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Ingredients
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Tamarind concentrate
Mocktail
Garnish & finish
Method
Tamarind concentrate
- 1
Soak tamarind
Break the tamarind pulp into smaller pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot water (480 ml) over the pulp, pressing the pulp down so it is fully submerged. Let steep for 15 minutes to soften and release flavor.
- 2
Extract and strain
After steeping, use your hands or a spoon to mash and squeeze the softened tamarind in the water to extract the pulp and juice. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing and scraping the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the fibrous solids and seeds left in the strainer.
- 3
Sweeten and season
While the liquid is still warm, stir in 4 tbs agave syrup and 1/4 tsp fine salt until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust: the concentrate should be tart but pleasantly sweet; add up to 1 tbs more agave if you prefer sweeter. Allow the concentrate to cool to room temperature (about 10 minutes) or chill briefly in the refrigerator if you want cold drinks faster.
Mocktail
- 4
Measure base
Into a large pitcher combine 240 ml of the prepared tamarind concentrate, 120 ml fresh lime juice, and 60 ml fresh orange juice. Stir to combine.
- 5
Adjust sweetness
Taste the tamarind–citrus base. If it needs more sweetness to balance the tartness, stir in up to 2 tbs additional agave syrup, tasting after each tablespoon. The final base should be tangy with a rounded sweetness.
- 6
Add ice and mineral water
Add 4 cups of ice to the pitcher or distribute ice into individual glasses. Pour the base over the ice and top with 1000 ml chilled sparkling mineral water, stirring gently once to combine so you keep the bubbles.
- 7
Serve
Ladle or pour the tamarindo cooler into glasses, making sure each glass gets some ice and a balanced mix of concentrate and mineral water. If serving from a pitcher, give a gentle stir before pouring each round.
Garnish & finish
- 8
Garnish each glass with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh mint. If using tamarind candy, skewer one piece on a cocktail pick and rest it across the rim or drop it into the glass for extra tamarind aroma and a sweet finish.
- 9
Optional finishing touch: rub a lime wedge around the rim before adding a lime wheel for a brighter citrus aroma. Serve immediately while sparkling and cold.
