

Variations

Cold-brew – Steep the same ratio of tea bags in cold water for 8–12 hours in the refrigerator for a smoother, low-tannin brew.
White-tea twist – Substitute white tea for a delicate, floral base.
Sparkling refresher – Replace half of the cooled tea with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
Citrus accent – Add thin slices of lemon or lime for a tangy note.
Adult version – Stir in 30 ml of white rum or vodka per serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftover iced tea (without ice) in a covered jug in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Add fresh fruit and ice just before serving to preserve texture and colour.
Reheating is not recommended; this beverage is intended to be enjoyed chilled.

FAQs

What tea base works best for this recipe?

Black tea provides a robust backdrop, while green or white teas yield lighter, more delicate flavours. Fruit-infused blends add natural sweetness.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes. Thaw the fruit first; it may release more juice, intensifying the flavour.

How do I avoid cloudy tea?

Allow the brewed tea to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Sudden temperature changes cause cloudiness.

Is strawberry syrup mandatory?

No. Agave nectar, honey, or simple syrup are suitable alternatives. Add gradually to achieve the desired sweetness.

Can I prepare the tea a day ahead?

Absolutely. Brew and sweeten the tea, refrigerate overnight, then add fresh fruit, ice, and mint just before serving.

What is the ideal tea-to-water ratio for a pitcher?

Use 16 standard tea bags for 2 litres of water. This concentration remains flavourful after dilution by ice and fruit.

How do I scale the recipe for a large crowd?

Maintain the ratio of 1 tea bag and 2 tablespoons of syrup per 150 ml of water, then multiply the quantities as needed.

Can I substitute herbs other than mint?

Basil pairs well with strawberries and mangoes, adding a subtle peppery note. Lemon balm is another aromatic option.

What if my tea tastes bitter?

Reduce the steeping time to 5–6 minutes for green or white tea, or switch to a cold-brew method to minimise tannins.

How long can the fruit remain in the tea?

For best quality, consume within 24 hours. After that, strain out the fruit and keep only the flavoured liquid.

Conclusion

Strawberry Mango Iced Tea offers a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and classic tea notes. Its straightforward preparation, versatility, and striking presentation make it an ideal choice for both casual refreshment and festive occasions. Experiment with the suggested variations and serving ideas to tailor the drink perfectly to your taste—then sit back and enjoy each chilled si