The first time I made this Cherry Mango Smoothie, I was surprised at how bright and balanced it tasted with only four ingredients.
It feels like summer in a glass—sweet, tart, and infinitely sip-able.
If you like a creamy twist, try my lighter take inspired by a cottage cheese mango smoothie for a protein boost.
This recipe is quick enough for weekday mornings and elegant enough for a brunch pitcher.
It uses pantry-friendly steps and a blender you already own.
You’ll be sipping in under five minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in minutes with minimal prep.
- Uses fresh or frozen fruit interchangeably.
- No added sugar needed—the fruit supplies natural sweetness.
- Hydrating, low-calorie, and naturally vegan if you stick to water and ice.
The texture is lush and silky when cherries and mango are perfectly pureed with ice.
It lands between a thick juice and a light milkshake—drinkable but satisfying.
Tart cherries cut through mango’s tropical sweetness, while the ice and water give the smoothie a refreshing finish without diluting flavor.
"I made this for my kids and they asked for seconds—bright, simple, and not too sweet. Five stars!" — Reader review
Key Ingredients
Cherries (2 cups, pitted; fresh or frozen)
Cherries are the backbone of this smoothie. They bring tartness, color, and antioxidants like anthocyanins. If you use frozen cherries, you get a naturally thicker, colder blend; if you use fresh, chill them first for the best texture.
Mango (1 cup, chopped)
Ripe mango adds floral sweetness and body. Choose Ataulfo or Keitt for creamier flesh; if mangoes are underripe, dice and let them sit at room temperature an hour to sweeten. Canned mango is a last-resort swap but will change texture and intensity.
Water (1 cup)
Water is intentionally neutral so the fruit flavors pop. Using cold water helps the blender freeze the mix slightly for a smoother mouthfeel. If you prefer creamier smoothies, swap half the water for coconut water or almond milk.
Ice cubes (1 cup)
Ice controls thickness and temperature. Crushed ice gives a silkier finish, while larger cubes can leave tiny flecks of cold fruit. Use filtered water to make your ice if your tap water has an off-taste.
Full ingredient list:
- 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup chopped mango
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the fruit
Make sure the cherries are pitted and the mango is diced into small, even chunks.
Smaller pieces blend more quickly and produce a creamier texture.
Pro Tip: If your cherries are fresh, remove pits with a small paring knife or a cherry pitter to avoid a bitter bite. You’ll know it’s ready when the fruit feels soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the water first
Pour 1 cup of cold water into the base of your blender before adding any solids.
This creates a liquid layer that helps the blades pull fruit down for an even blend.
Pro Tip: Start with cold water to keep the smoothie chilled and to reduce the blending time. Visual cue: the water should form a thin pool before you add fruit.
Step 3: Layer the cherries, mango, and ice
Add the cherries and chopped mango on top of the water, then place the ice on the very top.
Layering prevents fruit from sticking to the blender walls and improves circulation.
Pro Tip: If using a high-powered blender, you can skip exact layering, but for most household blenders this order ensures efficient blending. You’ll know it’s layered correctly when no dry fruit clings to the sides after you pulse.
Step 4: Start low, then increase to high
Secure the blender lid and begin on a low setting to break the fruit down.
Gradually increase to high and continue blending.
Pro Tip: Blend for 45–60 seconds total or until the mixture is completely uniform in color and texture. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed; the smoothie should pour smoothly without chunks.
Step 5: Serve immediately
Pour the smoothie into chilled glasses and drink right away for the best consistency.
The ice keeps it frosty; as it sits, it will thin slightly.
Pro Tip: If you plan to sip slowly, keep an extra handful of crushed ice on hand to refresh the texture. Visual cue: a perfectly blended smoothie has a single, even color with no streaks or lumps.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use frozen cherries for thicker texture and a colder drink. Frozen fruit acts like built-in ice so you can skip or reduce additional cubes.
- Choose mangoes that smell sweet at the stem end—this indicates ripeness and maximum flavor. Avoid overly fibrous varieties if you want silkiness.
- If your blender struggles, pulse in 10–15 second bursts and scrape the jar mid-way. This prevents overheating and ensures even results.
- For a creamier, higher-protein version, blend in 1/4–1/2 cup of cottage cheese or a scoop of plain Greek yogurt. Try ideas from this cottage cheese blueberry smoothie for inspiration on ratios and texture.
- Substitute half the water with coconut water for a hint of tropical flavor and electrolytes—this is especially nice after workouts.
- If the smoothie tastes flat, add a squeeze of lime or a pinch of fine sea salt—acid and salt brighten sweet-tart fruit flavors dramatically.
