Making mango nectar from scratch takes less than 10 minutes. This sweet drink can be used in desserts, cocktails, and to make homemade mango juice. Skip the high fructose corn syrup and make a better-tasting version using our mango nectar recipe!
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We use mango nectar in desserts, like our mango chamoy popsicles, and cocktails. It makes a great substitute for orange juice in our blood orange margarita.
But after learning to make it from scratch I will never go back to store-bought.
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Why This Recipe Works
You have probably seen mango nectar at the store, but have you ever looked at the ingredients? Dyes and high fructose corn syrup!
And honestly, I am typically not an ingredient snob, but mangos are a delightful fruit full of sweetness and refreshing flavors. Those ingredients just aren't needed.
Mango nectar is a concentrated version of mango juice with added sugar. We use a simple syrup to ensure the nectar is silky smooth.
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover mangos and freezes well for long-term storage.
🧾Ingredient Notes
Mangos taste like a blend of pineapple, oranges, and apricots. At least those are the flavors I get.
For this homemade mango nectar, you can use fresh mangos or frozen mangos. And any variety works. Using mangos that are slightly squishy, but not rotten yet, is perfectly fine. Making homemade juices and nectars is a great way to reduce food waste.
Coconut sugar or honey can be substituted 1 for 1 in this recipe. And while our demerara simple syrup is fantastic, I don't recommend it for this recipe.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
⏲️How to Make Homemade Mango Nectar
This recipe is a quick 2 step process.
Step 1- Simple Syrup
Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Use a whisk or wooden spoon to gently stir until sugar is dissolved. This should take 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool for a few minutes.
Step 2- Blend
While the sugar syrup is cooling chop your mangos. Add the mangos and syrup to a blender. Blend until smooth. You can also use a food processor.
Note that the mixture will be thicker than mango juice.
How to Use Mango Nectar
Mango nectar can be used in desserts like these mangonada popsicles, as a substitute for OJ in marinades (like our Vietnamese grilled pork), in cocktails, smoothies, and more.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tip
Do not boil the syrup. Boiling the sugar will push it to the first of the candy stages.
💭 Variations
Coconut Mango Nectar
For a fun cocktail, I like to substitute coconut water for tap water for a fun twist.
How to Make Mango Juice
To make fresh mango juice from mango nectar blend together equal parts (1:1 ratio) of cold water and mango nectar. Serve over ice.
🌡️Storage
To store leftover mango nectar will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
You can also keep mango nectar (homemade or store bought) frozen for up to three months. I prefer to pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Move the frozen cubes to a zip-top bag for easy access.
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💬Frequently Asked Questions
Mango nectar is mango puree mixed with a liquid sweetener. Typically, a sugar simple syrup. Mango nectar is used to make drinks, smoothies, and desserts.
Mango nectar is concentrated mango juice and sugar. Mango fruit juice is mango nectar diluted with water.
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📖 Recipe
Mango Nectar
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups mango fresh or frozen, chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the simple syrup to cool.½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water
- Add mango and cooled simple syrup to a blender. Process for 30 seconds or until smooth.2 cups mango
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