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    Home » Recipes » Agua Frescas » Agua de Tamarindo (Tamarindo Drink) + VIDEO

    Agua de Tamarindo (Tamarindo Drink) + VIDEO

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted June 15, 2021 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Agua de Tamarindo (Tamarindo Drink) is a popular and well-loved agua fresca. You only need 3 ingredients to make this tangy, sweet, and refreshing Mexican beverage.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A glass with ice and tamarindo drink.

    A glass full of ice and Agua de Tamarindo.

    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!

    Tamarind pods piled on a cutting board.

    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


    A collage showing how to peel and boil the tamarind.

    • 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.

    A collage showing how to extract the tamarind juice.

    • 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.

    A collage showing how to make agua de tamarindo.

    • 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.

    Agua de Tamarindo being poured into a glass with ice.

    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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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    A glass full of ice and Agua de Tamarindo.

    Agua de Tamarindo, or Tamarind Water

    Agua de Tamarindo (Tamarindo Drink) is a popular and well-loved agua fresca. You only need 3 ingredients to make this tangy, sweet, and refreshing Mexican beverage.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 35 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 8 cups
    Calories: 101kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 15 pieces tamarind pods
    • 12 cups water divided
    • 1 cup sugar or, to taste

    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!

    Video

    Notes

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 12mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Agua Frescas, Drinks, Mexican, Recipes, Vegetarian

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ali

      February 9, 2017 at 7:32 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        February 10, 2017 at 12:30 pm

        That’s awesome! You’re going to love this recipe. Cheers.

        Reply
    2. Willow

      February 10, 2017 at 5:59 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        February 10, 2017 at 12:24 pm

        You must try this! Tucson is a great city. 🙂

        Reply
        • Susana

          December 25, 2019 at 11:00 am

          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

        • Maggie U

          August 5, 2020 at 3:45 pm

          Hope you give this a try! You will love it!

    3. Anonymous

      April 25, 2018 at 3:30 pm

      Dear Maggie
      I had a tamarinds margarita at a restaurant in Chula VIsta it was delicious!

      Thank you

      Reply
    4. Liz

      July 12, 2021 at 4:21 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely refreshing and so pretty too!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        September 14, 2021 at 10:40 am

        Refreshing drinks are the best, especially with this heat.

        Reply
    5. Pam Greer

      July 12, 2021 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      How refreshing!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 23, 2021 at 3:14 pm

        Yes! It’s the best way to cool down this summer.

        Reply
    6. Amy Roskelley

      July 12, 2021 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      I like the cucumber and watermelon one, but this drink is even better!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 23, 2021 at 3:12 pm

        The cucumber one is my favorite. This one is excellent too. Actually, you can’t go wrong with any of agua frescas.

        Reply
    7. Swathi

      July 13, 2021 at 8:00 pm

      5 stars
      This agua de tamarindo looks delicious

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 19, 2021 at 2:21 pm

        It’s so good. Especially now that it’s blazing hot.

        Reply
    8. Linda

      July 13, 2021 at 9:04 pm

      5 stars
      I love this tamarind water. I usually use calamansi, but tamarind makes this water refreshingly good!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 19, 2021 at 2:21 pm

        Me too! Yes, very refreshing!

        Reply

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