Every time I make this Filipino mango shake, it brings back memories of hot summer afternoons at my grandmother’s house in Bataan. The best part about this recipe? It only needs four simple ingredients: sweet ripe mangoes, ice, water, and a touch of honey.
Unlike fancy milkshakes, this refreshing drink lets our delicious Philippine mangoes be the star. Whether you’re craving something cold on a hot day or missing the taste of home, this quick and easy mango shake is exactly what you need. T
rust me, once you try this simple blend of pure mango goodness, you’ll be making it all summer long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Mango Flavor: Unlike other shakes, this recipe celebrates the pure, unadulterated taste of Philippine mangoes
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes with minimal ingredients
- Naturally Sweet: The sweetness comes primarily from ripe mangoes, with just a touch of honey
- Refreshing: Perfect for hot summer days or year-round tropical cravings
- Versatile: Easy to customize based on your sweetness preference
- No Dairy: A lighter alternative to milk-based shakes
Filipino Mango Shake Recipe
Equipment
- High-powered blender Essential for creating a smooth, slushy texture
- Sharp knife [Matalas na kutsilyo] For preparing the mangoes
- Spoon (Kutsara) For scooping out mango flesh
- Measuring cups For accurate ice and water measurements
- Chilled serving glass For the optimal drinking experience
Ingredients
- 3 ripe mangoes Hinog na mangga, flesh scooped out and roughly chopped
- 2 cups crushed ice Durog na yelo
- 1 cup cold water Malamig na tubig
- 1 tablespoon honey Pulot – adjust to taste
Instructions
- Begin by choosing mangoes that are very ripe. They should be soft to touch and have a sweet aroma.
- Slice each mango lengthwise around the pit. Score the flesh in a crisscross pattern, then scoop it out with a spoon into your blender.
- Add 2 cups of crushed ice to the blender, followed by 1 cup of cold water and 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Blend everything on high speed for one minute until completely smooth and slushy.
- Pour immediately into a chilled 16-ounce glass and serve right away.
- If making ahead for later, store in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, but know that the texture is best when enjoyed fresh. For an extra-cold drink, try freezing your serving glass for 10 minutes before pouring in your shake. This recipe serves one large portion or can be split into two smaller servings.
Tips from Lola’s Kitchen
- Always use Philippine mangoes (carabao mangoes) when possible for the best flavor
- The riper the mango, the sweeter your shake will be
- Chill your serving glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving
- If mangoes aren’t sweet enough, add honey gradually to taste
- For maximum refreshment, use crushed ice rather than whole cubes
Traditional Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately after blending
- Perfect as a merienda (afternoon snack)
- Pair with Filipino snacks like turon or bibingka
- Garnish with a small slice of fresh mango if desired
Troubleshooting
- Too thick: Add water gradually until desired consistency is reached
- Too thin: Add more crushed ice
- Not sweet enough: Add honey one teaspoon at a time
- Too icy: Let stand for 1-2 minutes before drinking
Ingredient Alternatives
- Honey: Can be replaced with simple syrup or sugar
- Crushed ice: Regular ice cubes work but may require longer blending
- Water: Coconut water for added tropical flavor
- Mangoes: While fresh is best, you can use frozen mangoes in a pinch
Storage & Reheating
- Best consumed immediately
- Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 4 hours
- Pour leftovers into ice cube trays for future smoothies
- Do not freeze as a whole shake
Variations
- Mango-Calamansi Shake: Add 1 tablespoon calamansi juice
- Protein Mango Shake: Add 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
- Spiced Mango Shake: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper
- Green Mango Shake: Use slightly unripe mangoes for a tart version
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why don’t you use milk in this shake? A: Traditional Filipino fruit shakes focus on the pure fruit flavor and use water instead of milk for a lighter, more refreshing drink. Q: How do I know if my mangoes are ripe enough? A: The mangoes should be slightly soft to touch and have a strong, sweet aroma. The skin should be mostly yellow-orange with some hints of red. Q: Can I make this in advance? A: This shake is best consumed immediately after blending. The texture changes if left too long. Q: Is this shake healthy? A: Yes! It’s made with natural ingredients and is rich in vitamins A and C. The sugar content comes primarily from the natural sugars in the mango. Q: Can I use frozen mangoes? A: Fresh mangoes are strongly recommended for authentic taste, but frozen can work in a pinch. Use slightly less ice if using frozen mangoes.
Nutrition
The Story Behind Filipino Mango Shake
When you visit the Philippines, you’ll quickly notice something special about our local cafes and restaurants – almost every menu features fruit shakes, with mango shake being the undisputed star. But our version is different from what you might expect. Instead of using milk and ice cream like Western-style shakes, we let our world-famous Philippine mangoes take center stage.
This simple approach to making mango shake started in small town refreshment stands, where locals would blend fresh mangoes with ice to help people cool down in our tropical heat. The recipe became popular because the Philippines grows some of the sweetest mangoes in the world – especially our prized Carabao mangoes, known internationally for their intense sweetness and smooth, fiber-free flesh.
In the 1980s and 1990s, as shopping malls started popping up across Manila and other cities, fruit shake stands became a common sight. Places like Fruitas and Big Chill made mango shakes even more popular, turning this simple blend of mangoes and ice into a beloved national refreshment. Today, you’ll find mango shakes everywhere from beach resorts in Boracay to small cafes in Davao, each using locally grown mangoes from their region.
What makes our mango shake special is its purity. Unlike other fruit shakes that add milk, yogurt, or artificial flavors, the Filipino mango shake relies on just the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes. We only add ice and sometimes a little honey, letting the mango’s flavor shine through. It’s this simplicity that makes it not just refreshing, but also a true taste of Philippine summer.
This drink is more than just a refreshment – it’s a celebration of one of our country’s most precious fruits. When Filipinos abroad make this shake, it’s often because they’re missing the taste of home. And when tourists try it for the first time, they’re experiencing one of the purest ways to enjoy Philippine mangoes. Whether you’re having it for merienda (afternoon snack) or to cool down on a hot day, each sip of mango shake tells the story of Philippine tropical flavors at their best.
