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Tamarind Drink

A naturally sweet and tangy tamarind beverage balanced with warming spices, ready in 15 minutes and perfect served hot or cold.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Caribbean, Indian, Thai
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/2 cup tamarind paste or pulp
  • 4 cups filtered water
  • 1/3 cup sugar or jaggery adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon black salt kala namak
  • 1/8 teaspoon regular salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves optional
  • Ice cubes for serving cold

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pitcher for serving
  • Glasses for serving
  • Knife for cutting fresh ginger (optional)

Method
 

  1. Measure 1/2 cup tamarind paste into a medium saucepan.
  2. Add 1 cup of the water and stir to dissolve the paste, then pour in the remaining 3 cups.
  3. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add 1/3 cup sugar or jaggery and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
  5. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon black salt, 1/8 teaspoon regular salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger for 30 seconds.
  6. Simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes without boiling to allow the spices to infuse.
  7. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding any sediment.
  8. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt if needed, then chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or serve immediately over ice with mint leaves.

Notes

Serve hot or cold. Store the concentrate in the refrigerator for up to one week and dilute before serving. Experiment with variations like cardamom or sparkling water.