Mexican Snow Cones with Mango Syrup

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When the heat of summer strikes, make some mango syrup and beat the heat with a cold, icy treat. Mexican snow cones are the perfect treat and can be made with just a few simple ingredients!

A close-up of a small, clear glass bowl filled with bright yellow mango syrup.
A stainless steel spoon rests in the bowl, dipped slightly into the syrup.
The bowl sits on a wooden cutting board surrounded by several green palm leaves.

Making Mexican Snow Cones with Mango Syrup

Mexican snow cones, or "raspados," are a popular choice for beating the summer heat. Does anything taste better than sinking your spoon into an ice cold glass of shaved ice and syrup? One of the standout flavors in this treat is mango syrup, which adds a tropical twist. This recipe is all natural and very simple to make with just a few ingredients! We know these snow cones pair well with our 4 ingredient guacamole recipe, some pineapple mango salsa chicken, or a chicken mango salad.

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Making Mexican Snow Cones with Mango Syrup
Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Storage
FAQ
Finishing Up
Mexican Snow Cones with Mango Syrup

A small, round bowl of Mexican snow cone with mango ice cream on a wooden cutting board. The ice cream is a light yellow color with flecks of orange throughout. A stainless steel spoon rests in the bowl.

Ingredients

Let's get started making our syrup first. You will need:

Diced fresh or frozen mango
Water
Sugar
Cinnamon and/or Tajin (optional)

Instructions

In a saucepan over medium low heat, combine the mangos, water, sugar and cinnamon. Keep temperature at medium low heat until sugar is dissolved, then turn heat up to medium high and bring mixture to a boil. Once mixture is boiling, turn down heat to low and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until mango is cooked and syrup thickens.
Remove mixture from heat and allow to cool completely. To speed cooling, you can place mixture in refrigerator or freezer for several minutes.
To serve, spoon cooled mixture over shaved ice. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or tajin if desired.

Substitutions

This recipe is naturally gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian so it's the perfect treat for serving to those with a variety of dietary needs or preferences.

Variations

You can substitute different combinations of fruit (just use the same measured amounts). You could do pineapple, strawberry or even raspberry or guava! For a Hawaiian snow cone flair, drizzle some sweetened condensed milk over the top if you would like or add some fresh sliced fruit on the top.

Storage

Homemade mango syrup can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

FAQ

Do I need an ice shaver for this recipe?

If you want a legitimate Mexican snow cone, then splurge for the snow cone maker. However, you can use a food processor or blender if you're in a pinch. You can even place ice cubes in a sturdy plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet.

Can I use frozen mangoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen mangoes if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

What’s the best type of ice to use?

Using ice cubes made from filtered water is ideal for the best texture and taste. Crushed or shaved ice works best for absorbing the syrup.

Can I add alcohol to the syrup?

For an adult twist, you can add a splash of rum or tequila to the mango syrup. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly to maintain the right balance of flavors.

Finishing Up

Today's mango snow cone recipe and mango syrup comes from Leslie at La Cocina de Leslie. Leslie has some amazing Mexican recipes. I'm highlighting Leslie today as a member of the Secret Recipe Club. Another one of Leslie's recipes that is catching my eye is her shredded chicken salpicon. I'm going to have a plate of this waiting for us after we get home from our local air show with the kids! And maybe some more of these Mexican snow cones with mango syrup! I'm sure they will want to cool off after being outside all day in the heat!