Tamarind Juice Recipe

This delicious tamarind juice recipe is a family favorite. It's made by combining whole tamarind pods with water, simmering them until softened, then straining off the water and adding brown sugar and freshly squeezed lime juice to taste.

 

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The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

If you love a good and refreshing drink, then this tamarind drink is it. Popular in the Caribbean, this drink is similar to lemonade, and some may argue it's even better. I like to serve it as an alternative to typical lemonade, as it has a distinct yet refreshing taste. This sweet tamarind juice drink is perfectly served over ice on a hot summer day.

Tamarind has a slightly sweet and sour flavor, which I balance by adding brown sugar and freshly squeezed lime juice for a touch of acidity. The amount of sugar and lime juice you need to add will vary depending on your tamarind pods.

If you love a good refreshing drink, try my Jamaican Style Carrot Juice or Classic Lemonade.

Ingredients

Here's what you will need to make tamarind juice at home:

• Water - use tap water if you are lucky enough to live somewhere with good water, if not use filtered water.
• Sugar - I use brown sugar to make a simple syrup, but you can use any type of sugar for this recipe.
• Tamarind - I use whole tamarind pods. You can also use tamarind pulp blocks, just make sure that it is 100% tamarind with no added ingredients.
• Lime - I add fresh lime juice to add sourness and balance out the sweet brown sugar.

Equipment needed

• Large pot
• Measuring jug
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine sieve
• Pitcher

How to make Tamarind Juice

Start by removing the outer husk of the tamarind pods and discard any strings attached to the pods.

Add the tamarind pods and 6 cups of water to a large pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. The pods should be soft, and the water should be tan-colored. Remove from heat, set aside, and allow to cool.

Once cool enough to handle, strain the mixture into a sieve over a large bowl.

Use a spoon or your hands to press the pulp and seeds to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the seed and pulp. Set the liquid aside.

Meanwhile, in a separate small pot over medium heat, whisk together water and brown sugar and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the brown sugar is dissolved into the water, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Pour the liquid from the tamarinds, the brown sugar liquid, and lime juice into a pitcher. Stir to combine.

Serve over ice.

Tanya's Top Tips

These tips will help you make the best tamarind juice you've ever tried. 

• Make sure you take time to simmer the tamarind pods until they have softened as this will make it much easier to pass the tamarind flavored water through the sieve.
• Use a spoon to push down on the tamarind pods in the sieve, extracting as much water and flavor as you can.
• Taste the juice and adjust the flavor to suit your own palette. Add more sweetness or sour lime to taste.
• Some tamarind is labeled sour tamarind. Don't use that in this recipe, or you'll need to add a lot of sugar to balance the taste.

Flavor variations

• Tamarind juice is similar to lemonade and should be sweetened to your taste.
• For a different taste, try swapping brown sugar for coconut sugar.
• Add a little vanilla extract to the juice.
• Make tamarind and ginger juice by adding thin slices of fresh ginger when melting the brown sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then pour the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the ginger before adding to the tamarind water.
• Make a cocktail by adding a shot of dark rum to your tamarind juice...it's so delicious.

Serving suggestions

Chill the juice in the refrigerator or serve immediately over ice cubes.

How to store homemade tamarind juice?

Once made, cool and store in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

FAQs

If you have tried this tamarind juice recipe or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!