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4.8 from 48 votes

Agua de Tamarindo (Tamarindo Drink)

Agua de tamarindo (or tamarindo drink) is a popular Mexican drink made from tamarind pods, water, and sugar. It’s a refreshing, tart and sweet agua fresca!

Prep Time
3 hrs
Cook Time
mins
Total Time
3 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 12 cups
Calories: 67 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 15 tamarind pods
  • 12 cups water, divided
  • 1 cup granulated sugar plus more to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Peel the tamarind pods by removing and discarding the hard shells from the outside and the fibers/strings on the inside.
  2. Add 6 cups of water to a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Add peeled tamarind to the boiling water, cover and lower heat to medium. Continue cooking for 8 minutes.
  4. Remove pot from heat, uncover, and let it sit until completely cooled, about 2-3 hours.
  5. Once cooled, use your hands to squeeze out the seeds from the cooked tamarind pods. Remove and discard the seeds and any remaining fibers/strings.
  6. Transfer the tamarind liquid and pulp to a large blender. Puree until smooth.
  7. Pour the liquid through a mesh strainer and into a large pitcher. You may have to use a spoon to stir the liquid in the strainer to help it go through. Discard any pulp and solids that don’t go through.
  8. Add remaining 6 cups of water and sugar to the pitcher. Stir together to combine, taste, and sweeten with more sugar if necessary.
  9. Serve over ice and enjoy.

Notes

  • If you’re not a fan of sweet drinks, I recommend starting with 3/4 cup of sugar, then adding more to taste. However, I find that less than 3/4 cup of sugar in the pitcher is not enough and leaves the drink a little too sour for my taste.
  • Too strong? Add more water if the tamarindo drink is too concentrated.
  • Settling may occur. Stir the drink in the pitcher before serving to break up any solids that may have settled on the bottom.
  • To brighten up the flavor even more, squeeze in a little lime juice into each glass when serving if you like.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cup Calories 67kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 12mg (1%) Potassium 8mg (0%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 17g (34%) Calcium 8mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 67

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup
Calories 67kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 12mg 1%
Potassium 8mg 0%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 17g 34%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.