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 really 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, 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 them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram
Frozen mango margaritas
These grown-up popsicles are refreshing and cheeky.
Serves 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes + 8 hours freezing time
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 750ml (3 cups) mango, cubed (± 4 small mangoes)
- 62,5ml (¼ cup) lime juice, plus lime slices for garnish
- 75ml (3 tots) tequila
- 50ml (2 tots) Cointreau or orange flavoured liqueur
- 75ml (3 tots) orange juice
- Sea salt, to serve
- Lime wedges, to serve
Method:
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and purée until smooth. Pour into popsicle moulds and insert an ice cream stick in the middle of each. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
- To serve, unmould the popsicles and place on a tray with ice, sprinkle with salt flakes and garnish with lemon wedges.
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
- 750ml (1 bottle) fruity white wine
- 60ml (2 tots) Grand Marnier, Cointreau or orange flavoured liqueur
- ½ orange, thinly sliced
- ½ lemon, thinly sliced
- 500ml (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.
Text and images: South African Mango Growers’ Association.
