Agua De Tamarindo Drink Recipe

Crafting this refreshing tamarind water is like bottling a slice of tropical paradise, inviting your taste buds on an adventure that dances between sweet and tangy with every sip.

I love making this rejuvenating Agua de Tamarindo with tamarind pods or pulp as the primary ingredient, mixed with just the right amount of sugar and water to balance out the sour and sweet. Not only is this drink delicious and quite possibly the most hydrating beverage on the planet, but it’s also good for you.

Tamarind is a powerhouse of antioxidants.

Ingredients

• Tamarind Pods: Naturally sour, packed with fiber and Vitamin C.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance tamarind’s tartness.
• Water: Hydrates and dilutes for a refreshing drink.
• Ice: Keeps the beverage chilled, enhancing refreshment.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup tamarind pods (about 8-10 pods) or 1 cup tamarind pulp
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• Ice (for serving, optional)
• Additional water, as needed

How to Make this

1. Take out the tamarind pods from their shells and get rid of the shells and veins if you’re using whole pods.

2. Put the tamarind pods or tamarind pulp into a bowl of medium size. Pour 2 cups of warm water over the pulp or pods.

3. Soak the tamarind in warm water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, until it softens.

4. After softening the tamarind, use your hands to knead and press the pulp to extract the juice into the water.

5. Strain the tamarind mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher or bowl. Use a spoon to extract as much juice as possible.

6. Remove the seeds and fibers left in the strainer.

7. Pour the last 2 cups of water into the pitcher, then stir.

8. Slowly incorporate the sugar, beginning with 1/2 cup, and mix until the sugar has completely dissolved. Sample and modify the sweetness until it is to your liking.

9. If you wish, you can add more water to achieve the desired strength of the tamarind flavor.

10. Chill the Tamarind Water and serve over ice, if you like, and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl
2. Large pitcher or large bowl
3. Fine-mesh strainer
4. Spoon
5. Measuring cups
6. Kitchen scale (optional, if weighing tamarind pods)
7. Ice tray or ice maker (optional, for serving)

FAQ

• What is tamarind and where can I find it?Tamarind has a taste that is both sour and sweet, in equal measure. Almost every supermarket carries the pods and pulp of this tropical fruit, either in the international food aisle or the Hispanic food section. Both stores likewise safeguard their stocks of this Bramlery family member.
• Can I use tamarind concentrate instead of pods or pulp?Indeed, tamarind concentrate can be substituted. You should adjust the amount to your taste, as not all concentrates are created equal.
• How do I prepare tamarind pulp from pods?Take off the shell and the veins from the pods and soak the tamarind in warm water for close to 20 minutes. When it has softened, use your hands or a spoon to squish it and separate the seeds from the pulp.
• Is this drink sweet or tangy?Tamarind water is known for its harmonious blend of sweet and sour. You can make it sweeter by adding more sugar. Conversely, if you’re not in the mood for something cloyingly sweet, you can make it pale by adding less sugar.
• Can this recipe be made sugar-free?You can substitute sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or agave syrup to create a version that is free of sugar.
• How long can I store agua de tamarindo in the refrigerator?It can be kept in a container that is airtight for a maximum of 3-4 days. As it may sediment at the bottom, be sure to stir well before serving.
• Can I add other flavors to this drink?Sure, ingredients such as lime juice or mint leaves can be added to provide an extra layer of flavor.

Agua De Tamarindo Drink Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use tamarind concentrate instead of tamarind pods or pulp (start with 1/2 cup and adjust to taste).
To make it sweeter, you can substitute sugar with the same amount of honey or agave syrup.
Should you wish for a zero-sugar alternative, use a sweetener such as stevia or monk fruit, adjusting to your taste. (1)
Swap still water for sparkling water for a fizzy version of the drink.

Pro Tips

1. Adjusting Sweetness Start with 1/2 cup of sugar and gradually add more to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Remember, the sweetness balance can change slightly after chilling, so it’s wise to taste again once cold.

2. Enhancing Flavor For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a dash of lime juice to the tamarind water. This can help emphasize the tangy and refreshing notes.

3. Quick Pulp Access If you’re short on time, use tamarind paste, which is commercially available and skips the soaking step. Start with a couple of tablespoons and adjust for taste and consistency.

4. Straining Hack Use the back of a ladle to press the pulp against the strainer more effectively, ensuring you extract as much juice as possible from the softened tamarind.

5. Alternative Sweeteners Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or coconut sugar for unique flavor variations. Adjust the amount accordingly, as they can vary in sweetness.