Tamarind Margarita is a sweet and tangy cocktail drink with a delicious and unique twist on the classic Margarita cocktail. With the flavors of orange and tamarind, this cocktail will be a sure-shot hit at your house parties (vegan, gluten-free).
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About Tamarind Margarita
A mere sip of a refreshing and yummy drink can do wonders, agree? I am a big fan of cocktails, and in this post, I am sharing a recipe for my latest discovery, Tamarind Margarita Cocktail.
Well, I am sold on the name itself. Tamarind and Margarita the perfect combination one can ask for!
Sweet and tangy, this tamarind-flavored margarita is a mind-blowing combination of tequila, grand Marnier, and tamarind concentrate.
The orange hint from Grand Marnier does the magic when combined with the tangy flavors of tamarind concentrate.
Tamarind margaritas are a popular choice for those who want to try a new twist on the classic cocktail or who enjoy sour and fruity cocktails.
Serve this tequila cocktail for your next house party, or Cinco de Mayo party, or sip it by the pool on a hot summer day.
This tamarind margarita recipe is vegan and gluten-free. You can easily double or triple the recipe as per your requirements. You can also make a big pitcher if you serve it to a crowd.
If you are someone like me, who loves to host parties at home, try some other cocktail drink recipes too
- Gin Lemonade
- Blueberry Mojito
- Strawberry Margarita
- Pumpkin Spice Martini
- Mango Mojito
- Watermelon Mojito
- Red Wine Sangria
- Mango Martini
About Tamarind
Tamarind is a tropical fruit that grows on the tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica), known for its distinctive dark brown, sticky pods. These pods have hard shells that protect the pulp and seeds inside.
Tamarind trees are native to tropical climates and are commonly found in regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of South America.
The tamarind pod contains a sweet and tangy pulp that is often used in cooking to add a unique flavor to dishes.
To use tamarind, fresh pods are typically cracked open to reveal the sticky fruit inside. This fruit can be used in a variety of culinary applications, such as making sauces, chutneys, marinades, and beverages.
Its flavor is both sweet and sour, making it a popular ingredient in many savory and sweet dishes around the world.
Ingredients
Tequila – I used white tequila (silver tequila, tequila blanco) for this refreshing tamarind-based drink! The earthy and semi-sweet taste tastes great when mixed with other ingredients in a cocktail. Some of my favorite brands are YaVe Tequila, Casamigos, Silver Patron, Don Julio, and Espolon
Grand Marnier (or Cointreau or triple sec) – The orange flavor oomphs up the taste of this cocktail. Use any of these orange liqueur.
Tamarind Pulp (Tamarind Paste) is the recipe’s star ingredient, giving the drink a tangy taste.
Simple Syrup – Add simple sugar syrup for sweetness. You can replace it with honey or agave nectar. Just consider that honey and agave nectar take some time to dissolve in a cold drink.
Lime Juice – Finish it with some freshly squeezed lime juice (or lemon juice).
To Rim the Glasses – You will need a salt and red chili powder mixture. It is optional but surely adds an appealing look to your drink.
You can also rim the glasses with tajin seasoning or chaat masala.
Add a deseeded jalapeno pepper while blending to make a spicy version.
Where To Buy Tamarind Pulp From
Tamarind pulp (tamarind concentrate, tamarind paste) is usually found in specialty food stores or Asian, Indian, and Latin American grocery stores. You may also find it at some larger supermarkets with well-stocked international sections.
If you are having difficulty finding tamarind pulp in your local area, you may also be able to purchase it online from specialty food retailers or online marketplaces like Amazon.
When purchasing it, look for brands that use high-quality tamarind and have minimal additives or preservatives.
How To Make Tamarind Margarita
Rim The Margarita Glass
Mix 1 teaspoon red chili powder and 1 teaspoon salt on a shallow plate.
Wet the rim of a margarita glass with a piece of lime.
Roll the rim in the chili salt mixture.
Freeze the prepared glass for 10 minutes.
Make The Margarita
Add
- 1 cup of crushed Ice
- 1 and ½ oz (45 ml) silver tequila
- ½ oz (15 ml) Grand Marnier (or cointreau)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup
- 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
to a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour the margarita into the prepared chilled glass.
Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best tequila to use for making a Margarita is typically a good quality, 100% agave tequila. Here are some options:
Blanco (Silver) Tequila: This is the most common choice for Margaritas. Blanco tequila is unaged or only briefly aged, which allows the agave flavor to shine through and gives your Margarita a crisp, clean taste.
Reposado Tequila: Reposado means “rested” in Spanish, and this type of tequila is aged in oak barrels for a few months to a year. It has a slightly more complex flavor profile with hints of oak, vanilla, and caramel, which can add depth to your Margarita.
Añejo Tequila: Añejo tequila is aged for at least one year in oak barrels, which imparts a rich and smooth character with flavors of wood, caramel, and vanilla. While it’s not the most traditional choice for Margaritas, some people enjoy the added complexity it brings to the cocktail.
Extra Añejo Tequila: This is the most aged category of tequila, aged for at least three years in oak barrels. It has a very smooth and refined taste with strong oak and vanilla notes. It’s usually reserved for sipping, but if you want an ultra-premium Margarita, you can use it sparingly.
Margarita uses Tequila, and therefore I suggest you go with it. But in case you don’t have tequila at hand, then make this tamarind drink with white rum or vodka.
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated white sugar and 1 cup of water.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Cook for 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
Once the syrup has cooled, transfer it to a clean jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store the simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Yes, “tamarind” and “tamarindo” both refer to the same fruit. “Tamarind” is the more commonly used term in English, while “tamarindo” is the word for it in Spanish and some other languages.
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Recipe Card
Sweet & Tangy Tamarind Margarita Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
To Rim The Glass
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For The Margarita
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1 and ½ ounce silver tequila (white tequila) (45 ml)
- ½ ounce Grand Marnier (Cointreau) (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
Instructions
Rim The Margarita Glass
- Mix red chili powder and salt on a shallow plate.
- Wet the rim of a margarita glass with a piece of lime.
- Roll the rim in the chili salt mixture.
- Freeze the prepared glass for 10 minutes.
Make The Margarita
- Add crushed Ice, tequila, Grand Marnier (or cointreau), lime juice, simple syrup, and tamarind pulp to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the margarita into the prepared chilled glass.
- Serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!