Amalvani To Iced Tea: 5 Interesting Tamarind Drinks For Summer

During the summer, we try to avoid heavy and calorie-laden foods and look for some refreshing recipes. Summer treats are usually light and healthy, which can protect us from the unbearable heat of this season. Cooling drinks are another popular summer demand, which includes fruit smoothies, coconut water, aam panna, sattu sharbat, and so on.

These drinks are not only delicious but also hydrate you during this season. But did you know that tamarind, a.k.a. imli, is also a healthy ingredient for summer? Along with being rich in vitamin B, folate, and antioxidants, it also keeps you cool this season. According to Healthline, tamarind is also good for the smooth functioning of the heart.

Amalvani

Total Time: 3 hours

Servings-3 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup of tamarind
• 2 cups of jaggery
• ½ cup raw sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 teaspoon dry ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 2 teaspoons of dry mint powder
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste

Method 

• Soak the tamarind and jaggery in a bowl of water for 60–90 minutes, and strain the pulp once the jaggery has dissolved completely. Add the sugar and mix until combined.
• Add the spice powder and salt to it and pour into a pan on medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
• Cool the mixture down completely before storing it in sterilised glass bottles and refrigerating. To serve, pour a couple of tablespoons of the tamarind concentrate, top it off with some cold water, and serve.

Tamarind Margarita 

Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings-1 

Ingredients 

• Tajin seasoning, for optional rim
• 1 1/2 ounces blanco tequila
• 1/2 ounce orange liqueur
• 1 ounce of tamarind nectar
• 1/2-ounce simple syrup
• 1 cup of crushed ice
• 1 wheel of lime

Method

• Rim a chilled margarita glass with Tajin: wet the rim with a piece of citrus fruit, then roll the rim in a small dish of chilli powder.
• In a blender, combine tequila, orange liqueur, tamarind nectar, simple syrup, and crushed ice. Blend until smooth.
• Pour into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wheel. Enjoy.

Imli-Dhania Sharbat 

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings- 4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon tamarind
• 1/2 cup jaggery
• 1 teaspoon of roasted jeera powder
• 1 teaspoon of black salt
• 2-3 glasses of water
• 1 cup of ice cubes
• 2 chopped green chillies
• 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander

Method 

• Wash the tamarind and soak it in sufficient water for half an hour. Later, rub and mash it with your hands.
• Put it in a strainer and extract the pulp. Repeat the process by adding some more water, mashing it, and extracting the pulp.
• Now, take the extracted imli pulp in a container and add water, sugar, jeera powder, and black salt. Mix everything well until the sugar dissolves.
• Now add green chillies and coriander. Serve in a tall glass with some ice cubes.

Minty Tamarind Cooler

Total Time: 15 minutes 

Servings-2 

Ingredients  

• 1 tablespoon tamarind
• 1.5 tablespoons of jaggery
• 8–10 mint leaves
• 1.5 cups of water
• ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ¼ teaspoon chaat masala
• Salt to taste

For Serving 

• Ice cubes 
• A few mint leaves finely chopped

Method 

• Combine tamarind and jaggery along with ½ cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 2 minutes.
• Stir the mixture and let it cool completely. Once cooled, put the mixture in a blender along with the mint leaves and blend to a smooth puree.
• Strain the puree through a strainer, adding 1 cup chilled water. Now add jeera powder, chaat masala, and salt. Stir well. 
• Add ice cubes and finely chopped mint leaves to a serving glass and pour the prepared drink. Serve chilled, and enjoy.

Tamarind Iced Tea

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings-6 

Ingredients 

• 6 cups of water
• 4 black tea bags
• 2 cups of ice
• 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup tamarind paste
• 1/4-1/2 cup simple syrup

Method 

• Bring the water to a boil. Turn off the heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 20 minutes. Allow the tea to cool. 
• To your pitcher, add brewed tea, ice, lemon slices, tamarind paste, and the sweetener of your choice. Stir thoroughly using a long wooden spoon, and serve!