Ingredients

• 1 pound tamarind pulp (with seeds)
• 18 pitted Medjool dates
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• Ingredient info: Tamarind pulp is sold frozen at Latin and Asian markets and in block form at Indian markets.

Instructions

1. Combine tamarind, dates, and 2 1/2 quarts water in a medium pot and bring to a boil; simmer briskly, stirring often and mashing pulp and dates with the back of a spoon until they break down, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 2 hours.
2. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible (you should have about 4 cups).
3. Transfer tamarind mixture to a pitcher. Stir in sugar and 3 cups water. Chill until cold.
4. Fill glasses with ice. Divide agua fresca among glasses.