One of my favorite Latin American drinks is agua de tamarindo. The beverage is made similar to a tea, by boiling tamarind pods and seeds in water until the brew takes on a strong flavor and dark caramel brown color. It is then sweetened with white sugar, chilled, and served over ice—something like a Latin version of sweet tea.  It also makes a nice cocktail when mixed with Myer’s spiced rum and garnished with a fresh lime wedge.

The flavor of the drink is very distinct, and the best way I can describe it is by calling it sweet, sour and tangy. To really understand the flavor, you have to go try it yourself. I’ve found most people either love it or hate it—and not much in between.

You can also buy the beverage bottled by a company called Jarritos. Their variety is also very good, but it is a bit sweeter and is carbonated. And when you can’t get it homemade, it makes a fine substitute.

Yesterday afternoon, while going for a walk in my neighborhood, I stumbled upon a hotdog stand. Complete with a folding table, a small grill, a cooler full of soda, and a father and son running the operation. After eating two and washing them down with a cream soda, I realized this was the perfect alternative to a lemonade stand for a pint-sized amateur gourmet!