Ginger Tamarind Margarita
Tamarind margarita is a refreshing cocktail that offers a unique blend of tangy tamarind, citrusy lime, and smooth tequila. In my recipe, I am using spiced ginger syrup to sweeten the cocktail which adds a subtle hint of heat and flavor. Its sweet, sour, and spicy flavors create a well-balanced taste, while the chili-salt rim adds a delightful kick and complements the flavors of the drink. Perfect for hot summer days, this ginger tamarind margarita is a refreshing choice to cool down.
The tamarind margarita is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for a summer day. This cocktail has a good balance of sweet, tangy, and citrus flavors from the tamarind and lime, complemented by the smoothness of the tequila.
In my version, ginger syrup is used to add a touch of spice and heat to the cocktail. The spicy touch complements the tartness of the tamarind paste and the sweetness of the lime juice perfectly.
Tamarind is a tropical fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor commonly used in various cuisines and is a staple in South Indian kitchens. Tamarind is a versatile ingredient that has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and it is believed to have a number of health benefits. It has been cultivated in India for thousands of years and is used in a variety of dishes, including chutneys, curries, stews, and pickles.
Making spiced ginger syrup
Spiced ginger syrup is a sweet and spicy syrup made with fresh ginger root, sugar, and whole spices. While regular ginger syrup primarily features the bold taste of ginger, spiced ginger syrup takes it a step further by infusing it with a combination of complementary spices.
Making this spiced ginger simple syrup is very easy and needs a few simple ingredients. In my recipe, I am using fresh ginger root, cinnamon, green cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. I am also using raw sugar to add a richer hue to the syrup.
The Rim
Here are some options to rim the glass:
Chili salt: Mix chili powder and kosher salt in a shallow dish. Moisten the rim of the glass with a lemon wedge, then gently roll it into the chili salt mixture.
Tamarind rim: This is a great way to add a touch of tamarind flavor to the rim of the glass. Spread a thin layer of tamarind paste on the rim of the glass and then dip it in a dish of salt or sugar.
Coconut rim: Moisten the rim of the glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it into the desiccated coconut.
Chocolate rim: For a touch of decadence, spread a thin layer of melted chocolate or cocoa powder onto a plate. Dip the rim of the glass into the chocolate or cocoa powder, allowing it to coat the rim.
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Recipe card
Ginger Tamarind Margarita
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz tamarind paste (or 2 oz tamarind concentrate)
- 1 oz spiced ginger syrup (sub with simple syrup)
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
Rim:
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix the chili powder and salt together and place it on a small dish.
- Rub the rim of the chilled glass with lime and roll it in the chili-salt mixture.
- Combine tequila, tamarind paste, fresh lime juice, and ginger syrup into a cocktail shaker.
- Fill it with ice and shake vigorously.
- Pour into the salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime slice and serve chilled.
Tips
- In my recipe, I am using spiced ginger syrup to sweeten the drink. This can be substituted with simple syrup.
- Tamarind paste or concentrate is easily available in several grocery stores including Indian stores. However, it can be made at home easily using tamarind pods.
- To make tamarind paste, start by breaking open tamarind pods and removing the sticky tamarind pulp inside. Soak the pulp in a little hot water for 30 minutes until it softens. Mash the pulp with a spoon or your hands, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to separate the smooth tamarind paste from seeds and fibers. If the filtered paste is too thin, simmer it in a small saucepan for 5 minutes so that it can thicken. Bring it to room temperature before using it.
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