Tamarind Iced Tea
This post may contain affiliate links.Tamarind tea is a refreshing Indonesian iced drink made from tangy tamarind, lightly sweetened and served ice-cold—perfect for hot summer days. Known locally as asam jawa drink, it’s loved for its bold sweet-sour flavor that cools you down instantly. One sip and you’ll understand why this classic is a warm-weather favorite. 😌🧊
A Quick Look at the Recipe
🏷️ Recipe Name: Tamarind Iced Tea (Javanese Sour Drink)
⏱️ Ready In: ~ 20 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4 glasses
🔥 Calories: 126 kcal (per glass)
🧾 Main Ingredients: Tamarind paste, palm sugar, water, fresh mint leaves.
🥗 Dietary Info: Gluten free, Halal
🧠 Difficulty: Easy – one pot, very simple steps.
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Tamarind iced tea, or asam jawa drink, is one of those Indonesian herbal drinks I grew up seeing everywhere, especially on hot days when you just need something instantly refreshing. Like turmeric ginger tea or kunyit asam, wedang jahe, lemongrass pandan tea, butterfly pea flower tea, or a refreshing pineapple mint soda, it’s made from simple natural ingredients that Indonesians have trusted and enjoyed for generations. Served ice-cold, this tamarin tea has that perfect sweet-sour balance that cools you down from the very first sip—no air-conditioning required.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
Tamarind paste – This is the star of the drink, giving the tea its signature tangy, refreshing flavor. Use seedless tamarind paste for convenience, or soak whole tamarind if you prefer a more traditional approach.
Palm sugar – My preferred sweetener for this recipe. It adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sourness of tamarind.
Salt – Just a small pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor (don’t skip it, this is the quiet hero).
Water – Used to dissolve the tamarind and create the base of the tea. Adjust the amount to control how strong or light you want the drink.
Fresh mint leaves – Added at the end when the drink is ready to serve. Mint adds a cooling aroma and makes this tamarin tea even more refreshing, especially when served over ice.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Substitutions & Variations
Sweetener options – This recipe is naturally flexible. You can use palm sugar, coconut sugar, or brown sugar to sweeten the tea. For the most fragrant and authentic flavor, palm sugar and coconut sugar are the best choices, as they add a gentle caramel-like aroma that pairs beautifully with tamarind.
Lemongrass variation – Add a lightly crushed stalk of lemongrass while simmering the tea for a fresh, citrusy note that makes the drink even more refreshing.
Pandan variation – Tie a pandan leaf into a knot and simmer it with the tamarind for a subtle, fragrant aroma that’s especially popular in Southeast Asian drinks.
Sweetness level – Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. Tamarind can vary in sourness, so a quick taste test before cooling is always a good idea.
How to Make Tamarind Tea
STEP 1. Add the tamarind paste, palm sugar (or coconut/brown sugar), salt, and water to a small pot. Heat over medium heat.
STEP 2. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and tamarind fully dissolve. Turn off the heat and let the tamarind tea cool to room temperature.
STEP 3. Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer to remove any tamarind bits or debris. (Optional: strain twice if you want it extra smooth.)
STEP 4. Lightly crush the fresh mint leaves in a serving glass or jar to release the aroma. Add ice cubes, pour in the cooled tamarin tea, and serve right away. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Adjust the sweet–sour balance – Tamarind can vary in strength, so always taste after simmering. Add more sugar for sweetness or a splash of water if it’s too tangy.
- Don’t boil too aggressively – A gentle simmer is enough. Boiling too hard can dull the fresh, bright flavor of the tamarind.
- Let it cool before adding ice – Cooling the tea first prevents the ice from melting too quickly and watering down the flavor.
- Lightly bruise the mint, don’t shred it – Gently crushing the leaves releases aroma without turning the drink bitter.
- Strain well for a smoother drink – For the cleanest texture, strain once or twice to remove fine tamarind fibers.
- Make it ahead – The tamarind tea base can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for 2–3 days. Just add mint and ice when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Tamarind iced tea is best enjoyed ice-cold and makes the perfect refresher after rich or spicy meals. Its bright, tangy flavor helps cleanse the palate, making it especially delicious alongside bold Indonesian dishes like beef rendang, fish curry, chicken curry, or ayam balado.
This tamarind tea also pairs beautifully with everyday Asian meals from my kitchen—think stir-fries, fried rice, noodle dishes, or grilled meats. Serve it with nasi goreng kampung, mie goreng, bihun goreng, or even light snacks like fried shrimp toast. For a tea-time treat, enjoy it with a slice of Taiwanese pineapple cake as a light yet satisfying afternoon indulgence.
FAQs about Tamarind Tea
Tamarind tea is made from tamarind pulp or paste, water, and a sweetener such as palm sugar, coconut sugar, or brown sugar. Some versions also include herbs like mint for extra freshness.
Tamarind tea is appreciated for its naturally refreshing and digestive-friendly qualities. Tamarind contains antioxidants and has long been used in traditional Asian drinks to help cleanse the palate after rich or heavy meals.
No, tamarind tea is naturally caffeine-free. This makes it a great alternative to iced coffee or black tea, especially if you want a refreshing drink later in the day.
Both! Tamarind tea can be enjoyed warm or chilled, but it’s most popular as an iced drink, especially in hot weather. Served cold, it’s incredibly refreshing.
Tamarind pulp can vary in tartness. If the tea tastes too sour, simply add more sweetener or dilute with additional water until balanced.
Yes, but reduce the quantity since concentrate is stronger. Always taste and adjust sweetness accordingly.
Store it in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving as natural sediment may settle.
Storage
Store the tamarind tea base in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. For the best flavor, keep the tea plain and add fresh mint leaves and ice only when ready to serve.
If the tea separates slightly during storage, simply give it a quick stir before serving. This tamarin tea is best enjoyed chilled and fresh, as the bright sweet-sour flavor is most vibrant within the first couple of days.
Tamarind Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 40 gr tamarind paste
- 125 gr palm sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1000 ml water
- 1 stalk fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Add the tamarind paste, palm sugar (or coconut/brown sugar), salt, and water to a small pot. Heat over medium heat.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and tamarind fully dissolve. Turn off the heat and let the tamarind tea cool to room temperature.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer to remove any tamarind bits or debris. (Optional: strain twice if you want it extra smooth.)
- Lightly crush the fresh mint leaves in a serving glass or jar to release the aroma. Add ice cubes, pour in the cooled tamarin tea, and serve right away. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the sweet–sour balance – Tamarind can vary in strength, so always taste after simmering. Add more sugar for sweetness or a splash of water if it’s too tangy.
- Don’t boil too aggressively – A gentle simmer is enough. Boiling too hard can dull the fresh, bright flavor of the tamarind.
- Let it cool before adding ice – Cooling the tea first prevents the ice from melting too quickly and watering down the flavor.
- Lightly bruise the mint, don’t shred it – Gently crushing the leaves releases aroma without turning the drink bitter.
- Strain well for a smoother drink – For the cleanest texture, strain once or twice to remove fine tamarind fibers.
- Make it ahead – The tamarind tea base can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for 2–3 days. Just add mint and ice when ready to serve.
I hope you enjoy this refreshing tamarind iced tea as much as I do. If you tried it, don’t forget to leave a comment and rating—I’d love to know how you served it!