Here is my favorite mango yakult recipe, with just two simple ingredients that come together to make a creamy, refreshing drink that tastes like summer in a glass.
This mango yakult is what I reach for when I want something cool and satisfying on hot Portland afternoons. My kids love helping me blend it up, and it’s become our go-to treat when we need a quick pick-me-up. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best ones, don’t you think?
Why You’ll Love This Mango Yakult
- Super quick to make – This refreshing drink comes together in just 5-10 minutes, making it perfect for when you need a cool treat fast.
- Simple ingredients – With just mango, yakult, sparkling water, and some fun toppings, you probably have most of what you need already at home.
- Refreshing and bubbly – The combination of creamy yakult and fizzy sparkling water creates the perfect balance of smooth and sparkling that’s so satisfying to drink.
- Fun texture with popping boba – Those little bursts of flavor from the popping boba make every sip exciting and add a playful twist to your regular drink routine.
- Healthy and probiotic-rich – You get the natural sweetness from fresh mango plus the gut-friendly benefits of yakult, making this a treat you can feel good about.
What Kind of Mango Should I Use?
For this refreshing drink, you’ll want to pick a ripe mango that gives slightly when you press it but isn’t mushy. Popular varieties like Tommy Atkins, Haden, or Kent all work great, but honestly, any sweet mango from your grocery store will do the trick. The key is making sure it’s ripe enough to blend smoothly and provide that sweet, tropical flavor that pairs so well with the tangy Yakult. When cutting your mango, stick to the flesh away from the pit area since that part can be a bit stringy and might affect the smooth texture of your drink.
Options for Substitutions
This refreshing drink is super easy to customize with what you have on hand:
- Mango: Fresh mango works best, but frozen mango chunks are a great substitute – just thaw them first or blend them frozen for a thicker texture. You can also try other tropical fruits like peach, pineapple, or papaya.
- Yakult: If you can’t find Yakult, other probiotic drinks like kefir or even plain Greek yogurt thinned with a little milk will give you that creamy, tangy flavor.
- Sparkling water: Regular water works fine if you prefer it less fizzy, or you can use lemon-lime soda for extra sweetness. Coconut water is another nice option that pairs well with mango.
- Popping boba: These are fun but totally optional! You can substitute with regular tapioca pearls, chia seeds soaked in water for 10 minutes, or just skip them altogether for a simpler drink.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest mistake when making mango yakult is using unripe mangoes, which will give you a tart, unpleasant flavor instead of the sweet tropical taste you’re after – make sure your mango gives slightly when pressed and smells fragrant at the stem end.
Another common error is adding the sparkling water too early or shaking the drink vigorously, which kills all the fizz and leaves you with a flat beverage instead of that refreshing bubbly texture.
To get the best results, blend the mango and yakult first until smooth, then gently stir in the sparkling water and popping boba at the very end to preserve the carbonation and prevent the boba from bursting.
Don’t forget to serve immediately over plenty of ice, as this drink tastes best when it’s ice-cold and the bubbles are still active.
What to Serve With Mango Yakult?
This refreshing mango yakult drink is perfect on its own as a light snack or dessert, but it pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired treats. I love serving it alongside some crispy spring rolls or dumplings since the sweet, tangy flavors help cleanse your palate between bites. It also makes a great companion to spicy dishes like pad thai or Korean fried chicken – the creamy, fruity taste helps cool down the heat. For a fun dessert spread, try pairing it with some mochi ice cream or fresh fruit like strawberries and kiwi to keep the tropical vibe going.
Storage Instructions
Best Fresh: This mango yakult drink is definitely best enjoyed right after you make it! The sparkling water will lose its fizz and the popping boba might get a bit mushy if you let it sit too long. I’d recommend drinking it within 30 minutes for the best taste and texture.
Prep Ahead: You can cut your mango cubes and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before making your drink. Just keep everything else separate until you’re ready to mix and serve. The yakult should stay cold in the fridge, and add the sparkling water and popping boba right before drinking.
Leftover Tips: If you do have leftovers, you can keep the mixture in the fridge for a few hours, but it won’t be quite the same. The bubbles will be flat and the boba will be softer. You might want to add a splash of fresh sparkling water to perk it back up a bit.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 110-140
- Protein: 2-4 g
- Fat: 0-2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25-35 g
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup diced ripe mango (avoid area near pit)
- 1/2 cup yakult or similar yogurt drink
- 1/2 cup carbonated water
- Ice cubes as desired
- Popping boba to taste
Step 1: Mash the Mango
- 1/2 cup diced ripe mango (avoid area near pit)
Place the diced ripe mango into the serving cup.
Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to mash it thoroughly until it releases its juices and forms a chunky jam-like texture.
Mashing helps create a flavorful base for the drink.
Step 2: Assemble the Drink
- popping boba to taste
- ice cubes as desired
- 1/2 cup carbonated water
- 1/2 cup yakult or similar yogurt drink
Add the popping boba on top of the mashed mango, followed by your desired amount of ice cubes.
Pour in the carbonated water, then add the yakult or similar yogurt drink.
Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors before serving.
I like to give the drink a good stir to make sure the mango is well mixed with the yogurt and sparkling water for a refreshing, fruity taste.
Sweet Mango Yakult
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup diced ripe mango (avoid area near pit)
- 1/2 cup yakult or similar yogurt drink
- 1/2 cup carbonated water
- ice cubes as desired
- popping boba to taste
Instructions
- Place the diced ripe mango into the serving cup. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to mash it thoroughly until it releases its juices and forms a chunky jam-like texture. Mashing helps create a flavorful base for the drink.
- Add the popping boba on top of the mashed mango, followed by your desired amount of ice cubes. Pour in the carbonated water, then add the yakult or similar yogurt drink. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors before serving. I like to give the drink a good stir to make sure the mango is well mixed with the yogurt and sparkling water for a refreshing, fruity taste.