Mango Pineapple non-alcoholic Sangria – Sensational and refreshing summer drink

Summer means vacation, sports, friends and MANGOES to me. Love for the mangoes are in to my genes, really – In my dad’s family every single member can just eat/sleep and drink mangoes in every form (well that includes me as well). Believe me, my Grandpa was diabetic but he never gave up on mangoes. I even eat chopped mangoes as my mid-night snack. One of my aunt eats pureed mango with steamed rice – which is very weird but she LOVES it. So basically my point is that everyone in my family is crazy for mangoes.

And when it comes to mangoes, my dad picks the best ones (he really does) and of course mom makes the best out of it. In fact every summer the guest bedroom was used to just store the dozens of mangoes. We used to wait for summer like anything. I don’t remember a single day we spent without eating mangoes in summer. Raw mangoes are used to make salads, chutneys, sherbet, juice, pickle etc…and ripe ones Pureed mango juice, mango curry, mango  juice, mango shake, mango lassi, mango salad, mango salsa etc… the possibilities are endless. But of the all I really love pureed mango along with mom’s double padi chapatti. Simple and heavenly! No doubt why mango is the king of the fruit.

Mango vendor in India – Photo courtesy: Google

We only get the best mangoes back on India. Here in USA we have to compromise it with Mexican mangoes, which are just OK. No offence but it is true. Once you try Indian mangoes, you will agree with me.

So talking about Mexican mangoes, supermarkets are literally overflowing with them. I think it is because Mexicans are celebrating their “Cinco de Mayo” festival on May 5^th. And as per Wikipedia the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride,and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War.

“Cinco de mayo” Image courtesy: Google

So I thought let’s create a drink to celebrate another culture! Although I am not aware of their culture a lot but I do love their food. Plus the weather has been pretty crazy lately over here. It’s really HOT! And this type of weather demands for some sensational, almost sugar-free and refreshing kid friendly drink!  Sensational because it has mangoes and pineapple, refreshing because it has mint, hint of ginger and lime juice and almost sugar-free because I have used Organic Agave nectar as a sweetener but I also have used ginger ale which I am sure has some sugar in it. And at last it is kid friendly because there is no alcohol in it. Because we do not drink alcohol! 🙂 But I promise this drink will not disappoint you, it tastes absolutely amazing!

So here I present to all of you Mango-Pineapple non-alcoholic Sangria!

Yields: A large pitcher

Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 liter chilled caffeine free Ginger ale – But use as required start with half bottle or 4 cups
• 1 cup freshly pureed Pineapple (fresh is best but canned might work)
• 1 cup freshly pureed Mango (Again fresh is the best)
• ¼ -1/2 cup Organic Agave nectar
• Zest of 2 Limes
• ½ cup freshly squeezed Lime juice
• ¼ cup freshly chopped Mint leaves
• 1-2 tsp fresh Ginger
• 1 tsp Sea salt or to taste
• 1 cups of chopped pineapple and mango
• Crushed ice

 Method:

1. In a large pitcher, combine pureed pineapple and mango along with agave nectar.
2. In a mortar and pestle crush mint leaves and ginger along with salt and little bit of lime juice. Crush it really well so you get all the juices out of it. If you do not have mortar and pestle, use food processor.
3. Add this paste to the pitcher along with rest of the lime juice and lime zest. Mix well and add ginger ale right before serving. Stir and check on salt and sweetness. Add more if needed. Or else serve over crushed ice filled glasses and ENJOY!
4. Oh do not forget to garnish with chopped fruits and mint leaves!