One large raw mango, peeled and chopped. Blended with a little water into a smooth puree. Mixed with one cup of sugar, half a teaspoon of salt, and seven and a half cups of water in a large jug. Stirred until the sugar dissolves. Chilled and served over ice cubes. Pretty damn refreshing on a hot afternoon.
The salt is the detail most people miss. Half a teaspoon in seven and a half cups of liquid is barely perceptible as salt, but it sharpens the mango flavour and makes the lemonade taste less one-note sweet. Without it, the drink is flat. With it, every sip has depth.
Tips for Making Mango Lemonade
Blend the mango until completely smooth
Chop the mango into small pieces and blend with a quarter cup of water. Run the blender until there are no fibres or chunks remaining.
Strain through a fine mesh sieve if your mango is very fibrous. The lemonade should be smooth and pourable.
Adjust the water to control strength
Seven and a half cups of water makes a light, refreshing drink. Use less water for a thicker, more concentrated mango flavour.
Taste after mixing and adjust the sugar. Ripe mangoes need less sugar. Tart mangoes need more.
Mango Lemonade
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
This refreshing mango lemonade is full of vitamin C and perfect for cooling down on a hot afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 large raw mango
- 1 cup of sugar
- 7 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Peel and chop the mango into small pieces.
- Blend the mango pieces with a little water to make a smooth puree.
- In a large jug, combine the mango puree, sugar, salt, and the remaining water.
- Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Chill in the refrigerator and serve with ice cubes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 200
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of mango?
A raw (unripe) mango, which is green and tart. If using a ripe mango, reduce the sugar. Raw mango gives the drink a sour, tangy base that ripe mango cannot.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. It keeps in the fridge for up to three days. Stir before serving as the puree settles. Add ice cubes when ready to drink.
Can I add sparkling water?
Yes. Replace half the still water with sparkling water for a fizzy mango lemonade. Add the sparkling water just before serving.
