There’s no beating fresh tamarind pods (as opposed to the pulp) for making the tamarind water for this recipe. Fresh tamarind should look a little moist (and be sure to buy unsweetened tamarind—sometimes it is sold coated with sugar to be eaten like candy). Salted plums can be found in Mexican and Asian markets. Mexican chile-lime powder will be in the candy aisle of the Mexican market. Note that this is not chile powder or American chili powder. It’s meant to be eaten on its own or sprinkled on fresh fruit. If you can’t find the plums or the powder, just omit them both and mix some sugar and salt together for the rim. For the teetotalers in the house, including babies and moms-to-be, tamarind water is also delicious on its own.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6

　　12 ounces shelled fresh tamarind pods, rinsed with cold water

　　1 cup sugar

　　1/4 cup Mexican chile-lime powder (see page 231)

　　1 lime wedge

　　6 salted plums

　　2 to 2 1/2 cups vodka

　　

Step 1

Combine the tamarind and 4 cups water in a medium-size heavy saucepan set over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, until the tamarind is very soft, 10 to 15 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Carefully pour the water into a container and set it aside. Using a potato masher, mash the tamarind in the saucepan (the seeds are still in there). Return the reserved tamarind water to the saucepan and mix it into the mashed pulp. Then strain the mixture into a pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. (Discard the solids.) Stir in 3 cups fresh water (the mixture should be fairly concentrated). Add the sugar and stir until it is dissolved. (The tamarind water can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated.)

　　

Step 3

Put the chile-lime powder on a small plate. Using the lime wedge, moisten the rims of 6 martini glasses. Invert the martini glasses into the powder on the plate to coat the rims. Turn the glasses right side up and put 1 salted plum in each glass. Set aside.

　　

Step 4

For each serving, combine 3/4 cup tamarind water and 1/4 cup vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a prepared martini glass and serve. (Alternatively, you can mix all the tamarind water, all the vodka, and some ice in a large pitcher and just pour the mixture into each martini glass for a faster preparation.)

　　Fresh Mexico