Authentic Jugo de Tamarindo: Traditional Tamarind Drink
Today we’re making Jugo de Tamarindo, a delicious and refreshing tamarind drink ready in under 30 minutes. This sweet, tangy favorite is loved across Latin America and makes the perfect tropical pick-me-up.
What Is Jugo De Tamarindo?
Jugo de Tamarindo is a popular tamarind drink enjoyed across the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, and more. Made with tamarind pulp, water, and sweetener, it’s a cool, tangy treat often finished with a splash of lime.
You’ll also spot it in Spain, Puerto Rico, and parts of Africa, with some soaking the pulp for hours and others blending it for a faster version.
Ingredients for Jugo de Tamarindo
- Tamarind Pods or Pulp: Use fresh tamarind pods or packaged pulp for ease.
- Water: You’ll need plenty to soak and dilute the tamarind.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar balances the tanginess.
- Cinnamon Stick (optional): Adds a warm, aromatic touch.
- Lime (optional): A squeeze brightens up the flavor.
- Ice: For serving nice and cold.
Variations to Try
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or a dash of chili powder for a gentle kick.
- Sweet Swap: Use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for natural sweetness.
- Cinnamon Boost: Add an extra cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon for deeper warmth.
- Sparkling Style: Mix with sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy version.
- Tropical Mix: Blend in a splash of pineapple or orange juice for a fruity twist.
How Do You Prepare It?
Just crack open the tamarind pods and peel away the shells with your fingers. You’ll notice some stringy bits; pull those off, too. Inside, you’ll feel the soft, pasty tamarind pulp. Keep removing any strings until the pulp is nice and clean. Set it aside and keep going until you’ve got all the tamarind you need!
Keesha’s Tips & Tricks
- Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Add sugar, skip it entirely, or use a low-cal sweetener with a squeeze of lime.
- Pick the Best Tamarind: Go for the darkest tamarind pods you can find. Darker means riper, sweeter, and easier to work with. If you’re cracking them at home, the ripe ones are firm and snap easily, while green ones are soft and very sour.
- Serve It Ice Cold: This drink really shines when served cold. Chill your glasses or load up on ice so every pour is extra refreshing.
What to Serve with Jugo de Tamarindo
- Tostones: Crispy fried plantains that bring a salty contrast to the sweet, tangy drink.
- Empanadas: Savory pastries filled with beef, chicken, or cheese.
- Pastelitos: Flaky, fried pastries with sweet or savory fillings.
- Ceviche: Fresh, citrusy seafood that balances the sweetness of the tamarind drink.
- Yuca Fries: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
How to Store Jugo de Tamarindo
Keep Jugo de Tamarindo in a sealed jug or container in the fridge. It stays fresh and tasty for up to two days, so you can enjoy a cold glass later.
FAQs about Jugo de Tamarindo
More Juice Recipes
Looking for more refreshing drinks? Explore the juice recipes on my site, including reader favorites like Cantaloupe Melon Juice, Sugar-Free Pineapple Cucumber Juice, Carrot and Orange Juice, or Homemade Apple Juice.
Jugo de Tamarindo (Tamarind Drink)
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups tamarind, peeled (350 grams)
- 5 cups water
- 1/2 – 3/4 cups granulated white sugar
- Ice cubes, for serving
Instructions
- To start, peel the tamarind pods. You can use the guide above for a more in-depth description of this process.
- Combine the sugar, peeled tamarind, and 3 cups of water in a large pot.
- Bring the ingredients to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat and leave the tamarind to cook, covered, for roughly 8-10 minutes.
- When the time has elapsed, remove the pot from the heat. Remove the lid from the pot and leave the ingredients to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Next, use a potato masher to crush the tamarind. Make sure that you crush the ingredients very well to ensure they will pass through the sieve as best as they can.
- Once they are mashed, take scoopsful of the mashed mixture and pass it through a fine-meshed sieve. Press the paste gently to extract as much tamarind water as you can.
- When you have extracted as much water as you can, pour it into a serving jug with ice.
- Stir in the remaining 2 cups of water and serve the tamarind juice chilled.
