Tamarind Ginger Sparkler

This mocktail is a vibrant fusion of flavors, perfect for the adventurous palate. The unique sweet and sour notes of tamarind paste are perfectly complemented by the warm, spicy bite of fresh ginger. Topped with sparkling water, it's a wonderfully effervescent and refreshing beverage that offers a sophisticated alternative to overly sweet mocktails. It’s a delightful taste of the tropics captured in a single glass.
Tamarind Ginger Sparkler

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is categorized as a mocktail, meaning it is a completely non-alcoholic beverage designed to mimic the complexity of a cocktail. Due to its vibrant and zesty character, it falls into the "Refreshing" category, making it an excellent choice for quenching thirst or enjoying in warm weather.

Serving

Serve this refreshing, completely non-alcoholic drink ice-cold in a tall Highball or Collins glass to showcase its color and carbonation. No special glass treatment is needed, just plenty of ice.
Serving size
Approximately 250-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While not a classic with a long, documented history, this drink is inspired by traditional Southeast Asian and Latin American beverages that prominently feature tamarind and ginger for their refreshing and digestive properties. It represents a modern mocktail trend of using complex, savory, and sour ingredients. This approach allows for the creation of adult-oriented, non-alcoholic drinks with depth and character.
Origin
The Tamarind Ginger Sparkler is a modern creation, emerging from the contemporary craft mocktail movement of the 21st century. It doesn't have a single country of origin but is rather a product of global flavor fusion, drawing inspiration from culinary traditions across the globe.

Tamarind Ginger Sparkler

The name "Tamarind Ginger Sparkler" is descriptive, clearly indicating its primary flavors of tamarind and ginger, and its bubbly nature. Alternative names like "Tamarind Fizz" or "Ginger Tamarind Spritzer" are similar variations that highlight the key components of this refreshing mocktail.
Original name
Tamarind Ginger Sparkler
Alternative names
  • Tamarind Fizz
  • Ginger Tamarind Spritzer

Characteristics overview

This mocktail offers a complex balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors with a refreshing, bubbly texture and a warm ginger aroma. Its attractive amber hue and crisp mouthfeel make it an invigorating choice for any season.
Flavor
Sweet-sour, spicy, tangy, earthy, refreshing
Aroma
Pungent ginger, tangy tamarind, fresh lime
Taste balance
Sour, sweet, spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, spicy ginger warmth, lingering tang
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Cloudy, light to medium brown, amber
Texture
Light, crisp, bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a flavor-forward drink, defined by its high sourness from tamarind and lime, which is balanced by moderate sweetness and a distinct ginger spiciness. It's highly carbonated and entirely alcohol-free.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are flavorful tamarind paste and fresh ginger, brightened with lime juice for acidity. Simple syrup adds balance, and the drink is finished with sparkling water for effervescence.
  • Tamarind Paste1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 oz)
    Use seedless paste for convenience. The sweetness can vary by brand, so adjust simple syrup accordingly.
  • Fresh Ginger1-inch piece
    Sliced into coins for muddling. Adjust amount for more or less spice.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust to taste. Can be substituted with agave nectar or honey (if not for vegans).
  • Sparkling Water~120 ml / 4 oz (to top)
    Club soda or seltzer water can be used as a substitute.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need a cocktail shaker and muddler to prepare the base of this drink. A fine-mesh strainer is recommended for a smooth, pulp-free result.
  • Cocktail Shaker: For combining and chilling the base ingredients.
  • Muddler: For pressing the ginger to release its flavor.
  • Fine-mesh Strainer: To double-strain the mixture for a smooth texture.

Instructions

The process involves muddling fresh ginger with syrup, shaking it with tamarind and lime juice, then double-straining over fresh ice. The drink is finished by topping with sparkling water and garnishing with a lime wheel.
1. Prepare the ginger: Slice the 1-inch piece of fresh ginger into thin coins and place them in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2. Muddle: Add the simple syrup to the shaker and gently muddle the ginger coins to release their oils and spicy flavor.
3. Add base ingredients: Add the tamarind paste and fresh lime juice to the shaker with the muddled ginger.
4. Shake: Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Strain: Fill a Highball glass with fresh ice cubes. Double-strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass to remove any ginger pulp or small particles.
6. Top up: Top the drink with chilled sparkling water, leaving a little space at the top.
7. Garnish and serve: Gently stir once to combine. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel and serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

A simple lime wheel adds a fresh citrus aroma and a pop of color. For a more gourmet presentation, a slice of candied ginger can be added as an edible garnish.
  • Lime wheel: A thin slice of lime placed on the rim or floated on top of the drink.
  • Candied ginger slice: (Optional) A piece of candied ginger on a cocktail pick for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, and nuts, making it a suitable vegan and vegetarian option. It is also a caffeine-free and completely non-alcoholic beverage.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories for a sweetened beverage. Its carbohydrate and sugar content primarily comes from the natural sugars in the tamarind paste and the added simple syrup.
Calories
Averagely 80-100 kcal / 335-418 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-22 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile mocktail is perfect for warm weather events like summer parties and barbecues due to its refreshing qualities. Its sophisticated flavor profile also makes it an excellent choice for a non-alcoholic option at brunch or for simply enjoying on a relaxing afternoon.
  • Summer Party
  • Barbecue
  • Brunch
  • Relaxing Afternoon

Pairing suggestions

Its unique sweet, sour, and spicy profile pairs wonderfully with equally bold flavors from cuisines like Thai, Vietnamese, or Mexican. It effectively cuts through the richness of grilled meats and fish, and its acidity complements fresh, crisp salads.
  • Spicy Thai food
  • Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Light salads with vinaigrette

The Exotic Zest of the Tamarind Ginger Sparkler

The Tamarind Ginger Sparkler is a sophisticated and invigorating mocktail that stands out with its unique flavor profile. It expertly balances the tangy, sweet-sour notes of tamarind with the fiery warmth of fresh ginger, all lifted by a bubbly effervescence. This drink is a perfect choice for anyone seeking a complex, adult non-alcoholic beverage that is both refreshing and memorable. Its exotic character makes it a fantastic pairing for spicy and flavorful foods or a delightful standalone treat.

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