Perhaps you have wondered: What is tamarindo drink? It sounds tropical and whimsical. But is it something that you can actually drink?
Although tamarindo is a plant that is believed to have African origins, it gained world renown through arabic trade. Its use is very common throughout Latin America with everything from candy to sauces for all kinds of delicious cuisine. Its beauty largely lies in that it tastes both fresh and sweet. This, in turn, reflects its preferred natural environment which is tropical, warmer climates. This is why in Mexico it is, for the most part, produced near the tropical west coast, primarily in the states of Michigan, Jalisco, and Colima. This reflects upon the jovial character of the tamarindo drink.
The tamarind pulp is special because it is so full of flavor that you can make quite a bit of agua de sabor from it. This fruit is highly valued because it is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins of groups B, C, and E. Also, people use it for numerous medicinal purposes thanks to its laxative, diuretic, astringent, antipyretic, and antiseptic properties. Even if you are looking to lose a few kilos, it can help you out!
Tamarindo drink is ideal for social events such as a child’s birthday, to drink on the beach with lots of ice, or to accompany family meals. A lot of people like to start their mornings with a tall glass of agua de tamarindo alongside their breakfast.
Step by Step Instructions For Tamarindo Drink
Ingredients
- 15 peeled dry tamarinds (200 gr tamarinds)
- 2 liters of water (you can adjust to your preferred taste)
- ¾ cup of unrefined sugar
- Ice
Equipment
- Large jug
- Large stirring utensil
Step 1: Cut the tamarinds
Peel the tamarinds and what you can of the green beans. To make it easier to strain, cut the tamarinds with scissors and remove the bones before placing them in the water. This way you avoid having to be looking in the water for the bones.
Step 2: Boil water
Boil 4 cups of water (1 liter) and place the tamarinds.
Step 3: Boil with tamarinds
Boil for 15 to 20 minutes or until very soft and the pulp begins to loosen.
Step 4: Cool water with tamarinds
Let stand for a few minutes to cool down.
Step 5: Crush tamarinds
With a bean crusher, we are going to crush them so that they release all the pulp and be able to remove the seeds or bones (if you did not do it at the beginning). Blend the whole mixture with the sugar and strain the mixture little by little.
Step 6: Serve
Add the remaining water (1 liter) and serve with lots of ice or cold. If you prefer it more diluted, add more water to taste, and if you want it sweeter, sweeten to taste.
Cooking Time and Servings
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Tips and Tricks On How To Make Agua De Tamarindo
There are many different types of sweetness that you can use instead of unrefined sugar when preparing tamarindo Mexican drink. You should definitely consider these substitutes if you would like to limit your sugar intake. These include stevia powder or drops, agave maguey syrup, coconut sugar, and even brown sugar. It really depends on your liking and what your personal palate prefers.
Agua de tamarindo mixes very well with other fruits. Many drink innovators are using it more and more in the development of new and refreshing cocktails. It’s quite common for it to be combined with pineapple. Tamarindo serves this type of drink in a refreshing sort of way. Also by adding lemon juice, you can make it even more refreshing.
Tamarind works great if you’re planning on enjoying a cocktail. You can mix it with mezcal, tequila, or vodka. We recommend adding 1 to 1.5 ounces of any of these alcoholic drinks to make the most of the tamarind flavor.
It si a good idea to prepare the tamarind drink one to¡r two days before the day you’re planning to enjoy it. Keep in mind that you need to keep it in the refrigerator. This way it will be even more tasteful and refreshing!
The very best way to enjoy a tamarind drink is by adding ice cubes, especially if it is truly hot. Also, make sure that you stir the drink before serving it as the pulp tends to go to the bottom of the jar. Even when you are drinking it from your glass, it is practical to have a spoon to be able to stir it before drinking it.
This drink serves as a great compliment to the many of the spicy foods that define so much of Mexico’s culinary prowess. As you go about trying it with different Mexican dishes, you´ll notice how it compliments certain dishes like carne asada quite a bit.
Conclusion
¨Agua de sabor,¨ or flavored water, culture in Mexico is a very big deal. This is especially true as there is such a wide assortment to choose from. This is a regular stop for innumerable people at places like Mercado so that they may not only stay hydrated but add a refreshing flavor to their day.
And although there are many different kinds, most of which feature at least one kind of fruit, there are certain that are considered to be true staples because of their tremendous popularity. Tamarindo drink is a crown jewel of this arena. As such, there are many people around the world who are discovering its rich and refreshing taste all of the time.
It makes life in Mexico more of a treat. Consider that Mexico features very high temperatures throughout its territory. If you are visiting Northern Mexico, the dry and hot day will serve as a great invitation to try aguas de sabor. But this is also true in Central and Southern Mexico where the hot weather coupled with high levels of atmospheric humidity will push you to the nearest water stand to buy a refreshing flavored water.
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Tamarindo Drink
Equipment
- Large jug
- Large stirring utensil
Ingredients
- 15 peeled dry tamarinds 200 gr tamarinds
- 2 liters of water you can adjust to your preferred taste
- ¾ cup of unrefined sugar
- Ice
Instructions
- Peel the tamarinds and what you can of the green beans. To make it easier to strain, cut the tamarinds with scissors and remove the bones before placing them in the water. This way you avoid having to be looking in the water for the bones.
- Boil 4 cups of water (1 liter) and place the tamarinds.
- Boil for 15 to 20 minutes or until very soft and the pulp begins to loosen.
- Let stand for a few minutes to cool down.
- With a bean crusher, we are going to crush them so that they release all the pulp and be able to remove the seeds or bones (if you did not do it at the beginning). Blend the whole mixture with the sugar and strain the mixture little by little.
- Add the remaining water (1 liter) and serve with lots of ice or cold. If you prefer it more diluted, add more water to taste, and if you want it sweeter, sweeten to taste.
