Tamr Hindi (Egyptian Tamarind Drink)

Tamr hindi is a tangy-sweet tamarind drink sold from big glass jugs by street vendors across Egypt, especially during Ramadan. It is simple to make at home with just tamarind pulp, sugar, and water, and it is wonderfully refreshing over ice. A little rose water adds a nice finishing touch.

Ingredients

• 8 oz block tamarind pulp (seeded, if possible)
• 4 cups hot water, divided
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar, to taste
• 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
• Ice, for serving
• Mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Soak the tamarind
   Break the tamarind block into chunks and soak in 2 cups hot water for 30 minutes, mashing occasionally to loosen the pulp.
2. Strain the pulp
   Push the tamarind through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing well to extract all the liquid and discarding the seeds and fibers.
3. Dilute and sweeten
   Stir in the remaining 2 cups water and sugar to taste, until fully dissolved.
4. Flavor and chill
   Stir in rose water if using, then refrigerate at least 1 hour until cold.
5. Serve
   Pour over ice and garnish with mint leaves.

The concentrate keeps in the fridge for about a week, so it is easy to make a batch ahead.