Tamarind Imli Ka Amlana Summer Cooler
A tangy and refreshing tamarind squash drink perfect for hot summer days, balancing sweet and sour flavors with a hint of spice. This indian-inspired cocktails & drinks (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes brings together tamarind paste, water, jaggery or brown sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup jaggery or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp black salt
- 1/4 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups chilled water or soda water
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste and 2 cups water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the tamarind softens and infuses the water.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup jaggery or brown sugar, 1/2 tsp black salt, and 1/4 tsp roasted cumin powder. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jaggery completely dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly into a syrup.
- Step 3: Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove pulp and seeds.
- Step 4: Tear 6 fresh mint leaves and add them to the pitcher with 2 cups chilled water or soda water. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Serve the tamarind squash over 1 cup ice cubes in tall glasses, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint for a cooling finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind Imli Ka Amlana Summer Cooler take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Tamarind Imli Ka Amlana Summer Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover tamarind imli ka amlana summer cooler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind Imli Ka Amlana Summer Cooler?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tamarind Imli Ka Amlana Summer Cooler for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Tamarind Imli Ka Amlana Summer Cooler vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
