Textual Chef

Tamarind Agua Fresca

A boldly tangy and sweet agua fresca made from tamarind paste dissolved in cold water with sugar and a pinch of chili-salt rim. A staple at Mexican taquerias.

10 minEasyServes 4100 cal/serving

MexicanNon-Alcoholic DrinkNo-CookVeganVegetarianGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp tamarind paste or concentrate
  • 1 cup warm water (for dissolving tamarind)
  • 3 cups cold water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (for rim)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for rim)
  • 4 cups ice cubes
  • 4 lime wedge

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pitcher, dissolve 4 tbsp tamarind paste or concentrate in 1 cup warm water (for dissolving tamarind), stirring until smooth with no lumps.

  2. 2

    Stir in 1/4 cup granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Add 3 cups cold water and stir well to combine.

  3. 3

    Taste and adjust: add more sugar if too tart, or a squeeze of lime if too sweet.

  4. 4

    Mix 1/2 tsp chili powder (for rim) and 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for rim) together on a small plate. Run a 4 lime wedge around the rim of each glass and dip in the chili-salt mixture.

  5. 5

    Fill glasses with 4 cups ice cubes, pour in the tamarind agua fresca, and serve immediately.

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