Have you ever had one of those days where you’re craving something tangy and sweet and a little spicy all at once, because yeah, me too, and the other day I was rummaging through my pantry trying to figure out what could rescue me from the heat and boredom.

When I spotted some tamarind paste so I decided to try making a Spiced Tamarind Mocktail because I thought it might just be the thing I needed.
I mixed it up with a few spices and a pinch of sugar, and some fresh lemon, while wondering if a Spiced Tamarind Mocktail could really taste as good as I imagined, since I had never made it before.
Then I took the first sip, and wow, the Spiced Tamarind Mocktail hit me, sweet and tangy, while a little spicy, all in one gulp, so I knew I had found a new favorite drink.
Have you ever tried a drink that makes you pause and go, “Wait, this is actually amazing!” If not, this Spiced Tamarind Mocktail is definitely one to try because it’s simple, fun, and full of flavors that make any ordinary day feel special.

ingredients
- tamarind paste – 3 tablespoons
- water – 2 cups
- jaggery or brown sugar – 4 tablespoons (or to taste)
- black salt – ¼ teaspoon
- roasted cumin powder – ½ teaspoon
- red chili powder – a pinch (optional)
- fresh lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- sparkling water or soda – 1 cup
- ice cubes – as needed
- fresh mint leaves – for garnish
ingredients notes
- Tamarind paste is the main flavor; it tastes tangy and a little sweet.
- Jaggery or brown sugar makes the drink sweet, but you can use less if you like.
- Black salt gives a tiny salty taste that makes the flavor pop.
- Roasted cumin powder smells amazing and adds warmth.
- Red chili powder is optional; it makes the drink slightly spicy.
- Lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty touch.
- Sparkling water makes it bubbly and fun to drink.
- Mint leaves make it look pretty and smell fresh.

How to make Spiced Tamarind Mocktail?
step 1: make the tamarind base
Take the tamarind paste and mix it with 2 cups of warm water in a bowl. Stir it really well until all the paste dissolves. This makes a smooth, tangy base for your drink. If you see any lumps, you can use a small sieve to strain them out.
step 2: sweeten your drink
Add the jaggery or brown sugar to the tamarind water. Stir continuously until it melts completely. Taste it and see if you want it sweeter. You can add a little more sugar if you like it extra sweet.
step 3: add spices
Sprinkle in the black salt and roasted cumin powder. If you like a tiny bit of heat, add a pinch of red chili powder. Stir everything together so all the flavors mix well. This is what makes your drink special and spiced.
step 4: add lemon juice
Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Lemon makes the drink taste bright and refreshing. Give it a good stir so the lemon juice mixes with the tamarind and spices.
step 5: mix with sparkling water
Pour the tamarind mixture into a large jug. Slowly add the sparkling water or soda. Stir gently so it stays bubbly. The fizz makes it extra fun, especially for kids.
step 6: serve with ice and mint
Add some ice cubes to your glass. Pour the spiced tamarind mocktail over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Your drink is ready to enjoy.

