Whip up this tart drink if you’re craving a sweet, non-alcoholic beverage to help you cool off after a long day.
Recently, I’ve been learning more about Latin American culture thanks to my nomadic friend who has spent most of his adult life in Central and South America. Today, I discovered tamarindo, a drink popular in Mexico that’s basically a sweetened tamarind tea. It’s similar to agua fresca, or “fresh water,” a Spanish umbrella term that refers to sweet elixirs poured over ice. This one’s slightly different though, because it’s not only sugary; it also tastes a bit tart and caramel-like. So if you’re looking for a unique drink that dances across the taste buds, this is a great one to try.
While my friend and I have been fantasizing about traveling together to try an authentic version of this drink, we’re also incredibly grateful to make it in the comfort of our own kitchen. All it takes is a quick trip to the international section of the grocery store and we’re good to go. I hope you make an adventure out of this recipe, too. Cheers to trying new, refreshing things!
Is This Tamarindo Drink Healthy?
Since there is added sugar, this isn’t the kind of drink to sip every single day. However, you can easily replace sugar with an alternative sweetener like stevia or erythritol to make it sugar-free (although this will change the taste). That said, this drink is vegan and the tamarind provides plenty of vitamin C, iron and potassium.
What Is Tamarind?
With the appearance of a large brown pea pod, tamarind is the fruit of the tamarind tree. This leguminous tree comes from tropical Africa, but it can also grow in any climate that’s close to the equator. Hence its use in India, Thailand and Mexico. Some people have compared the flavor to a combination of lemon, apricot, and dates. Talk about expanding the palate! This fruit, especially infused into a sweet drink, can definitely help you broaden your horizons.
How do I store leftovers?
Tamarindo is terrific because you can make a big pitcher full of it and store it in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. I suggest using a covered pitcher or container to keep it fresh for longer. Alternatively, you could freeze it in an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and serve cold.
Serving Suggestions
Pour tamarindo into a glass over ice and garnish with a lemon or lime. I also like to coat the rim of the glass with lime juice and pink Himalayan salt for extra flair and flavor, which is a fun option. Enjoy this liquid refresher by itself or with a full Mexican meal of Grilled Quesadillas, One-Pan Quinoa Casserole, Street Corn Pasta Salad, or Mexican Chicken and Cauliflower Rice. Almost any of your favorite Latin dishes can be complemented by this tangy tamarindo drink.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tamarind pods about 15 pods
- 8 cups water divided
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or to taste
- Ice optional
Instructions
- Remove the outer shells and veins from the tamarind pods.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the peeled tamarind pods, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for about 1 hour.
- Use your hands to separate the tamarind pulp from the seeds and fibers.
- Strain the tamarind mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of water and sugar to the pitcher. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator. Serve over ice if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment