Agua de Tamarindo (Mexican Tamarind Drink)

This lip-puckering agua de tamarindo is definitely at the top of my list of aguas frescas that I’ll be preparing in the warm summer months. It’s part of the “holy trinity” of aguas frescas, which includes tamarindo (tamarind), jamaica (hibiscus), and horchata.

As the seasons begin to change, so does my mood. I get a little pep in my step in the cocina and begin to daydream about what to make once it warms up in Colorado. My mind flows with ideas about all of the thirst-quenching aguas frescas I’ll be preparing over the summer. While this agua de tamarindo can be considered a labor of love, the end result is definitely worth the effort because any packaged or bottled version just doesn’t compare!

WHAT IS AGUA FRESCA?

Agua fresca literally translates to fresh, cold, or refreshing water, but literal translations do little to describe the true essence of these fruit-forward and fun drinks. This is true of the translation of melon water – this name just misses the mark!

These non-alcoholic beverages are typically made by blending water and sugar with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Some are also made with dry ingredients such as rice, tamarind pods, and hibiscus, which are Mexican pantry staples. 

According to the author and Mexican confections queen, Fany Gerson, aguas frescas have indigenous roots. “When Aztecs traveled from their farmlands to the markets in Tenochtitlan (what is now Mexico City), they would paddle through channels in the valley’s wetlands and mash some ripe fruit with water as a way to refresh themselves through the journey.”

Nowadays, aguas frescas are available just about everywhere in Mexico, from street-side food stands and ice cream shops in rural towns, to high-end restaurants in large cities. They are fresh, diversified, and vibrant and are part of daily life and culture in Mexico. They’re also perfect to drink during warm summer months.

WHAT IS AGUA DE TAMARINDO?

Agua de tamarindo natural is a traditional Mexican agua fresca made from the pulp of tamarind pods, water, and sugar. To make the drink, the tamarind pods are soaked or boiled to soften the pulp, which is then mashed by hand to remove seeds and fibers. The resulting tamarind pulp is mixed with water and sweetened to taste. The drink is served chilled and is known for its refreshing, slightly tart, and subtly sweet taste. It’s a popular and unique option to try if you’re looking for something different, flavorful, and reminiscent of Mexico.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Unique Mexican flavor: Agua de tamarindo is tangy, sweet, refreshing, and unlike any other beverage I’ve tasted.
• Natural ingredients: Made from tamarind pulp, water, and sugar, this drink is free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
• Rich in nutrients: Tamarind is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is great for digestive health. IF you know what I mean.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a drink, as the perfect base for fresh cocktails, or frozen into popsicles.

WHAT IS TAMARINDO?

For those who are not familiar with tamarind fruit, it is actually a pod that is most likely indigenous to tropical Africa, but is believed to have made its way to Mexico in the 16th century via the Spanish and Portuguese. A tamarind tree takes almost a century to bear fruit, and when it does, the fruits come to life in the shape of green pods that eventually turn light brown in color. The edible pulp surrounding the edemame-sized seeds is what is transformed into drinks, sweets, and sauces in Mexico.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TAMARIND?

• Contains a variety of antioxidants, including vitamin C and polyphenols, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
• Supports Digestive Health:
• High dietary fiber content, which aids digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps prevent constipation. It also contains natural laxative properties.
• Tamarind is packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), magnesium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus, which are vital for maintaining overall health.

HOW HAS TAMARIND BEEN USED TO TREAT AILMENTS?

Tamarindo has been used to treat stomach problems, diarrhea, and parasitic infections. It has also been used as a gargle for sore throats and in arthritic ointments. This powerful pod has been recommended for people with thyroid disorders, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.

HOW IS TAMARINDO EATEN IN MEXICO?

One of the most popular ways tamarindo is enjoyed in Mexico is as a refreshing drink known as agua de tamarindo, but it is also transformed into a number of sweet and spicy treats such as paletas de tamarindo, salsas, soda, and an infinite number of dulces. Spicy tamarindo candy on a plastic spoon is always a fan fave.

WHERE CAN I BUY TAMARINDO?

It’s easy to find dry tamarind pods in most Latinx, Mexican, or Middle Eastern grocery stores. If you’re lucky, you may be able to find it in the dried spice or bulk section of general grocery stores, too.

Now back to our bebida . . . For anyone who has been turned off by tamarindo soda or other bottled tamarind drinks, this homemade version is 100 times better – I promise! 

AGUA DE TAMARINDO INGREDIENTS

• Tamarind pods: a little bit tamarind pulp goes a long way in terms of flavor, so 15 pods will yield enough agua fresca for a crowd!
• Sweetener: I like to use pure cane sugar, simple syrup, agave, or dates to sweeten my aguas frescas.
• Water: Agua fresca is supposed to be light in texture, like a juice. It’s not a nectar, which is why I use plenty of water to thin it out. This agua fresca requires more than the average Mexican drink because I use 10 cups simply to boil the tamarind pods, then an additional 12 cups to mix into the tamarind water.
• Lime and chile salt, optional: Lime adds a nice tang and rimming the glass with chili salt adds a nice touch when entertaining.

HOW TO MAKE AGUA DE TAMARINDO FROM SCRATCH

1. Boil tamarindo pods

• Add tamarind pods and 10 cups of water to a large pot. Cover and bring water to a boil for 10 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow water to cool and tamarind pods to soak for at least one hour. You can allow tamarind to soak overnight if time permits.

2. Remove pulp from seeds

• Using clean hands, remove outer shell and extract as much of the pulp as possible while removing all of the seeds and stringy fibers from the fruit.

4. Blend and strain mixture

• Pour soaking liquid, pulp, and sugar into a blender and puree on high until smooth, for approximately 30 seconds. Using a fine mesh sieve, strain into a pitcher and discard or compost pulp.

4. Mix and enjoy

• Mix in additional 12 cups of water. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary. When ready to serve, mix well and serve over plenty of ice. Chili-rimmed glass and a squeeze of fresh lime juice are optional.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

• Add guavas! In Oaxaca, I’ve tried this Mexican tamarind drink recipe with blended guavas and it was delicious! The flavors pair perfectly.
• Add fresh a chunk of fresh ginger (peeled) while boiling the tamarind pods and blend it with the pulp.
• For a spicy twist, add one dry ancho chili while boiling to infuse flavor into the boiling liquid. Remove the chili before blending.

HOW TO STORE

Store agua fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and chilled. Ingredients tend to settle at the bottom, so remember to stir your agua fresca before serving. For this tamarindo drink recipe, you can store the concentrated tamarind juice for at least one week (before adding the additional 12 cups of water), so it’s a great recipe to make in advance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does agua de tamarindo taste like?

Tamarindo agua fresca is unique in flavor, and is both sweet, tangy, and slightly tart. It reminds me of a combination of sweet and tangy plums mixed with brown sugar or dates, all mixed into one delicious drink.

Is agua de tamarindo good for you?

Yes, agua de tamarindo is good for you (as long as you don’t go overboard on the sugar!). It provides hydration, is rich in antioxidants, vitamins (such as vitamin C), and minerals like potassium and magnesium. It aids digestion due to its high fiber content and has anti-inflammatory properties. So drink up!

Can I use tamarind paste instead of tamarind pods to make agua de tamarindo?

Yes, feel free to use tamarind paste as a convenient alternative, but nothing beats making it from scratch! Paste is also more concentrated so you’ll have to adjust the recipe accordingly.

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Recipe originally published March 23, 2017 and updated with more clear instructions and photos on June 14, 2024.

Lola’s Cocina is a small business that earns various revenue streams. This includes sponsored posts and affiliate commissions from linked products, which I use and love. This commission is an agreement between Lola’s Cocina and retailers, with no extra cost to readers. This income helps sustains the site.

Photography + Styling (drink photos only): Cacey McReavy