This Tamarind Margarita is made with simple syrup, tequila, lime juice, ice, Tajin, and blended to perfection.
After living in Mexico for many years, I have seen that they have different margarita variations all over. The trick to a good margarita is to use good quality products. I used YaVe Tequila but other good brands are Don Julio or Espolon. It was absolutely delicious. It is a perfect recipe to celebrate Mexican Independence Day! Viva Mexico!
Margaritas are one of the most popular cocktails in North America. Combining the tanginess of the lime and the sweetness of the tamarind syrup compliments the tequila so well. This margarita has earned its way into drinkers’ hearts. Opt for a tequila blanco made with agave. If it doesn’t say this, a tequila can have a ton of unnecessary mysterious sugars. You can make this on the rocks vs frozen or salt vs no salt. I prefer using tajin for rimming.
If you love this recipe and are looking for a non-alcoholic Margarita, try my Spicy Margarita Grapefruit Mocktail. Or, try it with my New York Cheesecake.
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What are Tamarind Margaritas?
Tamarind margaritas are a variation of the classic margarita cocktail that features tamarind paste or tamarind syrup as the main flavoring ingredient. Tamarind is a sour and slightly sweet fruit that is commonly used in Southeast Asian, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisine. The tamarind paste or syrup is mixed with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec or Cointreau to create a tangy and refreshing cocktail with a unique flavor profile. Some variations of the recipe may include additional ingredients like agave nectar or chili powder to add extra sweetness or spice. Tamarind margaritas are a popular choice for those who want to try a new twist on the classic margarita or who enjoy sour and fruity cocktails. I have always loved Tamarind Tea, so I thought why not try to make a margarita with tamarind?
Tamarind Margarita Recipe Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
- Tajin
- Ice
- Tamarind Simple Syrup
- Limes
- Tequila
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Tamarind Margaritas
Step 1: Rim a margarita glass with a lime wedge and then rim the Tajin. In a blender, add the lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila.
Step 2: Add a cup of ice and blend. Feel free to add more ice if you prefer a thicker margarita.
Step 3: Blend the mix. Pour the tamarind margarita into the rimmed margarita glasses.
Step 4: Garnish with a lime wedge.
What is the difference between Tamarind and Tamarindo?
The difference between the two is that one is in english and one is in Spanish. In the United States, when you heard Tamarindo you think of the drink. Tamarindo has boiled tamarind, which is blended with water and sugar. Essentially in Spanish, Tamarindo can be a reference of the drink or the Tamarindo pods themselves.
Substitutions
Tajin: I love using tajin for this recipe, although you can use salt instead. Whatever you prefer.
Tamarind syrup: You can buy this tamarind simple syrup on Amazon. You probably won’t have luck finding it in your grocery store, but check on google maps to see if you have a Hispanic grocery store in your area. They will most likely have it.
Lime: Use lime juice from fresh limes and do not use that store bought lime juice. That has a ton of added sugars too!
Tequila: Opt for a tequila blanco made with agave. If it doesn’t say this, a tequila can have a ton of unnecessary mysterious sugars.
Tamarind Margarita Recipe Variations
- Classic Margarita: Combine 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1 oz triple sec in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
- Spicy Margarita: Muddle a few slices of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Shake and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
- Strawberry Margarita: Blend 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz triple sec, and 1 cup frozen strawberries in a blender until smooth. Rim a glass with sugar and pour in the blended mixture.
- Mango Margarita: Blend 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz triple sec, and 1 cup frozen mango chunks in a blender until smooth. Rim a glass with Tajín seasoning and pour in the blended mixture.
- Watermelon Margarita: Blend 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz triple sec, and 1 cup cubed watermelon in a blender until smooth. Rim a glass with salt and pour in the blended mixture.
- Pineapple Margarita: Blend 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz triple sec, and 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks in a blender until smooth. Rim a glass with coconut flakes and pour in the blended mixture.
- Cucumber Margarita: Muddle a few slices of cucumber in the shaker before adding the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Shake and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Check out my Tequila Soda Recipe.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: You will need a cocktail shaker to mix the ingredients of the margarita.
- Jigger or measuring cup: A jigger or measuring cup is needed to measure the amount of ingredients for the margarita.
- Cocktail strainer: A cocktail strainer is needed to strain the margarita into a glass.
- Citrus juicer: You will need a citrus juicer to extract the juice from the lime.
- Blender: If you prefer frozen instead of on the rocks, blend everything in a blender.
Storage
This should be consumed right away. Careful with brain freeze!
Tamarind Margarita Recipe Tips
- What kind of tequila can I use? Opt for a tequila blanco made with agave. If it doesn’t say this, a tequila can have a ton of unnecessary mysterious sugars. There are three major classifications of 100% agave tequila: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. The brands I like are Casamigos, Espolon, Don Julio, or Silver Patron.
- How strong is a Tamarind Margarita? It is as strong as you want it to be. This recipe uses 2 ounces of tequila, but feel free to use more or less to your liking.
- What does Tamarind Margarita taste like? Tamarind has a very tart and sweet taste to it. When you blend this with the tequila, sugar and lime juice, it enhanced the tamarind taste.
- What makes a Margarita a Margarita? A Margarita usually has tequila, a citrus liqueur like triple sec, and lime juice. Although this doesn't have a liqueur, the tamarind is a great substitute.
- Where can I find Tamarind? Tamarind usually comes in a bag and is dried. In Mexico, you can buy them at any supermarket. I found a bag of tamarind by the produce aisle where the dried fruits were. You can also purchase them on Amazon.
Tamarind Margarita Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Tamarind Margarita is made with Tamarind syrup, tequila, lime juice, ice, Tajin, and blended to perfection.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Tajin or chili powder , for rimming
- 1-2 cups of ice
- 4 ounces tamarind syrup
- 2 ounces lime juice
- 2 ounces tequila
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Rim a margarita glass with a lime wedge and then rim the Tajin.
- In a blender, add the lime juice, tamarind syrup, and tequila. Add a cup of ice and blend. Feel free to add more ice if you prefer a thicker margarita.
- Pour the tamarind margarita into the rimmed margarita glasses.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes
- Opt for a tequila blanco made with agave. If it doesn’t say this, a tequila can have a ton of unnecessary mysterious sugars.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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