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Mango Bango Smoothie

This bright mango banana drink is cold, thick, and sunny without needing added sugar. Coconut water keeps it light, while lime and ginger make the mango flavor pop.

Total time
10 min
Yield
2 drinks
Difficulty
Easy

Prep 10mCook 0mDrinks

Mango bango is the kind of blender drink you make when you want something fruity, cold, and fast. It tastes like a smoothie-shop treat, but the ingredient list is simple: mango, banana, coconut water, orange juice, lime, ginger, and ice.

Frozen mango gives the drink its thick texture, so there is no need for yogurt or ice cream. A ripe banana adds body and natural sweetness, while lime juice keeps the smoothie from tasting flat.

Serve it as an afternoon cooler, a light breakfast with toast, or a kid-friendly party drink. If your mango is very tart, you can sweeten each glass to taste after blending.

01What you'll need

Ingredients

7 items · 2 drinks

  • 2 cups frozen mango chunks (about 280 g)
  • 1 medium ripe banana, peeled
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut water
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1 cup ice cubes

02How to make it

Step-by-step

  1. 1. Check the mango

    Use frozen mango straight from the freezer. If the chunks are very large, let them sit on the counter for 3 to 5 minutes so your blender can catch them more easily.

  2. 2. Add the liquids first

    Pour the coconut water, orange juice, and lime juice into the blender. Adding liquids first helps the blades move and gives you a smoother drink.

  3. 3. Add the fruit

    Add the banana, frozen mango, grated ginger, and ice. Break the banana into a few pieces with your hands so it blends faster.

  4. 4. Blend until smooth

    Start on low speed, then increase to high. Blend for 45 to 60 seconds, or until the drink looks creamy and no mango pieces remain. If the blender stalls, stop and scrape down the sides, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons more coconut water.

  5. 5. Taste and adjust

    Taste the smoothie before pouring. If it tastes too thick, blend in a splash more coconut water. If it tastes too sweet, add a little more lime juice. If your fruit is tart, add a small drizzle of maple syrup or honey to your glass, if you like.

  6. 6. Serve right away

    Pour into two chilled glasses and serve with straws or spoons. The smoothie is thickest and coldest right after blending.

03From our kitchen

Cook's tips

  • Make-ahead: For the freshest texture, blend just before serving. You can prep a freezer pack with the mango, sliced banana, and ginger up to 1 month ahead.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in a covered jar for up to 24 hours. The smoothie will separate, so shake or re-blend before drinking.
  • Swap the liquid: Coconut water makes the drink light. For a creamier version, use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or light coconut milk instead.
  • Use fresh mango: Fresh mango works, but the drink will be thinner. Use 2 cups diced ripe mango and increase the ice to 1 1/2 cups.
  • No fresh ginger? Use a tiny pinch of ground ginger, or leave it out. Fresh ginger tastes brighter, so start small if you are sensitive to spice.
  • Too thick to blend? Add liquid a tablespoon at a time. Too much liquid at once can turn a frosty smoothie into juice.

Cook's note

Nutrition is calculated for the smoothie as written, using frozen mango, one medium banana, unsweetened coconut water, orange juice, lime juice, fresh ginger, and ice. Optional sweeteners or liquid swaps are not included.

04Frequently asked

Questions & answers

Can I make mango bango without banana?

Yes. Replace the banana with 1/2 cup frozen pineapple or 1/2 cup frozen peaches. The smoothie will be a little less creamy, so you may want to add 2 tablespoons yogurt or coconut milk if you want more body.

Do I need a high-speed blender?

A high-speed blender helps, but it is not required. Add the liquids first, let the mango soften for a few minutes, and blend in short bursts if using a standard blender.

Can I turn this into a smoothie bowl?

Yes. Reduce the coconut water to 1/2 cup and skip the ice at first. Blend until very thick, then spoon into bowls and top with granola, sliced fruit, or coconut flakes.

Is mango bango vegan?

The recipe as written is vegan because it uses fruit, coconut water, and juice. If you add honey as a sweetener, it will no longer be vegan; use maple syrup or agave instead.

Why does my smoothie taste bland?

It may need acid or a pinch of salt. Add another squeeze of lime juice first. If the mango is not very sweet, a small pinch of salt can also make the fruit flavor stand out.

05Per serving

Nutrition facts

Nutrition Facts

2 drinks

Amount per serving

Calories191

% Daily Value*

Total Fat1 g
1%
Saturated Fat0 g
0%
Cholesterol0 mg
0%
Sodium129 mg
6%
Total Carbohydrate46 g
17%
Dietary Fiber5 g
18%
Total Sugars35 g
Protein3 g
6%
Vitamin D0 mcg
0%
Calcium57 mg
4%
Iron0.9 mg
5%
Potassium882 mg
19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

05Keep cooking