Learn how to make easy Homemade Mango Nectar in minutes. A three-ingredient mango recipe that is sweet, versatile, and full of tropical flavor!
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So what is Mango Nectar?
Mango nectar is similar to mango juice but is thicker and sweeter. It is sweet and refreshing with a tropical, fruity taste and has a thick and smooth consistency.
Store-bought mango nectar and mango juice most likely come with a long list of additives and preservatives along with dyes and high-fructose corn syrup. But this easy homemade version only has three simple ingredients: mangoes, water, and sugar.
Mango nectar is highly versatile. Not only can you enjoy it as is with lots of ice as a refreshing drink, but you can also add it to cocktails, smoothies, and desserts - or even drizzle it over some ice cream!
This recipe is perfect for using up any excess mangos during mango season and it is freezer-friendly! Ready in minutes with just a few simple steps, this easy recipe is guaranteed to be a summertime favorite!
What is the difference between mango nectar and mango juice?
Mango nectar is just mangoes, water, and sugar. Whereas mango juice is mango nectar diluted with water. Mango juice is therefore thinner and less sweet.
Looking for a perfect summer cocktail? Use this tasty mango nectar to make my EASY MANGO MOJITO RECIPE!
Ingredients and Notes
- Mangoes. This is where all of the recipe's flavor comes from, so be sure to use the sweetest and ripest mangoes you can. For best results, use Ataulfo, Alfonso, or Manila mangoes which have a sweet mango taste and a velvety, less fibrous texture.
- Water. Filtered or tap water is added to dissolve the sugar and thin out the nectar without altering the flavor. If you would like to add a touch of extra flavor you can use coconut water instead!
- Sugar. Granulated sugar is best for this recipe. But you can also substitute it with coconut sugar for a more natural alternative if desired.
Equipment you'll need
- Cutting board.
- Sharp knife.
- Small saucepan.
- Blender or food processor. Unlike many fruits, mangoes aren't ideal for a juicer as it’s too soft and pulpy. So instead, it is best to juice mango flesh using a blender or food processor.
- Pitcher for storing.
OPTIONAL ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS
- Citrus: Add a splash of lemon juice or lime juice before serving to brighten the nectar and add a zesty zing.
- Rosewater: A small amount of rose water will add a deliciously fragrant and floral taste.
- Chia seeds: Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds will thicken this nectar up even further, as well as add extra protein, omegas, and other health benefits.
- Whole spices: Try adding cardamom pods, cloves, or fresh ginger to the simple syrup and remove after cooling. This will add a deliciously spiced flavor to the mango nectar that is highly complementary to its natural sweetness and fruitiness.
I love serving this mango nectar with my REFRESHING MANGO PANNA COTTA! Give it a try - it is the perfect summertime sweet treat!
How to make Homemade Mango Nectar
This is a simple recipe that results in perfectly smooth and sweet nectar. Follow the simple step-by-step instructions below, or find the full recipe at the end of this post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP ONE
Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Continuously gently stir until sugar is dissolved - this should take 2 to 3 minutes. Do not boil the syrup.
STEP TWO
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to allow the simple syrup to cool.
STEP THREE
While the sugar syrup is cooling slightly, peel and chop your mangos into chunks. Add the mango chunks and cooled syrup to a blender.
STEP FOUR
Blend until smooth - about one minute. You can also use a food processor.
STEP FIVE
Pour into a pitcher or jar and store in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
If you’d prefer a smoother nectar, you can strain it through a fine sieve to remove any excess fibrous pulp. Use a spatula to help make the straining process faster by moving around the nectar in the sieve.
Storage Instructions
As it has no added preservatives, this homemade mango nectar has a shorter storage life than store-bought versions. This mango nectar can be stored for up to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
You can also freeze the mango nectar and store it for up to three months. I like to pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. And then place the frozen cubes in a freezer-safe bag for easy use.
Recipe Tips and Notes
Make mango juice. To make fresh mango juice from mango nectar, simply mix together equal parts (1:1 ratio) of cold water and mango nectar. Serve over ice.
Don’t waste the pulp. If you do strain the nectar after blending, avoid any food waste by adding the pulp to other smoothies or juices.
Choose ripe mangoes. It is important that your mango is ripe and ready to use for this recipe. The flesh should be soft, the skin should be smooth and unwrinkled, and the fruit should smell like mango from the outside of the skin.
Homemade Mango Nectar
Learn how to make easy Homemade Mango Nectar in minutes. A three-ingredient mango recipe that is sweet, versatile, and full of tropical flavor!
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 mangoes
Instructions
- Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Continuously gently stir until sugar is dissolved - this should take 2 to 3 minutes. Do not boil the syrup.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to allow the simple syrup to cool.
- While the sugar syrup is cooling slightly, peel and chop your mangos into chunks. Add the mango chunks and cooled syrup to a blender.
- Blend until smooth - about one minute. You can also use a food processor.
- Pour into a pitcher or jar and store in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
Notes
- If you’d prefer a smoother nectar, you can strain it through a fine sieve to remove any excess fibrous pulp. Use a spatula to help make the straining process faster by moving around the nectar in the sieve.
- This mango nectar can be stored for up to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- You can also freeze the mango nectar and store it for up to three months. I like to pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. And then place the frozen cubes in a freezer-safe bag for easy use.
- To make fresh mango juice from mango nectar, simply mix together equal parts (1:1 ratio) of cold water and mango nectar. Serve over ice.
I hope you love this Homemade Mango Nectar recipe as much as I do. Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more delicious recipe inspiration!
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