Name: Tamarind Iced Tea Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 10 floz water; 1 tbsp tamarind paste; 1.5 tsp honey; 1 black tea bag; 1 slice of lemon or lime

Jump to Recipe

This Thai tamarind iced tea recipe is quick and easy to make, with simple ingredients you can adjust to your taste. Sweeten it with honey, add a hint of citrus, or go sparkling! It’s a refreshing drink that’s both healthy and customizable.

Glass of tamarind iced tea with a slice of lime, served on a woven tray with honey and fresh tamarind pods.

Tip: If you love Thai teas, make sure to bookmark Thai green tea and holy basil tea for later.

Tamarind has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that makes this iced tea refreshing and unique. The sweet-sour balance from tamarind paste adds a bold kick that’s perfect for cooling off or waking up your senses.

Tamarind tea being poured into a glass with a slice of lime, surrounded by fresh tamarind pods, honey, and flowers on a woven tray.

Ingredient notes

You can find everything you need at Asian markets or Asian grocery stores. Head to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the measurements!

Ingredients for tamarind tea labeled, including water, black tea, tamarind paste, lemon slice, and honey, displayed on a woven tray with a clay bowl of water.

Tamarind paste – You can make tamarind paste from fresh tamarind pods or pulp (check my tamarind sauce recipe for details), but for this tea, I used tamarind concentrate for convenience—it’s easy to find in most supermarkets.
Black tea – I used Lipton yellow label, which is popular for iced teas. If you’re after a caffeine-free version, rooibos (red tea) adds a nice earthiness, or go for hibiscus if you want a fruity twist.
Honey – This recipe uses honey, but feel free to adjust the sweetness. If you’re out of honey, a neutral sugar syrup works just as well.
Water
Lime or lemon (optional)

You’ll love these too: bael tea, lemongrass drink, and ginger garlic tea.

How to make tamarind iced tea

Step 1: Pour water into a pot and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 2: Mix tamarind paste and honey in a serving glass. Set aside while the tea brews.

Tamarind paste and honey mixed in a glass, displayed on a woven tray with fresh tamarind pods and leaves.

Step 3: Place a black tea bag in a teapot and carefully pour the hot water over it. Let it steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea base.

Hot water being poured into a teapot over a black tea bag.

Step 4: Pour the brewed tea into your serving glass and stir it with the tamarind paste and honey until fully combined. Serve hot, or pour over ice with a slice of lime or lemon for a refreshing finish. Enjoy!

Tamarind tea being poured into a glass with a slice of lime, ready to serve.

Ways to serve

Classic tamarind Thai iced tea – Serve over ice cubes, with a slice of lime and a straw.
Tamarind and ginger tea – Warm or iced, with a hint of honey and fresh ginger slices.
Sparkling tamarind drink – Top off with soda water for a fizzy twist.
Tamarind lemonade – Mix with fresh lemon juice and a bit of sugar syrup for a tangy drink.

Praew holding a glass of tamarind iced tea with a slice of lime and a straw, against a natural outdoor background.

How to store

Refrigerate: Store leftover tamarind tea in an airtight container or pitcher in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Benefits of tamarind tea

Drinking tamarind tea has many health benefits. According to Tamarind is rich in antioxidants that may reduce LDL cholesterol and prevent early aging. It also offers anti-inflammatory effects, boosts the immune system, and supports gut health. (source)

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