Tamarind Cooler

Directions

1. 1
   Mix together 1 part tamarind liquid (directions below) and 3 parts sparkling water or orange juice. Add sugar to taste and pour into a glass over ice.
2. 2
   Tamarind Liquid:
3. 3
   If using fresh tamarind, break off and discard pods (some bits will stick).
4. 4
   Put the sticky brown paste with seeds (or all or part of a brick of tamarind paste, which often has seeds too) in a bowl and add about 3 parts hot water to 1 part paste. Let stand 3 to 4 minutes to cool. Squeeze pulp from seeds.
5. 5
   Rub tamarind mixture through a fine strainer into a bowl; discard residue. Use liquid, or freeze to store.
6. 6
   Nutritional analysis per cup with 2 teaspoons sugar.