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This sunshine-inspired green tea takes regular green tea and turns it into a delicious vacation-in-a-glass that'll cool you down during scorching summer heat. When you mix green tea's earthy notes with juicy tropical fruits, you get a drink that strikes the perfect balance – it's super quenching and packed with amazing flavor.
I came up with this drink during a terrible hot spell last summer, and it soon became what I reached for every day. Now my neighbors always ask for a jug whenever they drop by for casual afternoon talks on the porch.
Ingredients
- Water: to steep the tea and form the foundation for all the yummy flavors
- Green tea bags or loose leaf tea: packed with antioxidants and giving you a light energy boost
- Coconut water: brings natural minerals and light sweetness to the mix
- Mango juice: delivers tropical sweetness – try to get 100% juice with no added sugar
- Fresh or canned pineapple chunks: adds fun texture and bright fruity bits
- Ice cubes: absolutely needed for that properly cold refreshment
- Optional pineapple slices: to make your drink look fancy and inviting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew The Tea:
- Warm water until it's about 175°F – not fully boiling or your tea will turn bitter. Let tea bags or loose leaf sit for just 3-5 minutes and not a second more to avoid bitterness. Take out the tea and let it cool completely – don't rush this step or your tea might look cloudy.
- Combine The Tropical Elements:
- Transfer your cooled tea into a big pitcher with enough space for mixing. Add in the coconut water which gives you natural minerals and subtle sweetness. Pour in mango juice and stir so it mixes evenly throughout. Carefully add pineapple bits so they float nicely in the drink.
- Serve And Garnish:
- Pack glasses completely with ice – try using clear ice if you want it to look extra nice. Pour your tropical mixture over the ice but leave a little room at the top. Give each glass a light stir to spread out the fruit pieces. Top it off with a fresh pineapple slice on the edge for that vacation vibe.
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Those pineapple chunks really make this drink stand out for me. I found out how great they were when I had some leftover pineapple after making Hawaiian chicken. These days my daughter helps me fix this tea every weekend and she carefully picks out the juiciest pineapple bits for our pitcher.
Perfect Pairings
This sunny tea goes great with easy summer foods. Try it with grilled fish tacos, Thai-style salads, or coconut shrimp for a full tropical meal. It works especially well with spicy dishes, making it awesome for backyard cookouts with jerk chicken or hot and spicy kebabs.
Make It Your Own
You can switch up this basic recipe so many ways. Try using passion fruit juice instead of mango, or toss in some fresh mint leaves for a cool herbal twist. Want something richer? Swap half the coconut water for coconut cream. And if you like bubbles, add a splash of seltzer right before you serve it for a fizzy tropical treat.
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Storage Tips
This tea stays good in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container. The flavors actually get better after the first day as the fruit soaks in deeper. Keep your pitcher covered so it won't pick up other smells from the fridge. If you're making it ahead for company, wait to add ice until serving so it won't get watered down.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How long should I brew the green tea?
You can brew the tea for about 3-5 minutes, based on how you like it. The longer you brew, the stronger your tea will taste.
- → Can I use pineapple that isn't canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple tastes amazing in this drink. Just make sure you cut it into small bits after peeling so it mixes well.
- → What can I use if I don't have mango juice?
You can swap in orange juice or even passion fruit juice if you can't find mango juice at the store.
- → Can I make this drink beforehand?
For sure! You can mix everything up early and keep it in the fridge. Just wait to add the ice until you're ready to drink it so it doesn't get watery.
- → How do I make the drink sweeter?
If you want more sweetness, try adding a bit of honey or some simple sugar syrup to your drink.
- → What else can I use to dress up my drink?
Besides pineapple pieces, try adding some fresh mint leaves or a small lime wedge to make your drink look fancy and add extra flavor.