I’ve been looking forward to sharing this sunshine-in-a-jar recipe with you! This small-batch mango lemonade concentrate was a joy to make and even more of a joy to sip once it was done. I used frozen mango cubes, lemon juice, and sugar, and then steamed-canned it for long-term pantry storage.
You can enjoy this concentrate diluted with cold water or sparkling water, or unsweetened iced tea. It makes a refreshing, shelf-stable drink that can be enjoyed all year round.
This post goes along with my YouTube video, where I walk you through the entire process.
📺 Watch the full video here:
⚠️ The recipe below is the output of a prompt that I created using ChatGPT. It follows safe water bath canning guidelines. Always check for updates via trusted resources, such as the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
✅ Ingredients for Mango Lemonade Concentrate
•6 cups mango puree (fresh or frozen, well-blended, no added sugar)
•4 cups bottled lemon juice (not fresh-squeezed; bottled is required for consistent acidity)
•6 cups granulated sugar
•(Optional) 1–2 cups water for blending/puree consistency
✅ Step-by-Step Canning Instructions
1. Prepare Jars & Equipment:
Wash jars, lids, and bands. Preheat jars in simmering water. Prepare water bath (or steam) canner.
2. Make Concentrate:
-In a large pot, combine mango puree, bottled lemon juice, and sugar.
-Stir well and heat just to 190°F (88°C), do not boil (to preserve fresh flavor).
-Stir to dissolve sugar completely.
-(Optional: For a smoother texture, strain puree before heating.)
3. Fill Jars:
-Ladle hot concentrate into hot jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
-Wipe rims, apply lids and bands finger-tight.
4. Process:
-Process in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes (pints and quarts).
-Adjust time for altitude as needed.
5. Cool:
-Remove jars, cool for 12–24 hours. Check seals.
✅ How to Serve the Concentrate
Mix 1 part concentrate with 1–1.5 parts cold water, sparkling water, or to taste. Add ice and enjoy.
✅ Tips for Safe Canning
•Use bottled lemon juice to ensure safe acidity. Do not substitute with fresh.
•Do not reduce the amount of lemon juice or sugar, as this affects safety.
•This recipe is adapted from safe, tested recipes for fruit concentrates.
A Note on Taste: This is good! You can dilute it with water, sparkling water, or use it in mocktails. Whatever you can imagine, you can do it. You made it so the rules are your rules.
Don't have canning supplies? No problem, friend. I gotchu! You can also freeze this concentrate ❄❅❆.
What's Next: I am planning to do more seasonal drinks like blueberry limeade or peach lemonade as the summer goes on. Make sure to subscribe to this blog and subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss them.
And if you’re new here, welcome! I share cozy, grounded kitchen and garden content rooted in authenticity and intention.
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