Mango season is well and truly underway for us in Miami, with peak ripeness occurring in June and July. And whether you’re getting the tropical fruit from your own backyard, your neighbor’s tree or a friend sharing their bounty, there may be times where we have more mangos that we can handle. Rather than wasting them, how about swapping these sweet treats for an even sweeter treat?
Some businesses and restaurants throughout the city will accept mangos as payment, offering ice cream, cocktails or T-shirts in return. So ditch your wallet, round up dozens of the golden beauties and head to one of these places where you can swap the king of fruits for something just as delicious:
Peel Soft Serve
This banana-based soft serve spot is accepting five pounds of fresh mangos in exchange for a small ice cream bowl. You can pick out the swirl of your choice with up to two toppings and a drizzle. They’ll weigh them before handing you a gift card and, yes, there’s a maximum of 20 pounds per person. The offer is only redeemable at their Miami Shores shop.
Where: 175 NE 96th St, Miami Shores, FL 33138
Tomorrowland Miami
All this mango talk is making us thirsty. Luckily, this laid-back Downtown Miami bar is letting guests pay with mangos in exchange for one of their most beloved sips: the Spicy Nikki! Normally priced at $14, this summer-y cocktail is made with house-infused jalapeño and pineapple Jose Cuervo Tradicional, fresh lime, agave and mango purée. The deal is simple: just bring in a ripe mango and Tomorrowland will trade you a complimentary Spicy Nikki.
Where: 1368 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33136
The Trelles Cottage
From now through July 31st, those who bring along juicy mangos to this adorable shop known for their Miami-inspired designs have the opportunity to use it as currency! If you bring just one mango, you can get a sticker of your choice, but five or more mangos could get you a free Mystery T-Shirt (while supplies last). These mango trades take place every Saturday.
Where: 8140 NW 155th St, #101, Miami Lakes, FL
Whip’n Dip Ice Cream Shop
Having just celebrated its 40th anniversary, there’s one summer tradition this family-owned ice cream shop brings around each year: mango trades. Bring in 15 ripe mangos and get a pint of mango-flavored ice cream in return, which sounds like a pretty good deal to us!
Where: 1407 Sunset Dr, Miami, FL 33143
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Another mango-ificent deal is Bodega’s BYOM (Bring Your Own Mango) offer. From now until August 31st, bring a fresh mango to a Bodega location in South Beach, Coconut Grove or Coral Gables and enjoy a free Mango Tango made with Dobel Diamante, 1800 Coconut, mango puree, pineapple juice and lime juice. There is a limit of one free cocktail per guest.
Find a list of Bodega locations on their website.