Valentine’s Spirit With A Love-infused Mango Cocktail
You’ve heard of the romcom, but have you heard of the romtail? It’s a romantic cocktail and it’s the drink on everyone’s lips this Valentine’s Day, with one fruity little twist…it’s made with sweet, seasonal mangoes!
Okay, so they’re not called romtails (we made that up, but it has a nice ring to it – and if you like it put a ring on it, right?). But with romance in the air, craft cocktails still trending, and luscious mangoes in season, fruity romtails top our list for V-Day treats!
Cocktails have long enjoyed a love connection. The Margarita was named after a love interest (there are dozens of origin stories, but a beautiful señorita is at the centre of all of them), rosy-red sangria has roots stretching back to 200 BC and is a ‘summer of love’ favourite, and countless cocktails in shades of pink have been associated with romance through the ages.
We can see the appeal; nothing quite says ‘I love you’ than shaking (or stirring!) things up with a cocktail you made especially for your love. It has a certain jean ne sais quoi to it. Take this idea to the next level and add some fabulously fresh mangoes to the mix. These succulent fruits are called ‘love fruit’ in some countries, and in India, the mango tree is strongly associated with the season of love.
Local mangoes are available from December to April, right over Valentine’s Day. Look out for the green-skinned Kent and Keitt mangoes on shelves right now (Keitt has an apricot blush). Don’t forget, that these cultivars remain green even when ripe and ready to eat.
Mangoes are high in vitamins A, C, biotin, and potassium. They’re also a source of vitamins B1 and B6 and are free from fat, sodium, and cholesterol. What’s not to love? Our V-Day cocktail inspo includes frozen mango margaritas served popsicle style for an extra dash of cuteness and mango sangria.
Put on your favourite romcom, mix up a romtail, and add some mmmmm…mangoes for a Valentine’s Day with a fantastically fruity difference!
For more Mmmmm…mango recipes visit www.mango.co.za, like us on Facebook
Frozen Mango Margaritas
Mango Sangria
Sangria is a Spanish punch traditionally made using red wine and stone fruit. We have adapted this refreshing summer drink to include delicious mango. You can adjust the quality of alcohol to suit yourself.
Serves 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes + 2 hours macerating (soaking) time
Ingredients:
1 large ripe mango, peeled, stoned and thinly sliced
- 750 ml (1 bottle) fruity white wine
- 60 ml (2 tots) Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or orange flavoured liqueur
- ½ orange, thinly sliced
- ½ lemon, thinly sliced
- 500 ml (2 cups) soda water (optional)
- Mint and edible flowers to garnish
- Ice, to serve
Method:
- In a large jug combine the mango, wine, liqueur, orange, and lemon. Place in the fridge for 2 hours to macerate and for the flavours to develop.
- To serve pour into a serving jug top with soda water and decorate with mint and edible flowers. Serve over ice.
Cook’s Tip:
Do not put ice into the jug as it will dilute the drink, rather serve over ice in glasses.