Persian Mango Milk (Shir Anbe) is a refreshing, ultra-thick, and nutritious drink made by blending ripe mangoes with chilled milk for a creamy, tropical flavor.
With its velvety, shake-like texture, it is the perfect high-energy summer snack or post-workout recovery drink. To achieve that signature “coffee-shop thickness,” use frozen mangoes and serve immediately after blending.
Basic Information
📋 Quick Facts:
Prep Time: Less than 10 minutes (excluding freezing time)
Cook Time: 0 minutes (Quick blend)
Servings: 2 people
Shir Anbe Ingredients Table:
These measurements are optimized for a thick, professional-grade mango shake:
| Ingredient | Amount (Grams) | Amount (Cup/Unit) | Substitute for Outside Iran |
| Ripe Mango | ~450g | 2 cups, chopped | Frozen Mango Chunks (found in most Western supermarkets) |
| Cold Milk | 240ml | 1 cup | Oat Milk or Coconut Milk for a vegan version |
| Vanilla Ice Cream | ~70g | 1 large scoop | Greek Yogurt for a healthier, high-protein option |
| Honey or Sugar | 15-30g | 1-2 tbsp | Maple Syrup or Stevia |
| Salt | Very little | A tiny pinch | – |
| Vanilla or Cardamom | – | 1/4 tsp | Vanilla Extract |
Step-by-Step Recipe:
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Freeze the Mango: Peel and dice the mangoes, then freeze for at least 3 hours. This is the secret to a thick texture without using ice.
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Initial Blend: Place the frozen mango chunks, half of the cold milk, and your sweetener (honey/sugar) into the blender.
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Add Texture: Add the vanilla ice cream (or Greek yogurt) and that tiny pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
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Process: Blend on low speed first to break the frozen fruit, then high speed for 1 minute until smooth and velvety.
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Adjust Consistency: If it’s too thick, add the remaining milk one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more frozen mango.
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Serve: Pour into tall glasses. Garnish with crushed pistachios, a dash of cinnamon, or mango cubes. Enjoy immediately!
Shir Moz, Majoon, Shir Khorma, and Havij Bastani are some of the popular Iranian drinks related to this drink that you can easily make and enjoy at home.
Chef’Haghighi Secrets for Shir Anbeh:
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The “Low-Milk” Rule: Always start with only half the milk. If the blender blades get stuck, add more slowly. Keeping the liquid low ensures the thickest, creamiest result.
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The Salt Magic: A tiny pinch of salt cuts through the “dry” sweetness of the mango, making the flavor profile much more vibrant.
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Frost Your Glass: (Pro-Tip) Place your serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. This keeps the drink “frosty” and prevents it from melting too fast.
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The Persian Twist: For a traditional touch, add a few drops of brewed saffron to the mix. The combination of saffron and mango is exotic and deeply aromatic.
Benefits & Nutritional Value:
Mango milk is a powerhouse of Vitamin A and C, which support the immune system and skin health.
| Nutrient Factor | Per 100g (Standard) | Health Benefits |
| Calories | 78 kcal | Provides quick, sustained energy |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | Fuels brain function and muscles |
| Protein | 3g | Supports muscle repair (from milk) |
| Fats | 1.8g | Aids the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins |
According to the information we obtained from the Healthline website, there are many benefits of mango, some of which we will mention.
Mango is packed with polyphenols, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants to protect your body.
This fruit has over a dozen different types concentrated in its flesh, peel, and even seed kernel. These include:
- mangiferin
- catechins
- anthocyanins
- gallic acid
- kaempferol
- rhamnetin
- hydroxybenzoic acid
FAQ
1. How do I make Mango Milk thick like a professional café?
The key is using frozen fruit instead of ice. Ice dilutes the flavor when it melts. Adding a scoop of ice cream or Greek yogurt also creates that signature creamy “stretch.”
2. Can I use fresh mango instead of frozen?
Yes, but the drink will be thinner. To get the best result with fresh mango, add a few ice cubes, though this might slightly water down the taste.
3. What is the best type of mango to use?
Look for varieties that are sweet and non-fibrous. Alphonso, Ataulfo, or Honey mangoes are the best choices because they have a strong aroma and a smooth flesh.
4. How do I make a healthy or low-calorie version?
Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk, skip the ice cream, and rely on the mango’s natural sweetness instead of adding sugar.
5. How long does Mango Milk stay fresh in the fridge?
It is best consumed immediately. However, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Note that the texture will become thinner and the color may slightly darken.
