Spicy Tamarind Margarita Recipe

A Tamarind Margarita takes the classic, tequila-based cocktail and gives it a twist: In addition to tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and a salted or spicy rim, this cocktail also contains the tangy flavor of tamarind paste. Tamarind is a tropical fruit with a sweet and sour flavor.

To make a Tamarind Margarita, you’ll need tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and tamarind paste. Consider the following ingredients and substitutions:

1. 1. Tequila: There’s no way around it: great cocktails need a foundation of quality liquor. Tequila, made from the agave plant, has a distinct, somewhat herbaceous flavor that goes well with a sweet, fruity liqueur and the acidic, citrus kick of lime. To make a Tamarind Margarita, choose a mellow reposado, which is tequila aged in oak barrels for up to a year. This will nicely counterbalance the acidic, faintly sweet taste of tamarind. Tequila blanco, or silver tequila, will work in a pinch.
2. 2. Orange liqueur: An orange-flavored triple-sec like Cointreau provides sweetness to balance the lime juice. If you don’t have Cointreau, try using Grand Marnier (an orange-flavored Cognac) or agave syrup.
3. 3. Lime: Skip the Margarita mix. Freshly squeezed lime juice is the key to making the best Margarita. Keep extra limes on hand for garnish.
4. 4. Tamarind paste: This product is widely used on the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asia and Central America. Derived from tamarind pods, it lends a tangy, slightly sweet flavor profile to the cocktail. You can also use tamarind concentrate.
5. 5. Jaggery powder: Jaggery is evaporated sugar cane juice, used as a sweetener in many of the same cultures where tamarind is enjoyed. Besides adding sweetness, it will also impart a somewhat earthy, molasses-like flavor to your cocktails.
6. 6. Chaat masala: Instead of the standard salt rim, you can use chaat masala (an Indian spice mix), Indian black salt, or a chili-lime seasoning, such as Tajín.