Tamarind Margaritas
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Tamarind Margaritas
Description
The Tamarind Margaritas recipe centers on a homemade tamarind simple syrup created by heating tamarind paste with sugar and water until dissolved and cooled. Mixing this syrup with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice yields a cocktail that is both tart and sweet with the distinct earthy undertone tamarind provides. Preparation allows for individual or batch servings, and rims are salted to add a contrasting flavor. The drinks are poured over ice and garnished with lime wedges, enhancing the refreshing character of this beverage.
The syrup’s preparation from tamarind paste or puree affects the drink’s clarity and appearance, with paste offering a darker, more concentrated flavor and color. The triple sec, a clear and dry orange-flavored liqueur, complements the citrus notes. This recipe’s balance of ingredients provides a nuanced cocktail experience that highlights tamarind's unique taste.
Serving these margaritas in glasses rimmed with kosher salt and filled with ice ensures a crisp, cool drink. Lime wedges add additional citrus aroma and flavor. The recipe accommodates both single servings and larger portions, ideal for casual gatherings or personal enjoyment. Adjusting the batch sizes is simple, making it versatile for different occasions.
Using tamarind paste requires some stirring since it is very thick, but either paste or puree works well. A high-quality triple sec like Cointreau is suggested for flavor balance. Salt-rimming and garnishing with lime are key to complete the margarita experience.
Ingredients
For margaritas made with tamarind paste (enough for 4 drinks):
- ¼ cup water 2 fl oz
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon tamarind paste see notes for examples, concentrate
- 1 cup tequila 8 fl oz
- ¾ cup triple sec 6 fl oz
- ½ cup lime juice 4 fl oz, fresh
- lime for garnish, wedges
- kosher salt for garnish
For margaritas made with tamarind puree (enough for 1 drink):
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ½ ounces triple sec
- 1 ounce lime juice fresh
- 1 ounce tamarind puree (see notes for examples)
- ¾ ounce simple syrup (to make it yourself follow the instructions below in step 1 but omit the tamarind paste)
Instructions
For tamarind margaritas with tamarind paste:
- Make tamarind simple syrup by combining the water, sugar, and tamarind paste in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and tamarind are both dissolved (you may need to be a bit more vigorous if your tamarind paste is extremely thick). Set aside, and cool completely.
- Wet the rim of 4 margarita glasses or tumblers by running a lightly squeezed lime wedge around it. Rotate the rim of the glass in kosher salt spread on a flat plate. Fill the glasses with ice cubes.
- To make 1 margarita: Combine 2 ounces tequila, 1 ½ ounces triple sec, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, and ¾ ounce tamarind simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and then strain into a prepared glass. Serve immediately.
- To make all 4 margaritas at once: In a large measuring cup or small pitcher combine all of the cooled tamarind simple syrup, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. You will have about 21 fl oz of tamarind margarita mix.
- To serve immediately: shake 5 ¼ ounces of the margarita mixture in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strain into an ice-filled glass. Repeat with 3 more glasses to make 3 more margaritas with the remaining margarita mixture.
- If you plan to serve these margaritas later, chill the entire mixture for several hours. When you're ready to drink, simply pour 5 ¼ ounces of margarita mix into each of 4 ice-filled glasses.
To make tamarind margaritas with tamarind puree:
- Combine 2 ounces tequila, 1 ½ ounces triple sec, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 ounce tamarind puree, and ¾ ounce tamarind simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and then strain into a prepared glass (see steps above). Serve immediately. Repeat to make more margaritas.
Notes
- Tamarind paste is very thick and concentrated; you may need to stir more vigorously when making the syrup.
- Tamarind puree can be used as an alternative to paste for similar flavor with a more opaque drink appearance.
- Triple sec is typically a dry, clear orange liqueur; higher-end brands like Cointreau can be used for depth.
- Adjust serving sizes easily for single or multiple margaritas by scaling the syrup and liquor volumes accordingly.
- Salt rims and lime wedges enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately over ice for best freshness and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1to 4 cocktails
Amount Per Serving
Calories 332 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 332kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 20% |
| Sugar | 29g | 58% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.