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Agua de Tamarindo (or Tamarindo Drink) … serve me a big tall glass PLEASE!
You know it’s summer when all the agua frescas come out.
My favorites are Cucumber Agua Fresca, Agua de Jamaica, and this one!
It’s a classic and not hard to make either. Slightly tangy. Sweet. Delicious!
What is Tamarind?
The tamarind tree is native to Africa and Asia, but you will also see it in tropical climates like Mexico.
The tree produces pods of fruit that are sweet and sour.
It has many health benefits and contains antioxidants and vitamins. There are studies that show it is good for the heart and helps with weight loss.
In Mexico, tamarind is very popular and is often found in candy and soda. Or in recipes like Chicken in Tamarind Chile Sauce or Tamarind Chipotle BBQ Sauce.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Start by removing the shells from the tamarind pops.
- Place them in a pot and cover them with water.
- Bring to a boil. Then let cool.
The tamarind shell is like a peanut shell. It SNAPS, but the fleshy part inside is sticky. So, some of the shell will stick to the flesh.
Try to take off as much as you can. If some stays, no problemo. We’re going to strain everything later.
Tamarind pod can be hard to find at the store. Look for them in a Latin or Asian market. OR, buy tamarind online.
- Strain the tamarindo.
- Once cool, separate the membranes and the seeds from the mushy flesh.
- Use a cooking spoon to push out the juice.
- Add the juice to a blender.
Messy but needs to be done. It will look like mush, but that’s exactly what you want.
Get the kids involved
Grab a few children, or borrow one from the overworked mother next door. They’ll love working with this mess. It’s got that mushy kind of satisfaction that kids just love – like Play-Doh or making mud pies.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add water and the tamarind juice to a large pitcher.
- Sugar is to taste.
- Mix to combine.
For a low sugar drink, you can swap out the sugar for Stevia or other sugar substitutes.
Pro Tips:
• If it’s too strong, add more water to the tamarindo drink.
• Stir before serving. The fruit likes to settle on the bottom.
• Start with just some sugar then add more until you get to the taste you like.
• For a party, make the tamarind juice and save for up to 3 days in the fridge. Then, the day of the party, simply add water and sugar.
More Agua Fresca Recipes
Pineapple Banana Agua Fresca
Agua de Melon
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Pineapple Agua Fresca
Spiked Agua de Pepino
Agua de Platano
Pour the Agua de Tamarindo in a cup with lots of ice. It goes great with any of your favorite Mexican recipes.
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Agua de Tamarindo, or Tamarind Water
Instructions
- Peel the tamarind.
- Add the peeled tamarind and 3 cups of water to a large pot.
- Boil for 5-8 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let cool.
- Once cooled, using clean hands, squeeze the mushy pods to separate the flesh and the seeds.
- Strain the tamarind juice from the seeds and flesh.
- Use a spoon to push against the strainer to extract as much of the tamarind juice from the flesh and the seeds as possible.
- Add the strained tamarind juice to a blender.
- Blend the juice for 1 minute.
- Add the remaining water to a large pitcher, the blended juice, and sugar to taste.
- Serve over ice.
- Enjoy!
This looks interesting! I’ve seen tamarind pods before at our local grocery, but never knew quite what to do with them. I’ve also had tamarind shrub before – loved the flavor. Definitely plan on trying this!
That’s awesome! You’re going to love this recipe. Cheers.
I don’t know why I haven’t tried this yet! I live in Tucson where Mexican cuisine is everywhere. I have had Jamaica but not Agua de Tamarindo. It sounds amazing! Time to give it a try!
You must try this! Tucson is a great city. 🙂
I grew up in Arizona and never had this either. Now I live in Texas and it’s everywhere now during the holidays. Who knew? Going to try now
Hope you give this a try! You will love it!
Dear Maggie
I had a tamarinds margarita at a restaurant in Chula VIsta it was delicious!
Thank you
How refreshing!
Yes! It’s the best way to cool down this summer.
I like the cucumber and watermelon one, but this drink is even better!
The cucumber one is my favorite. This one is excellent too. Actually, you can’t go wrong with any of agua frescas.
This agua de tamarindo looks delicious
It’s so good. Especially now that it’s blazing hot.
I love this tamarind water. I usually use calamansi, but tamarind makes this water refreshingly good!
Me too! Yes, very refreshing!