There’s nothing quite like that first sweet, fruity sip of Olive Garden’s Mango Strawberry Iced Tea — it’s cold, flavorful, and just the right mix of tropical and tart. It’s the kind of drink you could keep refilling all afternoon (and at Olive Garden, you probably did!).
Luckily, it’s super easy to recreate this refreshing favorite at home using real fruit, fresh-brewed tea, and a few simple tricks.
I first started making this copycat recipe during the summer months when the craving hit but a restaurant visit wasn’t in the cards. Now it’s a regular part of my family’s warm-weather routine.
It’s just sweet enough, lightly caffeinated, and beautiful to look at — especially served over ice with sliced fruit. Let’s just say this one earns a permanent spot in your drink rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This iced tea is cool, crisp, and bursting with real fruit flavor. Unlike some versions that use heavy syrups or fake extracts, this one is made with fresh strawberries, mango nectar, and brewed black tea.
That means a cleaner taste, customizable sweetness, and no mystery ingredients.
It’s also perfect for entertaining. You can make a big pitcher ahead of time, then serve it over ice with fruit slices for a beautiful (and delicious) drink that everyone will love — kids and adults alike!
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups water
- 2 black tea bags (or 1 family-size tea bag)
- 1 cup mango nectar (canned or bottled)
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1–2 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: extra sliced fruit and mint for garnish
Pro Tips
- Use strong black tea (like Lipton or English breakfast) for a bold base that doesn’t get lost in the fruit.
- Don’t boil the tea bags — steep in hot water, then remove to avoid bitterness.
- Chill before serving — letting the flavors meld makes a huge difference in taste.
- Use mango nectar (not juice) for that thick, sweet restaurant-style consistency.
- Add fresh fruit slices just before serving for a beautiful look and added flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Kettle or saucepan (to boil water)
- Pitcher
- Spoon
- Strainer (if using fresh puréed fruit)
- Glasses for serving
- Cutting board and knife
- Optional: muddler or masher for fruit
Substitutions & Variations
- No mango nectar? Blend canned or frozen mango with a splash of water or orange juice.
- Want it caffeine-free? Use herbal tea like rooibos or hibiscus instead of black tea.
- Low-sugar version: Skip the honey or use stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Add fizz: Mix with club soda or sparkling water for a fruity spritzer!
Make Ahead Tips
You can brew the tea and mix in the nectar, fruit, and sweetener up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the fridge in a sealed pitcher.
Add ice and garnish right before serving for the freshest flavor and best presentation.
Instructions
1. Brew the Tea
Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat. Add tea bags and steep for 5–7 minutes. Remove tea bags and let cool to room temperature.
2. Sweeten the Tea
While the tea is still warm, stir in honey or sugar if using. Mix until dissolved.
3. Add Fruit and Mango Nectar
In a pitcher, combine cooled tea, mango nectar, lemon juice, and sliced strawberries. Stir gently.
4. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow flavors to develop and fully chill the tea.
5. Serve
Pour over ice in glasses. Garnish with extra sliced fruit and a sprig of mint if desired. Stir before serving.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover tea in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher for up to 3 days. The fruit may soften, so remove it after 24 hours if you prefer a cleaner look.
Stir well before serving again, as natural separation is normal.
Recipe FAQs
1. What’s the difference between mango nectar and mango juice?
Mango nectar is thicker and sweeter, usually made from puréed mango and sugar. Juice is more diluted and less flavorful for this recipe.
2. Can I use green tea instead of black?
Yes! It will have a lighter taste and a little less caffeine, which some people prefer.
3. Can I freeze this tea?
You can freeze it into ice cubes to use in future glasses — it keeps your drink cold without watering it down.
4. Can I use frozen fruit?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work great and will even help chill the tea as they thaw.
The Final Pour
This Olive Garden Mango Strawberry Tea copycat recipe is refreshing, flavorful, and way easier to make than you’d expect.
Whether you’re sipping it poolside, pouring it for a party, or making dinner feel a little more special, it brings the perfect balance of sweetness, fruit, and tea.
If you try it out, let me know in the comments how it turned out — and which fruit blend you want to try next!