- For the silkiest mouthfeel, use a high-speed blender and blend an extra 10–15 seconds; this reduces visible fruit fibers and produces a velvety finish.
- To scale up for a crowd, multiply ingredients and blend in batches. Overfilling a blender can lead to uneven purées, so keep each batch at two-thirds capacity.
Storage & Freezing
Fridge: Store leftover smoothie in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Use a jar with a tight lid so the surface contact with air is minimized to preserve color and flavor.
Refrigeration tips: Refrigerated smoothies will separate; stir or shake vigorously before drinking.
Consume within 24 hours for best nutrient retention and taste.
Freezer: Pour the smoothie into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Portion into 1-cup servings if you plan to thaw for single-use.
How to reconstitute: Thaw frozen cubes in the fridge overnight or blitz frozen cubes in the blender with a splash of water.
If the texture is too thick after thawing, add 1–2 tablespoons of cold water and pulse until smooth.
Make-ahead idea: Freeze extra mango or cherries in resealable bags to keep you ready for morning blends.
You can also make a smoothie pack (pre-measured fruit) and freeze for convenience.
Variations & Substitutions
Tropical boost: Add 1/4 cup pineapple for extra acidity and brightness.
Swap half the water for coconut milk for a creamier, piña-colada–style drink.
Green version: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or a small piece of cucumber for color and subtle freshness.
Greens blend invisibly with mango’s sweetness when used in small amounts.
Protein-rich swap: Replace water with 3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant) and add 1/4 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.
If you love cottage-cheese-based smoothies, this follows the same balance used in my avocado cottage cheese smoothie for creaminess.
Dessert twist: Turn the flavors into a quick dessert topping by simmering cherries with a little sugar and pouring over vanilla ice cream.
If you enjoy cherry desserts, the texture and flavor profiles echo my baked treats like this cherry dump cake (version 2) and the classic cherry dump cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned mango or cherries for this smoothie?
A: Yes, but canned fruit is often packed in syrup, which adds sweetness and changes texture. Rinse canned fruit to remove excess syrup, then taste and reduce any added sweeteners. Fresh or frozen fruit will deliver the most vibrant flavor.
Q: Can I make this smoothie dairy-free and vegan?
A: Absolutely. The base recipe uses only water and ice, so it’s already vegan and dairy-free. If you add proteins like cottage cheese, swap in a plant-based yogurt or skip the dairy altogether.
Q: What blender is best for smoothies?
A: A high-speed blender (e.g., Vitamix, Blendtec) gives consistently smooth results, especially when blending ice and frozen fruit. Household blenders work too—just pulse and scrape as needed. Using cold water and small fruit pieces reduces strain on the motor.
Q: How can I make the smoothie less tart?
A: Add a ripe banana or a bit more mango to increase natural sweetness. A teaspoon of honey or maple syrup will also soften tartness without overwhelming the fruit.
Q: Is it possible to add supplements like protein powder or collagen?
A: Yes. Add 1 scoop of protein powder and blend briefly. If using collagen, dissolve it in a small amount of warm water first for a smoother finish. Adjust liquid to maintain your preferred thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Mango Smoothie is a simple, reliable recipe that showcases two fruits at their best.
It’s perfect for quick breakfasts, post-workout recovery, or a healthy dessert alternative.
Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and pin this to Pinterest if you enjoyed it.
Conclusion
For more ideas to tweak fruit-forward smoothies, check out this well-tested Mango Cherry Smoothie – Through The Fibro Fog for additional flavor combos.
If you want an anti-inflammatory take with similar ingredients, this Frosty Cherry Mango Smoothie – The Pretty Bee has thoughtful swaps and notes.
And for another simple Mango Cherry Smoothie riff with useful tips, see Mango Cherry Smoothie Recipe – Pumpkin ‘N Spice.
Cherry Mango Smoothie
Ingredients
Smoothie Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen) Bring tartness, color, and antioxidants.
- 1 cup chopped mango Adds floral sweetness and body.
- 1 cup water Neutral base for fruit flavors.
- 1 cup ice cubes Controls thickness and temperature.
Instructions
Preparation
- Make sure the cherries are pitted and the mango is diced into small, even chunks.
- Pour 1 cup of cold water into the base of your blender before adding any solids.
- Add the cherries and chopped mango on top of the water, then place the ice on the very top.
- Secure the blender lid and begin on a low setting to break the fruit down, then gradually increase to high.
- Blend for 45–60 seconds or until the mixture is completely uniform in color and texture.
- Pour the smoothie into chilled glasses and drink immediately.
