Tamarind Margarita Cocktail Recipe

Tamarind Margarita Nutrition Facts

Calories:240

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:18%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Tamarind Margarita is a delicious twist on the classic Margarita, which originated in Mexico. The addition of tamarind, a tangy and sweet fruit, adds a unique flavor profile to this popular cocktail. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

  • The Margarita is believed to have been created in the 1930s or 1940s in Mexico.
  • Tamarind is a fruit native to Africa but is widely used in Mexican cuisine.
  • This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

How Tamarind Margarita Tastes?

The Tamarind Margarita has a complex and refreshing taste, with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. The tamarind adds a tangy and fruity note, while the tequila provides a smooth and slightly smoky backbone.

Interesting facts about Tamarind Margarita

  • Tamarind is rich in antioxidants and has various health benefits.
  • The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world.
  • Tamarind Margarita is a great option for those who want to try a new twist on the classic Margarita.

Ingredients

  • Tequila: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Tamarind concentrate: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Fresh lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Orange liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Ice: 1cup
  • Salt: 1tsp
  • Lime wheel: 1

Tequila

A foundational element, tequila adds that signature kick and depth. Usually, 2oz is the sweet spot – enough to feel it, but not so much that you'll be dancing with the cactus. Forget to include it, and you’re left with a very confused tamarind punch.

Emma Rose

Tamarind Concentrate

Bringing in the sour and tangy zing, 1oz of tamarind concentrate is just right to play with the tequila without overpowering the stage. If tamarind isn’t at hand, try a mix of lime and brown sugar for a make-do take. It's like getting a stand-in for a lead actor – not quite the same, but the show must go on.

Mary Mitkina

Fresh Lime Juice

Another citrus star! Fresh lime juice is there to add freshness and a bit of pucker-power. Scaling back can make the drink a tad flat, but overpour and you’re in Tart Town. If out of limes, lemons can audition for the part.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is like the mixologist's duct tape – it fixes everything! A half-ounce smooths out the edges. Too little and the drink may grimace back at you; too much, and you're sipping sugar with a side of cocktail.

Emma Rose

Orange Liqueur

At 0.5oz, orange liqueur waltzes in, adding complexity and a fruity undertone. Leaving it out is like skipping the seasoning on your favorite dish – not disastrous, but certainly a missed opportunity. Grand Marnier could fill in and bring a richer note.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

Ice is not just a chiller; it's a mixer’s best pal. About a cup will do to cool and dilute, balancing the intensity. No ice means a warm and likely too-strong concoction, while too much ice waters down the passion dramatically.

Alex Green

Salt

A teaspoon of salt on the rim is the finishing spark, contrasting beautifully with the sweet and sour mix inside. It's the costume to the margarita’s performance – without it, the whole act feels undressed.

Emma Rose

Lime Wheel

Lastly, the lime wheel garnish isn't there just chilling for Instagram. It's a visual cue and a zesty hint of the flavors to come. It's like receiving a beautifully wrapped gift – unwrapping is half the fun!

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Tamarind Margarita Drink

  1. Prepare the glass:
    • Wet the rim of a rocks glass with a lime wedge.
    • Dip the rim in salt to create a salted rim.
  2. Make the cocktail:
    • In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, tamarind concentrate, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur.
    • Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  3. Serve:
    • Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
    • Garnish with a lime wheel.

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality tequila for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the sweetness and sourness to your taste by adding more or less simple syrup and lime juice.
  • For a spicier version, muddle a slice of jalapeno in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Tacos al Pastor: The tangy and sweet flavors of the Tamarind Margarita complement the savory and spicy notes of these classic tacos.
  • Grilled Shrimp: The citrusy profile of the margarita goes perfectly with seafood, and it can help bring out the smoky flavor of grilled shrimp.
  • Ceviche: The acidity in both the ceviche and margarita help balance each other, making for a refreshing pairing.
  • Flan: For dessert, the caramel notes in flan can pair nicely with the tartness of the tamarind in the cocktail.

Drink Pairings

  • Chilled Water with Lime: A refreshing palate cleanser between sips of the Tamarind Margarita.
  • Mexican Lager Beer: If you're in for a longer session, alternating with a light beer can cleanse the palate and complement the cocktail's notes.

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What you could change in Tamarind Margarita

  • Tamarind concentrate: You can use tamarind paste mixed with a little water to achieve a similar consistency.
  • Orange liqueur: Triple sec or Cointreau can be used as alternatives.

Explore all drinks starting with T here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Tamarind Margarita

  • Ingredients: Same as Tamarind Margarita, but add 1/2 tsp of chili powder to the salt rim.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but mix chili powder and salt before rimming the glass. It adds a fiery kick, tingling the lips and igniting the tamarind’s tang.

Tamarind Margarita with a Tropical Twist

  • Ingredients: Replace orange liqueur with coconut liqueur, and add a dash of pineapple juice.
  • Recipe: Rim the glass with salt, mix the tequila, tamarind concentrate, lime juice, simple syrup, coconut liqueur, and a splash of pineapple juice in a shaker with ice. The result? A beachy serenade in a glass, where tamarind and tropics dance cheek to cheek.

Smoky Tamarind Margarita

  • Ingredients: Replace the tequila with mezcal.
  • Recipe: Prepare the glass with a salt rim, then combine mezcal, tamarind concentrate, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Mezcal sweeps in with a smoky whisper, changing the dialogue from a zesty zing to a smoldering conversation.

In case you forgot basics how to make Tamarind Margarita

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Tamarind Margarita

What type of Tequila is best for a Tamarind Margarita?

A high-quality blanco or silver tequila is often recommended for a Tamarind Margarita as it has a clean, crisp flavor that doesn't overpower the tamarind.

What taste does tamarind bring to a cocktail?

Tamarind imparts a sweet and sour flavor with a hint of fruity tanginess, which makes it a perfect ingredient for a balanced cocktail.

Is Tamarind Margarita a popular drink in Mexico?

As Tamarind is widely used in Mexican cuisine, Tamarind Margarita is indeed liked by many people there, though it may not be as globally recognized as a classic margarita.

Is Tamarind Margarita usually served shaken or stirred?

Tamarind Margarita is typically served shaken to blend all the ingredients well and create a nice froth.

Can I use packaged lime juice?

While packaged lime juice can be used, fresh lime juice is recommended to get the best flavor.

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