Tamarind Martini

Found this recipe in my Cooking Light 2009 cookbook and also online at myrecipes.com. Here's what the website said: Very yummy and refreshing. Tamarind, a common ingredient in Indian, Thai, and Mexican cuisines, adds an acidic, slightly tart flavor to food. The pulp is sold in cakes at ethnic markets and some large supermarkets. Use a fork or your hands to break up the paste and separate it from the seeds before straining. If you make these martinis ahead, be sure to shake the drink in a martini shaker or stir it with the crushed ice just before serving.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup)

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups boiling water
4 ounces unsweetened tamarind pulp
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup vodka
1 cup fresh lime juice
Crushed ice
Sugar (optional)
Lime wedges (optional)

Preparation:

1. Combine 2 1/2 cups boiling water and tamarind in a large bowl; let stand 10 minutes. Break tamarind into small pieces; let stand 5 minutes. Strain mixture through a sieve over a bowl, reserving liquid; discard solids.

2. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe dish; microwave at HIGH for 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves, stirring once. Cool. Combine tamarind liquid, sugar syrup, vodka, and juice in a pitcher, stirring well. Add crushed ice; stir or shake well. Garnish rims of 8 martini glasses with sugar, if desired. Strain chilled martini mixture into prepared glasses; garnish with lime wedges, if desired.

Click here for printable recipe.