Name: Mango and Lime Spritzer
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 2 mangos , peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped; ½ teaspoon grated lime zest plus 1 tablespoon juice; 3 cups seltzer , chilled

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 mangos, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped

½ teaspoon grated lime zest plus 1 tablespoon juice

3 cups seltzer, chilled

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

2 mangos, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped

½ teaspoon grated lime zest plus 1 tablespoon juice

3 cups seltzer, chilled

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

2 mangos, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped

½ teaspoon grated lime zest plus 1 tablespoon juice

3 cups seltzer, chilled

Test Kitchen Techniques

Why This Recipe Works

Fresh mango was essential to this spritzer because it is one of only two ingredients; we found that without other flavors to stand behind or meld with in this drink, frozen mango was not assertive enough. While frozen mango is available year-round and is welcome in smoothies, this beverage needed the fresh and juicy flesh of a ripe mango. For a tropical pairing, we processed the fresh mango with lime juice and some intense-tasting zest to add strong lime aroma and much-needed acidity to balance out the sweet fruit. When the mango was broken down in the food processor, it created a beautifully thick puree. Straining this blend was essential to filter out the fruit pulp and the lime zest, which imparted nice flavor but can taste bitter when ingested straight. In addition to plain seltzer, this pureed combination pairs nicely with coconut water, which adds a little body and mild sweetness to the drink.

Instructions

Process mangos and lime zest and juice in food processor until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, about 1 minute. Strain mixture through fine-mesh strainer into pitcher. (Puree can also be stored in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days; transfer puree to pitcher before proceeding.)

Just before serving, gently stir seltzer into puree until combined. Pour into ice-filled glasses. (You can also make a single portion by combining ¼ cup puree and ¾ cup seltzer in glass before adding ice.)