Mexican Tamarind Cooler (Agua de Tamarindo)

Aguas frescas, mainly made of fruit in season, are so popular in Mexico, that you'll see more agua fresca stands than taco eateries in any Mexican community. Noon meals on family tables are always accompanied by these delicious fruit "ades". Tamarind "water" is one of the most popular.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb  fresh tamarind pulp
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1 1⁄2 liters  plain water

Directions

1. Unpeel the fresh tamarind pods.
2. Scrape any remaining peel bits under running water,.
3. Bring unpeeled tamarind to boil in some of the recipe water.
4. Simmer for about 3 min.
5. Let cool and with hands get the pits out.
6. Process unpitted pulp in blender.
7. Sweeten remainding water.
8. Mix everything together.
9. Sieve for any remaining pulp threads or peel bits.
10. Chill and enjoy.