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Tamarind Juice

This refreshing tamarind juice delivers genuine flavor without fuss, takes minutes to prepare, and tastes infinitely better than anything bottled. Made from tropical tamarind fruit transformed into liquid gold with simple water and a touch of sugar.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Calories: 65
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup tamarind pods or tamarind pulp
  • 3 cups hot water
  • 1/4 cup sugar adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Ice as needed for serving

Equipment

  • Medium bowl or pitcher
  • Spoon for stirring and mashing
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Glasses for serving

Method
 

  1. Measure out 1 cup of tamarind pods or pulp and place them in a medium bowl. If using whole pods with shells, remove the brittle outer casing first to expose the sticky pulp inside.
  2. Heat 3 cups of water until it reaches a rolling boil.
  3. Carefully pour the boiling water over the tamarind pulp in your bowl. The tamarind will immediately begin to break down and release its flavor into the water, creating a dark brown liquid.
  4. Using the back of a spoon, vigorously mash the tamarind against the sides of the bowl for 2 to 3 minutes. Press hard to extract every bit of pulp from the seeds and fibers, then let the mixture sit for another 2 to 3 minutes to fully infuse.
  5. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a clean pitcher or bowl and slowly pour the tamarind mixture through it. The strainer will catch seeds, fibers, and shell fragments while allowing the flavorful liquid to pass through cleanly.
  6. Use the back of your spoon to press any remaining pulp against the sides of the strainer to extract maximum flavor and liquid.
  7. Stir in 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt while the juice is still warm. The heat helps the sugar dissolve completely, and the salt amplifies the tamarind's natural flavor complexity.
  8. Take a small sip of the concentrate and decide if you want it sweeter or more sour. Add additional sugar by the teaspoon if needed, or dilute with water to mellow the flavor profile.
  9. Pour the tamarind juice into glasses filled with ice and serve immediately. For a stronger concentrate, store it in the fridge and dilute with still water, sparkling water, or soda for each glass.

Notes

Store tamarind juice concentrate in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Dilute fresh with water or sparkling water each time you want to serve. Freeze tamarind concentrate in ice cube trays, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag for up to three months. Make tamarind concentrate by skipping the final dilution, then store it in a jar in the fridge for up to two weeks and dilute fresh whenever you want a drink.