Those Mexicans really know what they’re doing with food. Not only is Mexico the land of Guacamole and hot chocolate, they also make the most wonderful summer drinks called aguas frescas, which translates to Fresh Waters. These drinks are summer coolers that taste exactly of the flavors they’re made of. A Watermelon aguas frescas tastes exactly like water mixed in with the essential flavors of the fruit. They’re incredibly light, hydrating and refreshing. A personal favorite is the Agua de Tamarindo, the tamarind flavored drink that tastes magical. Sweet, sour, ice cold, deliciousness.
If you’ve ever had one of those delicious Imli candies, the tiny ones that are sprinkled with sugar crystals and wrapped in plastic in tiny little twosomes, this drink tastes exactly like that but infinitely more refreshing.
And since tamarind is really high in Vitamin C and for something so delicious to also be good for you, it’s almost a crime not to have a glassful everyday.
Agua de Tamarindo
Ingredients
250 grams Tamarind (seeds removed)
3/4 cups Sugar
2 litres Water
Directions
Place the tamarind in a pot with 4 cups (1 litre) of water. Cover the pot and simmer over a medium heat for around 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool a little. Place the sugar in a separate large pot and place a fine sieve over it. Pass the tamarind liquid through the sieve, over the sugar. The liquid will start to dissolve the sugar. Using the back of a large spoon, the bottom of a glass, a potato masher or even your hands, squeeze out as much pulp as you can from the tamarind.
Add another litre of water to the tamarind liquid, stir and taste for sweetness. Add more sugar or more water to adjust to the taste you like. Pour into a large pitcher if you have one or leave it in the pot if you don’t. Refrigerate and serve chilled.
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