🇹🇷 Turkey · Drinks
Demirhindi Şerbeti (Tamarind Sherbet)
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
Demirhindi Şerbeti is a historic Turkish cool drink, a delightful blend of tart tamarind, sweet sugar, and aromatic spices. This invigorating, reddish-brown sherbet offers a complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and subtly exotic, perfect for rehydration on a warm day.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Break apart 100g of tamarind pulp into smaller pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl. Pour 500ml of boiling water over the tamarind. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or even longer (up to 2 hours) to allow the tamarind to soften and release its flavor fully.
- 2
Once soaked, use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mash the tamarind pulp thoroughly against the sides of the bowl. Continue mashing until the pulp is mostly dissolved and the liquid becomes thick and dark. This ensures maximum flavor extraction.
- 3
Carefully strain the tamarind mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large saucepan, pressing firmly on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the remaining fibrous tamarind pulp and seeds. You should be left with a concentrated tamarind liquid.
- 4
Add the remaining 1 liter of fresh water, 150g of granulated sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 3-4 whole cloves, and the optional 2cm sliced fresh ginger to the saucepan with the strained tamarind liquid. Stir everything together until the sugar begins to dissolve.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse and the flavors to meld. A slight froth may form; you can skim it off if desired.
- 6
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sherbet cool completely to room temperature. This steeping period is crucial for the spices to fully release their aromas and for the flavors to deepen. Cover the pot to prevent evaporation.
- 7
Once cooled, strain the sherbet once more through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or bottle to remove all the spices and any remaining tamarind particles. This step ensures a smooth, clear drink. Discard the strained spices.
- 8
Chill the Demirhindi Şerbeti thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before serving. It is best enjoyed ice-cold. Serve over ice, optionally garnished with a thin lemon slice or a fresh mint sprig, for a truly invigorating experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form of tamarind is best for Demirhindi Şerbeti, and how should it be prepared?+
For the most authentic flavor, use a block of seedless tamarind pulp. Soak it in warm water until soft, then mash and strain it to extract the rich tamarind liquid.
How can I customize the sweetness or spice level of my tamarind sherbet?+
Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar to taste after the initial simmering. For a spicier kick, increase the amounts of cinnamon, cloves, or fresh ginger during the boiling phase.
What is the proper consistency for Demirhindi Şerbeti, and how do I correct it if it's too thick?+
The ideal consistency is a refreshing, pourable liquid, similar to a light juice. If your sherbet is too concentrated after chilling, simply dilute it with cold water until it reaches your preferred texture.
What is the best way to store Demirhindi Şerbeti, and how long does it typically last?+
Store the sherbet in a sealed bottle or pitcher in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to 5 to 7 days, perfect for enjoying over ice.
Mundo Match
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