A mango daiquiri is a delicious frozen cocktail made with mango, rum, lime juice and sugar. It’s a sweet and tangy tropical drink that’s perfect for hot summer days or imagining you’re on a beach vacation. Daiquiris have a tart, citrusy flavor from the lime juice that when blended with sweet mango makes for an irresistible combination.
The core ingredients that go into a mango daiquiri are:
- Mango – Gives the daiquiri its sweet, fruity tropical flavor.
- Light rum – The base spirit that gives the cocktail its kick.
- Lime juice – Provides tartness and acidity to balance out the sweetness.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- Ice – Crucial for the frozen, slushy texture.
In addition to these core ingredients, there are some optional extras that can enhance the flavor:
- Simple syrup – Disolves easier than regular sugar to sweeten the daiquiri.
- Honey syrup – Provides depth of flavor along with sweetness.
- Triple sec – Orange liqueur that accentuates the citrus notes.
- Mint – Fresh herb that pairs perfectly with mango.
The exact measurements and additional ingredients you use will depend on your own taste preferences. But as long as you have mango, rum, lime and sweetener, you’ve got the basics covered to make a refreshing mango daiquiri.
Ingredients
Here is a closer look at the key ingredients that go into making a mango daiquiri:
Mango
Mango is the star ingredient that gives this cocktail its tropical identity. The soft, juicy, sweet mango flavor is what makes this drink special.
Use ripe, fresh mango for the best flavor. You’ll need around 1 cup of mango chunks without the skin and pit. Frozen mango works too if fresh isn’t available. Canned mango in light syrup can also be used, just drain it well and adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly since the syrup will make it sweeter.
Aim for mangoes that are fragrant, soft and bright orange-yellow when ripe. Some great mango varieties to use include:
- Ataulfo
- Kent
- Tommy Atkins
- Keitt
- Haden
White Rum
Rum gives the daiquiri its signature kick. For a mango daiquiri, stick to a light or silver rum. Dark rums can overpower the mango flavor.
Some good options include:
- Bacardi Silver
- Havana Club 3 Year Old
- Mount Gay Silver Rum
- Flor de Cana Extra Dry 4 Year Old
Use around 2 ounces of rum per serving. You can adjust it up or down slightly depending on how boozy you want the drink.
Lime Juice
Freshly squeezed lime juice is vital for providing acidity and citrus brightness to balance the sweetness of ripe mango.
You’ll need around 1-2 tablespoons of lime juice per serving. Key limes or Persian limes work well. Make sure to squeeze them when the limes are at room temperature for maximum juice extraction.
Bottled, pure lime juice can be substituted in a pinch if you don’t have fresh limes on hand.
Sugar
A sweetener is necessary to round out and enhance the flavors. Plain white sugar dissolves easily and works well. However, simple syrup or honey syrup can provide greater depth of flavor.
Use around 1 tablespoon of granulated white sugar per serving, adjusting to taste based on the sweetness of the mangoes. For simple syrup, use 2 tablespoons for the same level of sweetness.
Ice
Crushed ice gives the mango daiquiri its ideal frozen texture. Fill your blender halfway with ice before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Use regular ice cubes crushed up or even snow cone ice if you want an extra fine, soft texture.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy equipment or bartending skills to whip up a mango daiquiri at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cutting board and sharp knife – For cutting and chopping the mango.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To accurately measure out the ingredients.
- Citrus juicer or reamer – To extract fresh lime juice.
- Cocktail shaker (optional) – To mix and chill the ingredients.
- Blender – To puree the ingredients into a smooth frozen drink.
- stemmed glasses or hurricane glasses – To serve the daiquiris with style.
A cocktail shaker can be useful for initial mixing and chilling if you want, but the blender does most of the work. Just make sure your blender is strong enough to handle crushing ice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s get to the fun part – actually making the mango daiquiris! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prep the mango
Start by peeling, pitting and slicing the fresh mango into chunks. You need approximately 1 cup of mango pieces per drink.
If using frozen mango, take the chunks out of the freezer and let them thaw slightly so they can blend easier later on.
Step 2: Juice the limes
Cut the limes in half and juice them using a juicer, reamer or fork. Extract around 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice per serving.
Step 3: Gather remaining ingredients
Measure out the rum, sugar or other sweetener, and any other ingredients for your recipe.
Step 4: Combine in a cocktail shaker (optional)
For enhanced chilling and blending of flavors, you can first combine all the ingredients except ice in a cocktail shaker. Cover and shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds.
