Unlike quite a few of the offerings we saw earlier this summer, this is a product that actually should be mango-flavored. It's a sweet, candy mango taste that blends well with tequila. Margaritas are a uniquely-summery beverage, and they lend themselves to uniquely-summery flavors like mango. To me, it seems much fruitier and juicier than its lemon-lime predecessor. Of course, both flavors are good, but in a way, I think this one works even better. Who knows? This product may actually pre-date the recent onslaught of mango insanity at Trader Joe's. Somehow it just doesn't seem as forced as products like mango sandwich cookies and mango chia pudding.
Also like the previously-reviewed traditional flavor, this margarita mixer uses simple, natural ingredients. If there's anyone else out there who enjoys margaritas and also tries to avoid high fructose corn syrup, I'm sure you've discovered that it's virtually impossible to find margarita mixer at a normal grocery store that uses actual sugar in its ingredients—and in the rare case you do find it, it costs an arm and a leg. This stuff is only $2.69.
By itself, the mixer is very thick and way too sweet. It needs to be diluted significantly. I think four ice cubes and one shot of tequila per two ounces mixer works best, but it's also decent as the base for virgin cocktails with only water/ice and maybe a lime wedge, as suggested on the label—so, yes, the kids can enjoy this one, too.
Mangoritas taste like summer. Double fours.
Bottom line: 8 out of 10.
This was sold out by late June in my local Trader Joe's! I managed to buy three bottles but that was it. Sigh. But you can make a decent mango margarita with their small cans of pure mango juice and fresh squeezed lime...and it's not as sweet as the mix.
ReplyDeleteGood to know! Thanks, KeriL.
DeleteOh my gosh I thought that the mangofest had previously ended
ReplyDeleteMore non-mango reviews coming soon...
DeleteHi Nathan and Sonia,
ReplyDeleteI recently found your blog and podcast and love it as my wife and I are also TJ fanatics (although we also split our grocery shopping between TJ and Whole Foods - ever notice how many of them are within a mile or two of each other?). I did want to just say hi and was curious if you tried pairing this mango mix with any other spirits? I'm thinking it might work well with vodka. I don't really drink Tequila anymore (bad experiences!).
Keep up the good work!!
Chris
Hi Chris. Thanks for reading, listening, and commenting! We rarely buy hard liquor. Tequila for margaritas is the exception to the rule for us. So no, we've never tried this mixer with anything else. But vodka is pretty neutral, so I think there's a good chance it would work.
DeleteUnlike Nathan ^ I often buy hard liquor! ;) And here's a little spicy twist that's great with this mix. I recently tried making an infused tequila at home, following the lead of one of my fave bars in the west village here. It's pretty easy: pick up a bottle of good tequila (I suggest a reposado for that intermediate mellowness-plus-sweetness, but a white/blanco/silver will work too.) Do a couple of shots from the bottle to make the process go smoother. (OK, and to make a little extra room in the bottle!) Then rinse and slice up 3-4 fresh jalapeno peppers from TJs, about 1/4 inch thick. Put the slices into the bottle, seeds and all, leaving the stems behind. Cap and shake, and give it a shake a couple of times a day (or more). It should be ready in 3-4 days. This jalapeno tequila has quite a bite to it (a warm, lingering heat) and when added to this mango mixer, reminds me of a long-discontinued TJ fave of mine, the frozen mango chili pops. (I'm thinking the chili-lime-salt seasoning may e good on the rim of the glass for this drink!)
ReplyDeleteJalapeno tequila with mango mixer and chili lime salt?? :-O
DeleteI just might have to try that!