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This Miami Ice drink is a wonderfully refreshing non-alcoholic beverage combining iced tea, pureed mango, and fresh mint. It offers a unique flavor that's both sweet and cooling, perfect for warm days or festive occasions when you want something vibrant but alcohol-free. The simplicity of just three main ingredients makes it easy to whip up anytime you want a tasty, fruity drink without fuss.
I first discovered this drink when my son ordered it at a restaurant and instantly loved it. Since then it's become a favorite at home, especially when fresh mint is plentiful in the garden.
Ingredients
- Iced tea: provides the smooth, slightly tannic base homemade or good quality store bought works best
- Mango puree: adds natural sweetness and tropical flavor fresh mango is ideal but frozen can be used with a little water added for smoothness
- Fresh mint leaves: brings a cool, aromatic brightness essential for the authentic taste look for vibrant green leaves that are not wilted
- Lemon slices: used as garnish for a zesty contrast and a pop of color
- Ice cubes: to chill and dilute slightly for a refreshing sip
Instructions
- Scoop and puree the mango:
- Place mango chunks into a food processor and blend until completely smooth. If using frozen mango, add one to two tablespoons of water gradually while blending to achieve a creamy texture without lumps.
- Combine mango puree and iced tea:
- Pour half of the iced tea into a pitcher or bowl and stir in half of the mango puree. If the mixture looks too cloudy or has floating mango particles, pass it through a fine sieve to create a smooth liquid.
- Strain and pour into glasses:
- Use a sieve to strain the mango iced tea mixture into clean highball glasses. This step ensures a silky drink free from any fibrous bits or pulp.
- Add ice and garnish:
- Fill each glass with ice cubes to chill the drink thoroughly. Add a few fresh mint leaves and a wedge or two of lemon on the rim to brighten both appearance and aroma before serving.
- Adjust mango flavor as desired:
- For a stronger mango taste, simply stir in more mango puree to the mixture before straining or right into your glass just before serving.
Mint is the star ingredient here for me. Its fresh brightness brings this drink to life and keeps it from being overly sweet. When mint is harvested fresh, this drink reminds me of summer evenings on the patio with family, cooling off after a hot day.
Storage tips
Store any leftover mango puree and iced tea separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Mix them fresh before serving for best taste. If combined and stored, stir well before drinking.
Ingredient substitutions
Frozen mango works well when fresh is unavailable just add water when blending. You can swap lemon for lime for a slightly different citrus twist. While fresh mint is best if unavailable try using a small amount of mint extract sparingly.
Serving suggestions
Serve this drink chilled as a refreshing afternoon cooler or party mocktail. It pairs well with light salads, grilled chicken, or fresh seafood dishes. Garnish with additional mint sprigs or a thin slice of mango on the rim for an extra touch of elegance.
Enjoy chilled with fresh mint and a lemon wedge for a bright finishing touch. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients create the Miami Ice flavor?
A combination of iced tea, pureed mango, and fresh mint leaves forms the distinct Miami Ice flavor, balancing fruity sweetness with herbal freshness.
- → How is the mango prepared for the drink?
The mango is pureed until smooth, either fresh or frozen (with added water if frozen), to blend seamlessly with the iced tea.
- → Why strain the mixture before serving?
Straining the chilled mixture removes excess pulp and particles, resulting in a clear, smooth, and visually appealing drink.
- → Can I substitute fresh mint with other herbs?
Fresh mint is essential for the signature flavor, but mild alternatives like lemon balm can be used cautiously without overpowering the drink.
- → What is the best way to serve the drink?
Serve chilled over ice, garnished with mint leaves and lemon wedges to enhance aroma and add a citrus note.
- → How long can the prepared drink be stored?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, stirring well before serving to refresh its flavors.