Step 5: Transfer to the blender
Add your mango-rum mixture to the blender along with plenty of crushed ice. Be sure not to overfill the blender. Leave room for everything to blend properly.
Step 6: Blend until smooth
Start blending, stopping to stir or shake up the contents as needed. Keep blending for 1-2 minutes until you achieve a smooth, frozen daiquiri consistency.
Step 7: Pour into glasses
Divide the mango daiquiri evenly between stemmed glasses. Garnish if desired with fruit, mint leaves or umbrellas! Enjoy your frozen mango cocktails.
Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic mango daiquiri, try playing around with additional flavors:
- Strawberry Mango Daiquiri – Add 4-5 strawberries
- Coconut Mango Daiquiri – Use coconut rum and coconut flakes
- Spicy Mango Daiquiri – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper
- Mangonada Daiquiri – Rim glass with chamoy and Tajín seasoning
Let your imagination run wild with tropical fruit combinations!
Mango Daiquiri FAQs
If you’re new to making mango daiquiris, you may have some questions on how best to mix up this summery cocktail:
Should it be blended or shaken?
For the signature smooth, icy texture, a mango daiquiri needs to be blended. Simply shaking with ice won’t achieve the desired frozen consistency. Always blend it in a powerful blender.
Can I make it without a blender?
You could technically shake it hard with crushed ice to chill it, but it won’t get fully frozen and smooth straight up. You could shake first then blend afterward. But for best results, a blender is a must.
What rum works best?
A light, silver or white rum allows the fresh mango flavor to really sing. Dark or spiced rums would overpower it. Some great options are Bacardi Silver, Havana Club 3 Year Old, or Mount Gay Silver.
How long does it last in the fridge?
A blended mango daiquiri will last 2-3 days stored in the fridge. Make sure you give it a good stir/shake when serving to re-blend any separation.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Absolutely! Omit the rum and add in pineapple or orange juice instead for a delicious non-alcoholic frozen blend. Kids will love it.
Should I use frozen or fresh mango?
Either works great, so use whatever you have on hand. Frozen mango makes it easier to achieve the thick, icy texture. But fresh mango has a vibrant flavor when ripe. Just adjust any added sugar based on whether you use frozen mangoes (sweeter) or fresh.
Storing and Freezing
Got leftovers after blending up a batch of mango daiquiris for friends? Here are some tips for storing and freezing:
- Transfer to an airtight container or mason jar.
- Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent icy crystallization.
- Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- For better long term storage, freeze alcohol-free versions only.
- When ready to serve, shake or stir vigorously to recombine any separation.
- Add fresh ice just before serving to re-chill and get that slushy texture.
With proper storage, you can keep a batch on hand ready to satisfy those mango margarita cravings any time!
Nutrition Information
Like any cocktail, the mango daiquiri isn’t exactly a health drink. But here is some nutrition info for a standard serving if you want to keep an eye on your intake:
| Nutrition Facts | Per serving: |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugar | 31g |
| Protein | 1g |
The high sugar content comes from the fruit, rum and added sweeteners. You can reduce the sugar by using only 1 tablespoon or going with a lower calorie sweetener option.
Overall though, while not the most nutritious choice, enjoying a mango daiquiri in moderation adds a fun tropical flair to your day!
The Perfect Mango Daiquiri Recipe
Ready to get blending this sweet and tangy frozen cocktail? Try out this foolproof mango daiquiri recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mango chunks
- 1⁄4 cup lime juice
- 1⁄4 cup white rum
- 2 tbsp simple syrup
- 1 cup ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine mango, lime juice, rum, simple syrup and 1/2 cup ice.
- Blend until smooth, adding more ice as needed until thick and frozen.
- Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Enjoy immediately!
This balanced blend of sweet mango, tart lime and tropical rum is sure to transport you to paradise. Adjust the ingredient amounts to your preferences for the perfect icy mango daiquiri every time.
Conclusion
A mango daiquiri is the ideal frozen cocktail for hot summer days or channeling tropical vacation vibes any time. With just a few simple ingredients like ripe mango, fresh lime juice, rum and sweetener, you can easily whip up this frozen blend.
Be sure to utilize a powerful blender and plenty of crushed ice to achieve that iconic smooth, icy daiquiri texture. Feel free to get creative and customize your mango daiquiri with other fruit flavors or spice.
Sip your creation on the beach, by the pool or wherever you want a sweet escape. The mango daiquiri’s luscious flavors will have you feeling like you’re in paradise no matter where you are!