kitchen equipment needed
- bowl
- spoon or whisk
- sieve (optional)
- measuring spoons
- glass or jug for serving
- knife for cutting a lemon
- glass for drinking
storage options!
You can store the tamarind base (before adding sparkling water) in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it in a covered jar or bottle. When you’re ready to drink, just pour some into a glass, add sparkling water, ice, and mint. The sparkling water should always be added fresh so it stays bubbly. Avoid storing the fully mixed drink because it will lose its fizz quickly.
variations!
You can change the mocktail to match your taste. Try using honey instead of jaggery for a lighter sweetness. If you like it more sour, add extra lemon juice. For a fruity twist, mix in a little mango or orange juice. You can also add a few slices of cucumber for a cool, refreshing version. Another fun variation is to blend the drink with ice for a slushy-style tamarind mocktail.
what to enjoy with Spiced Tamarind Mocktail
I started thinking what to eat with it because a drink this bold deserves some fun food on the side, so I tried a few things that worked amazingly well like Protein Creamy Taco Soup, which was warm and comforting while pairing perfectly with the tang of the drink and also Mandarin Orange Jello Salad, because the citrus in the salad made the Spiced Tamarind Mocktail taste even brighter.
Other ideas that I loved included crunchy veggie spring rolls because they gave a fresh crunch, while the drink was smooth and zesty, also simple grilled cheese sandwiches because they were cheesy and easy to make, while the mocktail balanced the flavors perfectly.
Then there were baked samosas because they were savory and a little spicy, so they matched the drink nicely, and finally, roasted chickpeas for a crunchy snack, because they were salty and delicious, while the mocktail added a tangy punch.
tips for making the best spiced tamarind mocktail
- Always taste as you go, especially with sweeteners and spices. Everyone likes a different balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy.
- Warm water helps the tamarind paste dissolve easily. Cold water can leave lumps.
- Add sparkling water just before serving so it stays fizzy.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste. Bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is brighter.
- Garnish with fresh mint or even a slice of lemon to make it look special.
- If making for kids, skip the red chili powder or use just a tiny pinch.
FAQ
what is Spiced Tamarind Mocktail made of?
This recipe is made of tamarind paste, water, sweetener like jaggery or brown sugar, spices like black salt and cumin powder, lemon juice, and sparkling water. Mint leaves are used for decoration.
what does Spiced Tamarind Mocktail taste like?
It tastes tangy, sweet, and a little spicy. The flavors mix together to make a refreshing and exciting drink.
can i make Spiced Tamarind Mocktail without jaggery?
Yes, you can use brown sugar, honey, or any sweetener you like. Taste and adjust as needed.
is Spiced Tamarind Mocktail safe for kids?
Absolutely! You can skip the chili if you want it completely kid-friendly.
can i make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the tamarind base ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add sparkling water only when ready to serve.
can i use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, fresher taste.
how spicy is it?
It’s mildly spicy if you use chili powder. You can leave it out completely for a sweet and tangy drink.
can i make it fizzy without sparkling water?
You can use soda water, tonic, or even a little ginger ale. Regular water will work, but it won’t be fizzy.
can i freeze it?
It’s not recommended to freeze once sparkling water is added because it will lose fizz and texture.
what snacks go best with this drink?
Sandwiches, fruit salad, cheese sticks, samosas, crackers, or grilled veggies are all great options.
how do i make it prettier?
Use fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, or even colorful straws to make the drink look fun and appealing.
can i make it less tangy?
Yes, reduce the tamarind paste a little or add extra sweetener to balance the tanginess.
Spiced Tamarind Mocktail
Course: BeverageCuisine: Indian-inspiredDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes80
kcal10
minutesA tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy mocktail made with tamarind, spices, and lemon juice that’s refreshing and easy to make. Perfect for any occasion or a hot day.
Ingredients
1/2 cup tamarind pulp
4 cups water
1/4 cup sugar (or adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black salt
1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
1/4 teaspoon chaat masala (optional)
1-2 green chilies (optional, finely chopped)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Mint leaves for garnish
Ice cubes
Directions
- Take the tamarind pulp and soak it in 1 cup of warm water for about 10 minutes. Mash it gently with your fingers or a spoon to release all the flavors. Strain the mixture to remove any hard pieces or fibers. Now you have smooth tamarind water ready for your mocktail.
- In a large jug, add the remaining 3 cups of water. Pour in the tamarind water. Stir in the sugar, black salt, roasted cumin powder, ginger powder, and chaat masala if you like. Taste it and add more sugar or spices if you want it sweeter or spicier.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the jug. If you like a tiny kick, add finely chopped green chilies. Stir everything gently so all flavors mix together.
- Add ice cubes to the jug or pour the drink into glasses filled with ice. This keeps your spiced tamarind mocktail nice and cool, perfect for sipping slowly.
- Tear a few fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them on top. You can also add a small slice of lemon for decoration. Now your spiced tamarind mocktail is ready to enjoy!