Tamarind Cooler

Name: Tamarind Cooler
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: about 6 cups (1.4 L); 8 glasses
Ingredients: 0.5 cup seedless tamarind paste, about 120 g; 3 cups hot water (720 ml); 0.5 cup piloncillo or dark brown sugar; 0.25 cup fresh lime juice (60 ml); 3 cups cold water (720 ml); ice, lime wheels

Tamarind is sour, sweet and slightly fruity, and it makes a drink that tastes like nothing else on the table. It is a traditional Mexican agua fresca, and it cuts through rich, spicy food like nothing else. Soak the paste, mash and strain; the rest is stirring.

about 6 cups (1.4 L); 8 glassesYield

EasyDifficulty

What you'll need

0.5 cup seedless tamarind paste, about 120 g
3 cups hot water (720 ml)
0.5 cup piloncillo or dark brown sugar
0.25 cup fresh lime juice (60 ml)
3 cups cold water (720 ml)
ice, lime wheels

How to make it

Stir the tamarind paste into the hot water and let stand 20 minutes, mashing it with a spoon.
Strain through a sieve, pressing out the pulp. Stir in the sugar until dissolved.
Add the lime juice and cold water. Chill and serve over ice.
Glass: Tall glasses. Garnish: A lime wheel and a pinch of chili-lime seasoning on the rim.

Chef's secrets

Taste and adjust sugar; tamarind brands vary.

Seedless paste is easiest.

Good to know

Make ahead

Keeps for 3 days in the fridge.