Learn How to Make Mango Juice at home using fresh or frozen mangoes and your trusty blender!
This guide covers everything from picking the perfect mango to blending them into a delightful beverage.
As a big fan of fresh fruit juices, I’ve discovered a little secret: you don’t need a fancy electric fruit juicer to enjoy the perfect glass of freshly squeezed juice.
I have already shared several homemade juice recipes here on the blog. If you have time, check out this strawberry juice recipe, this blueberry juice recipe, or this pineapple juice recipe.
But why make your own mango juice?
Well, besides being much tastier than store-bought options loaded with artificial flavors and sugars, fresh mango juice is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
It’s perfect for hot summer days or any time you want to enjoy a glass of fresh juice. It’s also a great way to use up leftover mangoes during the mango season.
Without further ado, let’s treat ourselves to tropical sunshine in every sip, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are the top reasons this homemade mango juice recipe belongs in your repertoire:
- No fancy juicer needed. Mangoes don’t tend to juice well in a specialized juicer, so this blender method is perfect.
- More affordable. A few fresh ripe mangoes or a bag of frozen mangoes are more cost-effective than store-bought juices, often loaded with added sugar, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
- Customizable. You can adjust the sweetness and consistency and add other ingredients to create a unique elixir.
- Nutritional benefits. Cold-pressed fruit juice retains more nutrients, providing a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your daily intake.
Ingredient Notes
Let’s start by gathering our mango juice ingredients:
Here is a brief overview of the ingredients:
- Mangoes – Select ripe mangoes for the best flavor. See below for options. Or, if you don’t have access to fresh mangoes, frozen mango chunks are a convenient alternative (thaw before blending).
- Water – To dilute the blended mango and adjust the consistency.
- Vanilla extract and lemon juice (optional) – If you want to make “mango nectar,” add vanilla extract and lemon juice. Vanilla adds floral flavor, while lemon balances the sweetness. Use pure vanilla extract and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best results.
Choosing the Right Mangos
Before starting the juicing process, it’s important to pick the perfect mangoes. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Alphonso: Known as the “king of mangoes,” alphonso mangoes are prized for their rich, creamy texture and intense sweetness.
- Ataulfo (honey mangoes): Known for their golden-yellow skin and lack of fibers, perfect for blending into smooth juices.
- Kent: These sweet and mildly tart mangoes are a popular choice for juicing.
- Tommy Atkins: Not as sweet as other varieties, but the most common variety still suitable for juicing.
- Keitt: Known for its firm texture and minimal fibers, ideal for juicing.
How to Make Mango Juice with a Blender
Here is how you can make fresh mango juice in just a few easy steps:
Step 1. Prepare the mangoes.
If using fresh mangoes, wash them thoroughly. Then, peel the skin, cut the flesh away from the pit, and roughly chop. If using frozen mango, allow the chunks to thaw completely.
Step 2. Blend the mangoes.
Place the mango pieces in your blender or food processor with 1/2 cup of cold water. Give them a few pulses, then blend until smooth.
Step 3. Add flavoring agents.
Add 1 cup of water. If making mango nectar, add vanilla extract and lemon juice and pulse a few times to incorporate.
Step 4. Strain (optional).
For pulp-free juice, strain the blended mango mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits. Press down on the mango pulp to extract as much juice as possible.
Step 5. Serve or store.
Serve as is or over ice, or store in the fridge in a glass container with a lid.
Recipe Tips
Keep these tips in mind to make the best mango juice:
- Avoid overcrowding the blender. Depending on the size of your blender, you may need to blend the mangoes in batches to ensure a smooth texture.
- Adjust the consistency. Start by blending the mangoes with 1 cup of water, and then add more if needed to thin out the consistency. Alternately, use less water for a thicker drink with a more concentrated flavor.
- Add sweetener. Usually, mangoes are sweet enough, and no additional sweetener is needed. If you still want to sweeten your homemade mango juice, add a little bit of natural sweetener.
- Chill before serving. Chill the juice in the refrigerator for at least an hour for an extra refreshing drink. Or, add ice cubes to the blender for a chilled beverage on the fly!
Variations
Here are some exciting ways to customize your freshly squeezed juice:
- Blend with other fruits – Try blending mangoes with pineapple, banana, strawberries, or peaches. The options are endless!
- Add additional ingredients – Such as lime juice, ginger, mint, or cinnamon, to complement the natural sweetness and add depth to your drink.
- Make it creamy – Add ingredients like yogurt, almond milk, or coconut milk for a creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade mango juice is a versatile ingredient to add sweetness and tropical flavor to recipes.
Here are some ideas:
- Smoothies: Blend mango juice with yogurt, fruits, and greens for a nourishing smoothie.
- Cocktails: Use mango juice as a base for mango margaritas or mango mojitos.
- Popsicles: Freeze mango juice in popsicle molds for homemade frozen treats.
- Salad dressing/marinade: Mix juice with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs for a flavorful salad dressing. You can also use it as a chicken, fish, or tofu marinade.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Refrigerate leftover mango juice in a clean, airtight container for 2-3 days.
Freezing: Pour extra juice into ice cube trays, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and place in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a resealable plastic bag and keep them frozen for 3-6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mango juice good for you?
Yes! Mango juice is rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants like beta-carotene and polyphenols, which support immune function and overall health. However, it’s also high in natural sugars, so it’s best to consume it in moderation.
How do I know if mangoes are ripe enough for juicing?
Ripe mangoes for juicing should yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma at the stem end. The skin may also slightly blush or soften as the mango ripens. Avoid mangoes that are overly soft or have visible bruises or blemishes.
Can I use frozen mangoes instead of fresh ones for juicing?
Yes, frozen mangoes are a convenient alternative with year-round availability. Thaw the frozen mango chunks before blending to achieve a smooth consistency.
More Mango Recipes
If you are looking for more ways to use up mangoes, here are a few ideas:
How to Make Mango Juice
With this easy mango juice recipe, you can make a batch of delicious juice to enjoy as is or use in other recipes.
Ingredients
- 3-4 mangoes or 1 1/2 pound frozen mango chunks
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- If using fresh mangoes, wash them first. Remove the flesh from the pit and skin and roughly chop it.
- If using frozen mango chunks, let them thaw completely.
- Place the mango into a food processor or blender. Add 1/2 cup of water. Pulse a few times and then puree until smooth.
- Add one cup of water, the vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). Pulse a few times. Optionally, strain the mango juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove any tough strands.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1/4 of recipeAmount Per Serving Calories 204Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 8mgCarbohydrates 51gFiber 5gSugar 46gProtein 3g
Nutrition facts provided on this website are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a qualified health care provider for personalized diet advice and make sure that each of the ingredients is allowed in your diet.