Mangonada
Every summer, there’s a moment when the heat becomes almost unbearable, and you find yourself craving something refreshing and sweet. That’s when I whip up my favorite treat: Mangonada. This vibrant drink captures the essence of summer, bursting with the flavors of ripe mango and zesty lime, perfectly complemented by a hint of spice from Tajin. It transports me back to my childhood, where every corner of my neighborhood was filled with the delightful chatter of kids enjoying their favorite frozen treats. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a summer get-together, this Mangonada is the perfect companion to cool you down and brighten your day.
Recipe Snapshot
10 mins
10 mins
0 mins
Medium
150 kcal
1 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
0 g
Chef’s Knife, Blender
The Best Thing About This Mangonada
1. A Burst of Flavor
What sets Mangonada apart is its explosion of flavor. The combination of fresh mango, creamy coconut water, and tangy lime juice creates a refreshing drink that awakens your taste buds.
2. Unique Texture
The texture of this drink is a delightful blend of smooth mango puree and icy slush. You have the option to add more ice if you prefer a thicker consistency, making each sip a unique experience.
3. Colorful Presentation
Not only does Mangonada taste great, but it also looks stunning. With its vibrant yellow-orange hue, it’s a feast for the eyes. Topping it off with sliced mango and a sprinkle of Tajin gives it that extra flair.
4. Versatile Enjoyment
This drink is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for hot summer days, festive gatherings, or even as a sweet surprise for kids. Everyone loves a refreshing drink, and this one is a hit!
5. Easy to Make
Don’t worry if you’re not a kitchen whiz; Mangonada is super easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a blender, you can whip it up in no time.
6. Customizable Delight
Want to personalize it? Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add your favorite toppings. Maybe you’ll discover your own twist on this classic!
What You Need for Mangonada

Gathering high-quality ingredients is essential for creating a delicious Mangonada. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and spice. The key players include ripe mango, which provides that rich, tropical flavor, and lime juice, which adds a refreshing zing. Combined with the creamy goodness of coconut water, you’ll have a drink that’s not only flavorful but also incredibly refreshing.
- 1 cup mango chunks, fresh or frozen: Choose ripe, flavorful mango chunks for the best taste. Fresh is ideal, but frozen works too!
- ½ cup cold coconut water, coconut milk, or water: This gives the drink a smooth texture and adds a hint of tropical flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best, brightening up the flavors of the mango.
- Chamoy sauce, to your taste (recipe in notes): This sweet and spicy sauce adds a unique depth to your drink.
- Tajin, for the rim: This seasoning mix of chili powder, lime, and salt gives a flavorful kick.
- sliced mango, for serving: A lovely garnish that enhances the drink’s vibrant look.
- tamarind stick, for serving (optional): A traditional touch to enhance the flavor and presentation.
The Method for Mangonada

Making a Mangonada is as easy as blending a few simple ingredients together! The steps are straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a deliciously refreshing beverage in no time. Let’s dive into the process!
- Begin by rimming your tall glass with Tajin. This step adds a burst of flavor right from the first sip. Just moisten the rim of the glass with a little lime juice and then dip it into a plate filled with Tajin.
- Now, it’s time to blend! In your blender, combine the mango chunks, coconut water, lime juice, and a handful of ice. Blend until smooth, ensuring there are no chunks left. You can adjust the amount of ice based on your preference for texture.
- Once blended, taste your mixture. If you’d like it a little sweeter or more tangy, feel free to add more lime juice or sweetener of your choice.
- Next, pour the mango smoothie into the prepared glass. Since this is a layered drink, pouring it slowly will help maintain the beautiful layers.
- Now, take your chamoy sauce and drizzle it over the top of the mango mixture. Drizzle it in a spiral motion or however you fancy, layering as you go.
- To finish off, sprinkle a little more Tajin on top and add a few slices of mango for decoration. You can also place a tamarind stick in the glass as a garnish.
- Finally, enjoy your refreshing Mangonada! Sip on it slowly to savor the vibrant flavors.
Things Worth Knowing
- Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest mango to ensure your Mangonada is bursting with flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Don’t hesitate to tweak the amount of lime juice and chamoy sauce to suit your taste.
- Layering Technique: Pouring slowly and layering your chamoy sauce will create a beautiful drink that is as appealing as it is delicious.
- Ice Consistency: The amount of ice can change the texture; experiment to find your preferred consistency.
Ways to Customize

One of the best things about Mangonada is its flexibility. You can easily adjust it to fit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Here’s how:
- Add More Fruit: Enhance the flavor by mixing in other tropical fruits like pineapple or passionfruit.
- Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, consider adding a pinch of chili powder to your mango mixture for an extra kick.
- Sweetness Variations: Use honey, agave, or a sweetener of your choice to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Non-Dairy Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, ensure you use coconut water or milk without additives.
- Garnish Options: Experiment with different garnishes, such as fresh mint or a sprig of basil for an aromatic touch.
What to Serve With Mangonada
Pairing your Mangonada with the right dishes can enhance your experience. Here are some delightful options:
- Tacos: The sweet and salty contrast of Mangonada pairs well with spicy tacos, creating a well-rounded meal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Keep it light with a fresh fruit salad, allowing the mango flavors to shine.
- Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a refreshing contrast to savory proteins.
- Snacks for Gatherings: Perfect for summer picnics or parties, it keeps guests cool and satisfied between bites.
- Light Salads: A simple cucumber or avocado salad complements the flavors wonderfully.
- As a Dessert: Enjoy it as a refreshing end to a rich meal; it’s light and satisfying.
FAQ
Conclusion
Mangonada is a delightful drink that truly captures the spirit of summer. With its refreshing flavors and vibrant presentation, it’s a wonderful way to cool off on a hot day. I encourage you to try making this delightful drink at home; I promise you’ll love every sip! So gather your ingredients and enjoy a taste of summer’s sweetness right in your glass.

Mangonada
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 1. Begin by rimming your tall glass with Tajin. This step adds a burst of flavor right from the first sip. Just moisten the rim of the glass with a little lime juice and then dip it into a plate filled with Tajin.
- 2. Now, it's time to blend! In your blender, combine the mango chunks, coconut water, lime juice, and a handful of ice. Blend until smooth, ensuring there are no chunks left. You can adjust the amount of ice based on your preference for texture.
- 3. Once blended, taste your mixture. If you’d like it a little sweeter or more tangy, feel free to add more lime juice or sweetener of your choice.
- 4. Next, pour the mango smoothie into the prepared glass. Since this is a layered drink, pouring it slowly will help maintain the beautiful layers.
- 5. Now, take your chamoy sauce and drizzle it over the top of the mango mixture. Drizzle it in a spiral motion or however you fancy, layering as you go.
- 6. To finish off, sprinkle a little more Tajin on top and add a few slices of mango for decoration. You can also place a tamarind stick in the glass as a garnish.
- 7. Finally, enjoy your refreshing Mangonada! Sip on it slowly to savor the vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Homemade Chamoy Sauce: In a blender, blend together 1 jar apricot jam, 1/2 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup water, 1-3 tablespoons ancho or regular chili powder, 1-3 tablespoons honey, and a pinch of salt until combined. Taste and add more chili powder as desired. The sauce will keep in the fridge for 1 month.


