Tamarind Margarita: Beyond the Ordinary

A tropical margarita with tamarind and lemon

After experimenting with several classic margarita recipes, I want something new and different. That’s when I found out about Tamarind Margarita.

Tamarind margarita recipe

Tamarind margarita is a refreshing cocktail that incorporates the unique flavor of tamarind, a tropical fruit known for its sweet and sour taste. This cocktail is characterized by its tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy profile. It’s a delightful option for those looking to explore different flavors in their drinks.

Best tamarind margarita recipe, rimmed with salt and garnishes with a lime wedge

Tamarind’s tangy flavor perfectly harmonizes with the citrusy tones of tequila and orange liqueur, elevating the margarita experience to a whole new level. If you enjoy exploring different flavor combinations in cocktails, this is the one to add to your list!

Here’s how to make Tamarind Margarita:

A tropical margarita with tamarind and lemon

Tamarind Margarita Recipe

A cocktail that tarts tamarind paste with premium tequila, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur. It balances sweet, sour, and tangy notes, creating a complex flavor profile.
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Total Time 11 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American, Asian, South America
Servings 2
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 oz Tamarind Puree
  • 4 oz Silver Tequila
  • 2 oz Triple Sec
  • 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 oz Agave Syrup
  • Ice Cubes
  • Salt for rimming the glasses
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Run a lime wedge around the rim, then dip the glass into salt, coating it evenly.
  • In a shaker, combine the tamarind puree, silver tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup.
  • Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
  • Strain the margarita mixture into the prepared glasses over fresh ice.
  • Garnish each glass with a lime wedge for a burst of citrus aroma.

Notes

Adjust the agave syrup quantity based on your sweetness preference. For a more intense tamarind flavor, you can add a bit more tamarind puree.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal
Keyword alcoholic drinks, cocktail recipes, homemade cocktails, summer margarita recipe, tamarind margarita
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Variations

If you don’t like the basic flavor of this recipe, you can create your own version. Here are some ideas for you:

1. Spicy Tamarind Margarita: This variation adds a kick from cayenne and chili, making it ideal for those who enjoy spicier cocktails

  • Add 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Prepare the rim with a mix of salt and Tajín

2. Gran Patrón Smoky Tamarind Margarita

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Gran Patrón Smoky tequila
  • 0.75 oz tamarind purée
  • 0.75 oz cinnamon agave syrup
  • 0.25 oz fresh lime juice
  • Dash of Angostura bitters
  • Tajín rim

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake until chilled and strain into a rock glass rimmed with Tajín.
  3. Garnish with a lime wedge.

3. Tamarind Ginger Margarita is made by adding 1/2 oz fresh ginger juice (strained).

4. Frozen Version: Add 2 cups of ice and blend all the ingredients together.

5. Mezcal Tamarind Cocktail: Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky, earthy undertone that harmonizes the tamarind flavor.

How to pair

1. Desserts

  • Churros with Chocolate Sauce: The sweetness of churros contrasts beautifully with the tartness of tamarind, making for a delightful dessert.
  • Flan or Tres Leches Cake: These rich, creamy desserts cut through the heat of the drink.

2. Appetizers

  • Spicy Guacamole: The creamy avocado blends perfectly with the heat of jalapeños, while tamarind’s tangy notes add an extra layer of flavor.
  • Fresh Salsas
  • Chips with Salsa Verde: The fresh, acidic taste of salsa verde balances the sweetness of a tamarind margarita beautifully.
  • Ceviche: The citrusy brightness of ceviche harmonizes with both lime and tamarind.

3. Main Courses

  • Tacos al Pastor: Smoky, marinated pork with sweet undertones pairs seamlessly with the sweet-tart character of the tamarind margarita.
  • Grilled Fish Tacos: Light and zesty, these tacos bring out the fruity notes of the drink, enhancing the overall flavor.
  • Chicken Mole: The deep, complex mole sauce stands up to the bold tamarind flavors, creating a rich and satisfying combination.

4. Side Dishes

  • Mexican Street Corn (Elote): The creamy and slightly sweet corn complements the tamarind margarita’s unique flavor profile.
  • Cilantro Lime Rice: This fresh, zesty side dish enhances both the lime and tamarind elements.
  • Spicy Black Beans: Their earthy taste offers a great balance to the margarita’s tangy notes.

Common issues

1. Unbalanced Flavors

The most frequent challenges stem from imbalanced component ratios.

IssueCauseSolution
Too SourExcess tamarind or limeAdd agave nectar in 1/4 oz increments
Too SweetHeavy-handed sweetenerBalance with fresh lime juice
Flat TasteInsufficient acidIncorporate orange liqueur
Harsh NotesPoor quality tequilaUpgrade spirit quality

2. Texture Concerns

Common texture issues:

  1. Excessive Pulpiness
    • Double strain through fine mesh
    • Adjust tamarind dilution
    • Pre-filter ingredients
  2. Watery Consistency
    • Reduce ice contact time
    • Use higher-proof spirits
    • Adjust dilution ratios
  3. Grainy Texture
    • Fine strain tamarind
    • Properly dissolve sweeteners
    • Check ingredient quality

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