Iconic fruit on display for Darwin Mango Cup

Territorians can celebrate their home’s most iconic fruit with a mango-inspired competition to help get them through the Mango Madness.

Move over Mango Madness, it’s time for the Darwin Mango Cup.

As the stifling weather threatens to send Territorians a little troppo, locals will have the chance to ease the pain with two essential Build-Up survival items – mangoes and a cold one.

The Darwin Mango Cup will have hospitality businesses putting their skills to the test, vying for the title of best mango-inspired drink.

Voting has officially opened, with 21 venues across Darwin and Palmerston in the running for the top prize.

Will Nery from Chow! with a mango-inspired drink for the Darwin Mango Cup. Picture: Supplied

Patrons are encouraged to sample 35 of the mango-inspired creations and vote for their top five, while venues will be hoping to create a drink that showcases the Territory’s most iconic fruit.

The cup, a NT government initiative in partnership with Active Darwin and Hospitality NT, will run until November 6.

Entries can include cocktails, mocktails, beer, seltzers, smoothies, juice and anything in between.

Tom Sheridan at Phat Mango whipping up a mango-inspired drink for the Darwin Mango Cup. Picture: Supplied

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Nicole Manison said the cup was an opportunity to recognise hospitality workers and venues across Darwin.

“Every Territorian loves a mango, and loves to support local businesses, so what better way than to start sipping and get voting,” she said.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said the event was becoming “bigger and better” each year.

“Our dynamic and growing cocktail and bar scene sure did step up to the challenge,” he said We are confident we will be back even better next year.”

Patrons can cast their vote for the most magical mango creation at mangocup.nt.gov.au.