Quench your thirst with this easy-to-make and naturally vegan Tamarind Drink! This sweet-tangy Filipino-inspired refreshment is made with real tamarind pods and ginger. It's perfect for anyone craving a bold, zesty flavor with a hint of spice!
If you're into refreshing and feel-good treats, you’ll love our buko pandan drink and mais con yelo for a cooling treat. They pair perfectly with tropical fruit beverages like this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tamarind drink is vegan, dairy-free, and beginner-friendly. You only need five simple ingredients. No fancy tools needed - just a large pot, fine-mesh sieve, and a large bowl to catch the liquid.
Tamarind is high in antioxidants and can help with digestion. Ginger adds natural warmth and may help fight colds. The tartness from tamarind and a touch of honey or vanilla extract can boost both flavor and comfort.
This is a popular drink not just in the Philippines, but around the world. It’s perfect when you need to quench your thirst fast.
The Story Behind Tamarind Drink
Tamarind drink is a nostalgic Filipino favorite. Many remember it from local markets or being served cold during hot summer days. It’s also known as agua de tamarindo, a type of agua fresca loved for its sweet and tangy taste.
It's also enjoyed in many Asian and Latin American countries. But in the Philippines, it often feels like comfort in a glass.
Where Tamarind Drink Comes From
This tamarind drink likely started in tropical countries where tamarind trees grow. In the Philippines, tamarind (or “sampalok”) has long been used for soups, candies, and drinks.
Local families and street vendors alike made their versions. Some add lime juice or lime slices for extra tang. It’s both traditional and adaptable.
When is this Dish Typically Enjoyed?
This drink is popular during summer or on any hot day. It's also a staple in Filipino households during fiestas or family reunions. Always served cold, best with ice, and even better if you chill it before serving. Have a try!
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- Sparkling water
- Passionfruit syrup
- Mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Tamarind pods
- Ginger
- Water
- Granulated white sugar
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Make the Tamarind-Ginger Tea Base:
1. In a pot, combine the tamarind pods, sliced ginger, and 5 cups of water.
2. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and let it steep for 30 minutes, until the liquid cools completely.
4. Once cooled, strain and remove the tamarind and ginger pieces. Set the tea base aside.
Make the Simple Syrup:
5. In a separate pot, combine the white sugar and water.
6. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
7. Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool completely.
Assemble the Drink:
8. In a pitcher or large mixing bowl, combine the simple syrup, tamarind-ginger tea base, and passionfruit syrup. Mix well.
9. Fill glasses with ice cubes, then pour in the tamarind mixture to about ¾ full.
10. Top off with sparkling water to fill each glass.
11. Garnish with mint leaves, and serve immediately.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
No fresh tamarind? You can use tamarind paste or concentrate.
Swap white sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. - Variation
Add mint or lemon for a twist! Blend the mixture in a blender for a smooth texture. - Mistake to Avoid
Don’t skip straining the tamarind bits - it makes the drink gritty. Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove all solids. Tamarind can be sticky, so don’t forget to clean your tools well. - Storage Tips
- Store the tamarind-ginger tea base and simple syrup separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Once mixed, the drink is best enjoyed immediately to preserve the fizz.
- Keep leftover passionfruit syrup refrigerated in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.
FAQs
Tamarind Drink
Ingredients
Drink Base:
- 2 (12 fl oz) cans Sparkling water
- ¼ cup Passionfruit syrup
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Ice cubes for serving
Tamarind-Ginger Tea Base:
- 4 oz Tamarind pods washed and peeled
- 2 thumb-sized pieces of ginger washed and sliced
- 5 cups water
Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup Granulated white sugar
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
Make the Tamarind-Ginger Tea Base:
- In a pot, combine the tamarind pods, sliced ginger, and 5 cups water.
- Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let it steep for 30 minutes, until the liquid cools completely.
- Once cooled, strain and remove the tamarind and ginger pieces. Set the tea base aside.
Make the Simple Syrup:
- In a separate pot, combine the granulated white sugar and water.
- Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool completely.
Assemble the Drink:
- In a pitcher or large mixing bowl, combine the simple syrup, tamarind-ginger tea base and passionfruit syrup. Then, mix well.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes, then pour in the tamarind mixture to about ¾ full.
- Top off with sparkling water to fill each glass.
- Garnish with mint leaves, and serve immediately.
Watch The Recipe Video!
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Recipes for Every Moment
Entertaining guests on a hot afternoon? Serve this icy tamarind drink for a refreshing Filipino twist they’ll love.
Julius says
I’ll give this a try after a solid workout and once I find tamarind nearby. 😊
Sweetie says
I never thought I would actually like this drink! I made it at home and ended up telling my friends about it.
Liz says
Lainey, this tasted amazing! Love tamarind!!
Dimple says
I've been waiting for this recipe! This is my favorite drink and I like SB's take on Tamarind Drink.
Claire M says
This looks so refreshing Lainey! Would love to try this soon
Sheeeenyy says
Healthy and delicious!!
Cheng says
This tamarind drink looks so refreshing, healthy, and delicious! I'd like to try this soon! 🙂
Marte says
This tasted awesome!! Adding the mint leaves made it taste even better!
Lex Bishop says
This was so delicious and refreshing!
Kian Cablinda says
I've always been a beverage guy. Can't eat a meal without refreshments.
I can't wait to try this one out!