Mexican Agua de Tamarindo (Tamarind drink) is a super easy-to-make and thirst-quenching drink. Like most Aguas frescas, this easy and fruity drink only requires a few basic ingredients. Blend up a large jug of this tangy drink for your next outdoor party or on a warm summer day.
Mexican Aguas Frescas
If you are unfamiliar with Mexican aguas frescas ( fresh water or cool drinks), let me tell you about them. You can find these drinks all over Mexico in various flavors on a hot summer day among street vendors. Aguas frescas are not alcoholic and are made of fresh fruit, grains, and flowers like horchata and jamaica. Now they are called fresh or cool water because back in the day, aguas frescas were maintained in clay pots to keep them cooler during the summer months.
In This Post
Frequently Asked Questions About Agua de Tamarindo
Before I share my tamarind drink recipe, I feel like I need to answer the questions I always get:
What is Tamarind?
Tamarind is a tree native to Africa that grows in tropical areas like India, Asia, and some parts of Mexico. The tamarind trees produce pods that are filled with seeds covered in a fibrous pulp. Tamarind fruit bean contains a sour to tangy pulp that becomes very sweet as it ripens.
Where do you find Tamarind Pods?
Here in the States, it is sold in Latin, Asian, Indian, Caribbean, and African markets since it is widely known in these cultures. If your local market doesn't carry them, place an order online; Tamarind pod's shelf life is long and doesn’t spoil easily. Some Stores sell tamarind pulp (pulpa) in small plastic packages.
What are the benefits of Tamarind?
There are many health benefits and vitamins in the tamarind fruit. From boosting your immunity to keeping you safe from heart disease. Tamarind fruit contains polyphenols, a compound rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These can protect against cancer and diabetes. Some of the minerals found in tamarind are Calcium, Iron & Potassium.
For the medicinal uses and properties of Tamarind, you can click HERE to learn more.
What else can I do with Tamarind?
These sour pods pulp can be used for cold drinks, hot drinks like Atole, ice cream, ice pops (paletas), and as a sauce for some dishes in Mexico. One of my favorites is the tamarind chile candy. A confection made of the pulp, and sugar, then rolled to form a small ball coated with sugar or dried powdered piquin pepper. Nowadays, you will find many recipes made with tamarind, like a cocktail made with tequila, soda, limes, and, of course, tamarind fruit.
How to make Agua de Tamarindo / Tamarind Drink
Here's a list of everything you need:
- Tamarind pods
- Water
- Sugar or more if needed
Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!
Instructions:
- Peel the Tamarind pods making sure to remove most of the outer shells and discard them. (Please check the ingredients list below)
- In a large pot or saucepan, place the tamarind pots with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil for about 2 minutes.
- Set aside and let it steep for about 2 hours for the pulp to become soft.
- With the help of a strainer, place the tamarind paste into a wide-mouth glass pitcher.
- For this, you will need your hands to get as much of the pulp through the sieve. You will be left with only the remaining strings (veins) and seeds in the strainer. The rest of the pulp will be in the pitcher.
- Now, add the sugar and the remaining water. Refrigerate and serve your agua de tamarindo with ice cubes. And remember to stir the drink before serving.
Note: If you think the flavor of the tamarind fruit is too strong, add more liquid to your drink.
Buen Provecho!
Mely,
What to serve with Agua de Tamarindo
Whenever I make this refreshing drink, I love to make some sort of drill meat, like carne asada, and chicken skewers to eat with.
I also like to drink this agua fresca with chicken a la plancha and a salad for a healthy meal.
More Authentic Mexican Recipes To Enjoy
If you enjoyed this agua de tamarindo recipe, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican drink recipes:
I hope you make this authentic Mexican tamarindo drink! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!
Buen Provecho!
Mely,
For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. in español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina
📖 Recipe
Agua de Tamarindo
Ingredients
- 2 cups of tamarind pods (8 ounces)
- 8 cups of water
- ½ cup of sugar or more if needed
Instructions
- Peel the Tamarind pods making sure to remove most of the outer shells and discard them. (Please check the ingredients list below)
- In a large pot or saucepan, place the tamarind pots with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil for about 2 minutes.
- Set aside and let it steep for about 2 hours for the pulp to become soft.
- With the help of a strainer, place the tamarind paste into a wide-mouth glass pitcher.
- For this, you will need your hands to get as much of the pulp through the sieve. You will be left with only the remaining strings (veins) and seeds in the strainer. The rest of the pulp will be in the pitcher.
- Now, add the sugar and the remaining water. Refrigerate and serve your agua de tamarindo with ice cubes. And remember to stir the drink before serving.
Notes
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