Tamarind Drink (Tamr Hindi): Sharp and Refreshing
Tamarind drink is made by soaking dried tamarind in hot water for eight hours or overnight, straining it while pressing the pulp, then diluting and sweetening it. Long soaking is what pulls out the full sour flavour.
- Prep
- 9 min
- Cook
- —
- Total
- 489 min
- Calories
- 120
Photo: Ivar Leidus — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Tamarind is one of the most familiar traditional Ramadan drinks across the Arab world, especially in Egypt and the Levant. It's sharp and refreshing, it has real health benefits, and it's ideal for rehydrating after a fast. Here's how to make it at home, easily, with a flavour as good as the bought version — probably better.
Method
-
1
Soak the tamarind
Cut the dried tamarind into small pieces and put it in a deep bowl. Add a litre of hot water and leave it to soak for eight hours or overnight. Stir it occasionally to speed up the extraction.
⏱ 480 min -
2
Strain
After soaking, stir the mixture well, then strain it through a fine sieve or a piece of clean muslin. Press the pulp to get as much of the concentrated juice out as you can.
-
3
Sweeten
Add the second litre of water to the strained juice. Add the sugar gradually, stirring until fully dissolved. Add rose or orange-blossom water if you'd like the extra note.
-
4
Chill and serve
Refrigerate until thoroughly cold. Serve in glasses over ice.
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Tips that actually matter
- Avoid pre-sweetened tamarind concentrate — it usually contains preservatives.
- You can boil the tamarind for a few minutes after soaking to intensify the flavour.
- For a sweeter drink, mix it with a little orange or strawberry juice.
- Use brown sugar for a darker colour and a deeper flavour.
What is tamarind drink?
Tamr hindi is a natural drink made from dried tamarind fruit soaked in water, with sugar added and sometimes rose water or orange blossom water. It is dark brown, with a refreshingly tart flavour, and it is served cold in Ramadan and all year round.
Benefits of tamarind drink:
- Helps rehydrate the body after fasting.
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Aids digestion and settles the stomach.
- Refreshes the body and gives it natural energy.
Tamarind is one of the best and most refreshing Ramadan drinks there is. Make it this way at home and share it with your family at iftar — simple ingredients, a clean method, and a reliably excellent result.
People also ask
Can I make it quickly?
Yes, but then soak it in hot water and boil it for ten minutes before straining.
Can I store it?
It keeps in a sealed bottle in the fridge for three days.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, though it's best to reduce the sugar when serving it to them.
Cook mode
Tamarind Drink (Tamr Hindi): Sharp and Refreshing
-
1
Soak the tamarind
Cut the dried tamarind into small pieces and put it in a deep bowl. Add a litre of hot water and leave it to soak for eight hours or overnight. Stir it occasionally to speed up the extraction.
-
2
Strain
After soaking, stir the mixture well, then strain it through a fine sieve or a piece of clean muslin. Press the pulp to get as much of the concentrated juice out as you can.
-
3
Sweeten
Add the second litre of water to the strained juice. Add the sugar gradually, stirring until fully dissolved. Add rose or orange-blossom water if you'd like the extra note.
-
4
Chill and serve
Refrigerate until thoroughly cold. Serve in glasses over ice.
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