A Mango Mocktail is like sipping sunshine in a glass. It’s sweet, tangy, fizzy, and bursting with tropical flavor-perfect for cooling off on a warm day or adding a splash of color to your brunch table. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re relaxing solo or hosting friends, this is one of those feel-good, no-fuss drinks that just works.
Mango Mocktail
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 mocktail (easily scaled up)
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) mango purée – fresh is best, but canned or thawed frozen works too
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice – adds brightness
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup – adjust to taste
- Chilled sparkling water – to top off
- Ice cubes – as needed
- Fresh mint leaves – for garnish
- Mango slice or lime wheel – optional, for garnish
Tools
- Highball glass – for a tall, elegant look
- Bar spoon or regular spoon – for stirring
- Juicer – optional, but helps with fresh lime juice
Method
- Fill your highball glass about three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Pour in the mango purée, followed by the lime juice and simple syrup.
- Top off with chilled sparkling water. Stir gently to mix everything together without losing the fizz.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of mango or lime on the rim.
Tips & Tricks
- Use ripe mangoes for the purée-they should smell fragrant and feel slightly soft to the touch.
- Make it less sweet? Skip the syrup or use a drizzle of honey or agave instead.
- Don’t over-stir after adding the sparkling water-just enough to mix.
- Chill your glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before serving for an extra-refreshing drink.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can make the mango purée a day or two ahead and keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, just mix everything fresh for the best fizz and flavor.
Storage
This drink is best enjoyed right away. If you’ve mixed a larger batch, store the purée, lime juice, and syrup together in the fridge, and add sparkling water and ice just before serving.
Ingredient Swaps
- Simple syrup: Swap for honey, agave, or even maple syrup for a different depth of sweetness.
- Lime juice: Lemon juice works too-it’s a touch more tart but just as refreshing.
- Sparkling water: Coconut water adds a lovely tropical twist and pairs beautifully with mango.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Mango Mocktail
Add a pinch of chili powder or muddle a slice of jalapeño with the lime juice. Stir in with the purée for a sweet-and-spicy flavor that really wakes up your taste buds.
Mango Mint Cooler
Muddle a few mint leaves and a thin slice of cucumber with the lime juice before adding the purée. It’s light, cooling, and perfect for summer afternoons.
Tropical Mango Fizz
Replace the sparkling water with coconut water and add a splash (1 oz/30 ml) of pineapple juice. It’s like a beach vacation in a glass.
Serving Suggestions
This mocktail pairs beautifully with foods that have a bit of spice or creaminess. Here are a few of my favorite combos:
Spicy Grilled Shrimp
The mango’s sweetness helps balance out the heat. Serve with a citrusy dipping sauce for extra zing.
Chicken Satay
That creamy, peanutty richness from the satay sauce is cut perfectly by the tart lime and sweet mango.
Fresh Tropical Fruit Salad
Think pineapple, papaya, kiwi, and berries. It echoes the flavors in the drink and makes for a light, vibrant spread.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the porch. It’s easy, colorful, and always makes me feel like I’m on vacation-even if I’m just in my backyard.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango?
Yes! Just thaw it completely and blend until smooth. Frozen mango often has a great texture for puréeing.
Is this drink kid-friendly?
Totally. It’s non-alcoholic, fruity, and fun-kids love it.
How can I make it look fancier?
Try garnishing with edible flowers or a fancy straw. A sugar rim on the glass also adds a nice touch for parties.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the purée, lime juice, and syrup in advance. Don’t add sparkling water or ice until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the healthiest way to make this?
Skip the syrup and let the mango’s natural sweetness shine. Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, so you’re getting a little nutrition boost, too.
What if I don’t have limes?
Lemon juice works just fine. Orange juice is another good option for a sweeter, less tart twist.
This Mango Mocktail is one of those simple pleasures that always delivers. Whether you’re hosting brunch, unwinding after work, or just craving something sweet and fizzy-this one’s a keeper.
