Tropical Tamarind Cooler
Experience the exotic flavors of Tropical Tamarind Cooler, a refreshing beverage that effortlessly blends tart and sweet notes. Inspired by traditional Mexican recipes and showcasing the global appeal of tamarinds in African and Caribbean cuisines, this drink is perfect for hot summer days or any time you desire a taste of the tropics. Tamarind pods are the star of the show, delivering a distinctive tangy flavor enriched with natural sweetness. Whether you're new to tamarind or a devoted fan, this vibrant beverage is sure to enchant your taste buds and quench your thirst.
4
Servings
100
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh tamarind pods
8 (peeled)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup
water
1 quart (boiled)
Instructions
1
1. Start by peeling 8 large fresh tamarind pods to expose the sticky pulp inside.
2
2. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Add tamarind pods and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Stir consistently to dissolve the sugar, ensuring the mixture boils for one minute.
3
3. Remove the mixture from heat and pour it into a glass or stainless steel bowl. Allow it to steep for approximately 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the freshness of your pods. The pulp should be thoroughly softened.
4
4. Once steeping is complete, use your hands or a spoon to break up the softened pods, freeing the pulp and seeds.
5
5. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
6
6. Taste the strained liquid and adjust the flavor as needed. Add more sugar if it's too tart or more water if it's too strong.
7
7. Chill the tropical tamarind cooler until ready to serve. Stir well before pouring into glasses and enjoy your refreshing drink!
Nutrition Information
0.25g
Fat
27g
Carbs
1g
Protein
25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Tamarind Cooler?
The Tropical Tamarind Cooler is a refreshing beverage that blends tart and sweet notes, inspired by traditional Mexican, African, and Caribbean cuisines.
How many tamarind pods do I need for this recipe?
You will need 8 large fresh tamarind pods.
What is the primary flavor profile of this drink?
The drink features a distinctive tangy flavor enriched with natural sweetness, often described as sweet and tangy.
How much sugar is used in the Tropical Tamarind Cooler?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the three main ingredients?
The three ingredients are fresh tamarind pods, granulated sugar, and 1 quart of water.
How long should I steep the tamarind pods?
You should allow the pods to steep for approximately 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the freshness of the pods.
Do I need to peel the tamarind pods?
Yes, you must peel the tamarind pods to expose the sticky pulp before boiling them.
How many calories are in a serving of Tropical Tamarind Cooler?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 27 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this beverage?
This drink is very low in fat, containing only 0.25 grams per serving.
How much sugar is in a single serving?
There are 25 grams of sugar per serving.
Is there any protein in the Tropical Tamarind Cooler?
Yes, each serving contains 1 gram of protein.
What should I do if the drink is too tart?
If the liquid is too tart after straining, you can adjust the flavor by adding more sugar.
What should I do if the drink is too strong?
If the flavor is too strong, you can dilute the mixture by adding more water.
How should I extract the pulp from the pods?
After steeping, use your hands or a spoon to break up the softened pods to free the pulp and seeds.
What type of bowl should be used for steeping?
It is recommended to use a glass or stainless steel bowl for the steeping process.
Does this drink need to be strained?
Yes, the mixture should be strained through a fine sieve into a clean bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
Should the drink be served cold?
Yes, the cooler should be chilled until ready to serve and stirred well before pouring.
What cuisines inspired this drink?
The drink is inspired by traditional Mexican recipes and the use of tamarind in African and Caribbean cuisines.
Can I boil the mixture for a long time?
The instructions specify boiling the mixture for one minute once the sugar has dissolved.
Is the tamarind seed removed?
The seeds are separated from the pulp during the breaking-up process and then filtered out using a sieve.
What makes tamarind unique?
Tamarind pods deliver a distinctive tangy flavor enriched with natural sweetness, making it a star ingredient for tropical drinks.
What is the prep status of the water?
The water should be brought to a boil as part of the preparation process.
Is this beverage suitable for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for hot summer days and an excellent thirst-quencher.
Is there any sodium or cholesterol in this drink?
According to the nutritional information, there is no significant sodium or cholesterol in this recipe.
Is the fiber content high?
The recipe data does not list a specific amount for fiber, indicating it may be low after straining.
What tags are associated with this drink?
Tags include tamarind, Mexican, Caribbean, African, beverage, summer drink, tropical, refreshing, and sweet and tangy.
How long do I boil the water and sugar?
Once the sugar is dissolved and pods are added, you should let the mixture boil for one minute.
Can I use tamarind pods that are not fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh tamarind pods; the steeping time may vary based on the freshness of the pods used.