As if mint and lemonade weren’t refreshing enough on their own, we’ve combined these two flavors and given them a boost of mango and basil to really elevate your summer mocktail game. Make a batch of Mango Mint Lemonade to share at a gathering with friends, or kick back at the end of the day with a glass.
This beverage isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s also great for gut function. A single mango provides a healthy dose of vitamin C and a variety of other antioxidants known as polyphenols. One of these is polymeric gallotannin, which was found in a 2021 review to potentially improve digestive health. [1]
A 2018 randomized controlled trial also found that mangoes were more effective at reducing symptoms of constipation than supplementing with fiber alone. [2]
Another polyphenol called mangiferin may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits, [3,4] though more research is needed.
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References
- Kim H, Castellon-Chicas MJ, Arbizu S, Talcott ST, Drury NL, Smith S, et al. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Polyphenols: Anti-Inflammatory Intestinal Microbial Health Benefits, and Associated Mechanisms of Actions. Molecules. 2021 May 6;26(9):2732. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34066494/
- Venancio VP, Kim H, Sirven MA, Tekwe CD, Honvoh G, Talcott ST, et al. Polyphenol-rich Mango (Mangifera indicaL.) Ameliorate Functional Constipation Symptoms in Humans beyond Equivalent Amount of Fiber. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2018 May 29;62(12):1701034.
- Palanuvej C, Ganogpichayagrai A, Ruangrungsi N. Antidiabetic and anticancer activities of Mangifera indica cv. Okrong leaves. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research. 2017;8(1):19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28217550/
- Gold-Smith F, Fernandez A, Bishop K. Mangiferin and Cancer: Mechanisms of Action. Nutrients. 2016 Jun 28;8(7):396. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4963872/
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Mango Mint Lemonade
- Recipe by: Andrea Dehnke
- Serves: 4
- Meal: Beverage
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
1/2 mango, cubed
6 basil leaves
2 lemons, juiced—plus more slices for garnish
4 tsp raw honey
1/2 cups water
12 mint leaves
2/3 cups sparkling water
Ice
Directions
To a cocktail shaker, add mango, basil, and lemon juice. Muddle together until a puree is formed. Set aside.
Pour honey and water into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk until honey dissolves, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add mint to saucepan and let steep for at least 30 minutes while the syrup cools.
Once cool, pour into the cocktail shaker with mango and basil. Add ice and shake for several seconds.
Strain between four glasses and top with sparkling water and ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and serve.
