INTRODUCTION
Mango Water is a light, fresh drink that brings the sweet taste of ripe mango to your glass. This simple agua fresca is mostly water and mango, so it feels clean and bright. It is a gluten free, low calorie, and diabetic-friendly drink when made with less or no sugar. You can sip it at home, take it to work, or serve it at a party. For a warm drink to pair with a chilled glass, try a simple Nescafe Gold espresso recipe as a bold match.
Mango Water is easy to make with a few tools. You get fresh fruit flavor without heavy calories. It is a great choice when you want a lighter option that still tastes like dessert. It also works well as a gluten free and diabetic-friendly choice if you reduce or replace the sugar.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe is quick and kind. It takes about 10 minutes to blend and a short chill time. You will love it because it is a lighter option that keeps you hydrated and adds vitamin C and fiber from real mango. It is a great drink for meal prep and saves time when you want a fresh, ready drink in the fridge. If you watch calories or want a drink good for weight loss, use less sugar or a no-calorie sweetener.
The drink is flexible. Make a healthy version by cutting sugar or using natural sweeteners. Make it diabetic-friendly by using erythritol or stevia. Use it as a low calorie, gluten free refreshment any day.
HOW TO MAKE Mango Water
This mango agua fresca uses fresh mango, water, and a touch of lime and sugar. It is simple and works for families or single-serve. You can also adjust the sugar to make it suitable for weight loss plans or diabetic-friendly needs. For a high protein meal option, see the variations below where we add protein to turn this into a richer drink.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Blender or high-speed blender
- Measuring cup
- Knife and cutting board
- Jar or pitcher for chilling
- Strainer (optional, if you want a smoother juice)
- Glasses and ice
Ingredients You’ll Need :
2 cups chopped mangos (about 2 large mangoes), 6 cups water, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/2 lime (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Peel the mangos and cut into large chunks. Optional: reserve a few slices of mango to garnish your drinks. In a blender, add the mangos with 3 cups of the water, the lime juice (if using), and half the sugar. Blend at high speed until smooth. Transfer the juice into a jar and add the other 2 cups of water, sugar, and lime juice. Taste for sweetness and adjust if necessary. Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the agua fresca, garnish with chunks of mango or a slice of lime, and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Mango Water
Serve this mango water cold over ice for the cleanest taste. For portion control, pour 8 ounces (about 1 cup) per serving. That keeps the drink low calorie and helps you track sugar or carbs. If you want to reduce sugar for a diabetic-friendly or weight loss plan, make a smaller batch with erythritol or skip the sugar completely and add a squeeze of lime to bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Healthy serving ideas:
- Serve with a small, balanced snack like plain Greek yogurt and a few almonds for a light, high protein meal idea. This turns your drink into part of a healthy version of breakfast or a mid-day snack.
- Pair with a salad that has lean protein and lots of greens for a balanced lunch.
- Use a small glass as a low calorie beverage with a grilled fish or chicken dish.
Portion control tips:
- Use 8 ounce glasses to keep servings reasonable.
- If you use full sugar, limit to one small glass per meal.
- For a lighter option, halve the sugar or replace with a zero-calorie sweetener and enjoy more freely.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Mango Water
Store the mango water in a covered pitcher or jar in the fridge. It will keep fresh for 3 to 4 days. Stir or shake before serving because the fruit may settle. For longer storage, pour the mango water into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Frozen mango water cubes are great to add to smoothies or to chill drinks without watering them down.
To freeze:
- Pour into an airtight container or ice cube tray.
- Freeze up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the fridge or blend frozen cubes with a splash of water for a slushy texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Pair mango water with small, healthy sides to make a balanced snack or light meal. Try:
- Greek yogurt with fresh berries (adds protein, good for weight loss).
- A small salad with mixed greens and grilled chicken (balanced and heart healthy).
- Whole grain crackers with hummus for fiber and protein.
If you want a warm beverage to enjoy later in the day, a cozy cup like the Christmas Fireside Coffee can be a nice contrast to this cold, fruity drink.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier version: Use no sugar or replace the sugar with a non-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol. This keeps the drink diabetic-friendly and low calorie. Add extra water or a squeeze of lime to make up for the reduced sweetness. This healthy version is ideal for anyone watching sugar intake.
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High-protein or low-carb version: Turn mango water into a high protein meal by blending 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or one scoop of unflavored whey protein isolate with 1 cup mango and 1 cup water. Serve as a small smoothie. Alternatively, for a low carb option, reduce mango to 1 cup and add unsweetened sparkling water and a low-carb sweetener. Note that adding dairy or protein powder makes the drink more filling and gives you a high protein meal option.
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Air fryer or oven-baked version: You can make air fryer or oven-baked mango chips as a crunchy side or garnish. Slice mango thin, toss lightly with lemon, and air fry at 200°F (95°C) for 30–40 minutes until dry, or bake in a low oven at 175°F (80°C) for 2–3 hours, flipping once. These mango chips add texture and make a fun snack to serve with your drink.
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Tropical twist: Add a few mint leaves, a splash of coconut water, or a pinch of chili powder for a more complex flavor.
FAQs
Q: Is mango water good for weight loss?
A: Mango water can be good for weight loss when you limit added sugar. The fruit adds fiber and vitamins, while the water helps with hydration and satiety. Use small servings and pair with a protein-rich snack for a balanced meal.
Q: Can I make mango water diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Make it diabetic-friendly by reducing or removing sugar and using natural zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. Also control portion size and pair the drink with protein or fiber to slow sugar absorption.
Q: How long does mango water keep in the fridge?
A: Stored in a covered jar, mango water keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Stir before serving. For longer storage, freeze into ice cubes or containers for up to 2 months.
Q: Does this drink contain fiber or protein?
A: The basic mango water has some fiber from mango, but little protein. To add protein, blend in Greek yogurt or a protein powder for a high protein meal or snack.
Q: Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
A: Yes. Use thawed frozen mango in the same amount. Frozen fruit works well and can make a slightly thicker, colder drink.
Q: Is mango water gluten free and low calorie?
A: Yes. The basic recipe is gluten free. The calorie count depends on sugar; reduce sugar for a low calorie drink.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mango Water
Make a pitcher the night before to save time in the morning — this is great for meal prep. Keep it chilled and ready in the fridge for up to 3 days. For quick service at a party, freeze some mango water into ice cubes and add them to each glass so drinks stay cold and full of flavor. If you like to plan a week of drinks, make a batch of mango puree and freeze it in single-serve portions. On busy mornings, blend a cube with water and a scoop of protein for a fast high protein meal. If you want a warm, spiced pairing just once in a while, try a lightly spiced cinnamon spice latte for a special treat alongside your mango water.
Make-ahead tips summary:
- Blend and chill for 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Store in a sealed jar for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze in cubes for longer storage and easy smoothies.
- Portion mango puree into single-use bags for quick blending later.
Mango Water
Ingredients
Method
- Peel the mangos and cut into large chunks. Optionally reserve a few slices of mango for garnish.
- In a blender, add the mango chunks, 3 cups of water, lime juice (if using), and half the sugar.
- Blend at high speed until smooth.
- Transfer the juice into a jar and mix in the remaining 2 cups of water, sugar, and additional lime juice to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Fill a glass with ice, pour in the mango agua fresca, garnish with mango chunks or lime slices, and enjoy!