Fresco de Tamarindo
Refreshing, tangy, and naturally sweet — Fresco de Tamarindo is one of those simple drinks that capture the taste of the tropics. Made from real tamarind pods, water, and sugar, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for any warm day. Serve it cold with ice and lemon slices for the ultimate homemade touch.
Equipment
- 2 bowls
- 1 strainer
- 1 pitcher
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 potato masher optional
Ingredients
- 1 lb tamarind pods or 1 cup peeled pulp
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- ice
- lemon slices
Instructions
- Crack the tamarind pods, peel off the shells, and remove the veins.
- Place the peeled tamarind in a large bowl. Add 2 cups of water and use your hands (or a potato masher / blender pulse) to massage the pulp for about 3–4 minutes. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing well to extract the liquid. Keep the seeds and pulp for another round.
- Add 1 cup of water to the remaining pulp and seeds, massage again, and rest for 10 minutes. Strain again.
- Repeat once more with 1 cup of water, or as many times as needed until no more flavor or pulp comes out.
- Check your tamarind concentrate. Depending on how much water you used, you may want to add a little more water to adjust consistency, but avoid adding too much — you don’t want to lose that rich flavor.
- Add sugar to taste. Stir with a spatula until it dissolves completely.
- Refrigerate until very cold. Serve over ice, add lemon slices, and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Leave the tamarind soaking overnight — it helps release the pulp naturally.
- Cooking works too, but the flavor becomes less fresh.
- Keep refrigerated and tightly covered for up to 2 weeks.
- Replace sugar with honey or panela for a different sweetness.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice if you like it tangier.