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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Tamarind Margarita Recipe

    Published: Apr 23, 2021 · Modified: Apr 13, 2022 by Emily This post may contain affiliate links 28 Comments

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    It's almost Cinco de Mayo, so it's time for some delicious Mexican-inspired cocktails! Why not try a tamarind margarita recipe? The tart, fruity flavor of the tamarind is perfect for spring and summertime drinks. I'll show you how to make one yourself.

    This sweet and sour Tamarind Margarita is tasty and easy to make. I will give you step-by-step instructions for making this unique cocktail with tamarind paste, tequila, triple sec, and maple syrup. You can now create and enjoy this refreshing tamarind margarita recipe at home!


    side view of 2 Tamarind Margaritas

    With summer fast approaching, there's no better way to get the party started than with a deliciously refreshing tamarind margarita!

    Whether you're hosting a big bash for Cinco de Mayo or having dinner at home with loved ones, this tart twist on the classic Margarita will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

    Dive into the world of tequila and fresh lime juice as I give you all the tips for mastering an unforgettable tamarind margarita that everyone will rave about!

    A few years ago, we visited Costa Rica and enjoyed Tamarind Margaritas or Margaritas de Tamarindo at a fantastic hotel we were staying at with an ocean view. The bartender made this cocktail with fresh tamarind juice and a plain salt rim.

    When I thought about recreating this recipe, I didn't have tamarind pods or a wet tamarind pulp block. However, I recently had tamarind paste in the fridge. So I created tamarind syrup or "juice" by mixing the tamarind paste with water.

    I'm not claiming that this recipe is the authentic way to make tamarind juice or Tamarind Margaritas, but my husband and I enjoyed this sweet and sour margarita with tangy flavors, and I know you will too. My husband said, "This is your best margarita yet." And he doesn't say that lightly!

    For more refreshing cocktails, try this Blood Orange Margarita, Blood Orange French 75, Strawberry Elderflower Gin Fizz, or Strawberry Lemon Gin Granita, perfect for sipping by the pool. If you like sour with a hint of sweetness, have you tried this Classic Sidecar Cocktail?

    Want another recipe with Tajin Seasoning? Try this Southwest Quinoa Bowl.

    Jump to:
    • What is tamarind?
    • Ingredients
    • How to make a Tamarind Margarita
    • Equipment
    • Substitutions
    • Expert Tips
    • More cocktail recipes
    • Recipe
    side view of Tamarind Margarita

    What is tamarind?

    Tamarind is a fruit from the tamarind tree and can be used in soups, chutneys, juices, or carbonated drinks to create flavorful dishes such as pad thai.

    The texture of this date-like dark brown fruit ranges depending on whether it's crushed for paste or diluted concentrate. The fruit is contained within seed pods and can be extracted from the pods or purchased in chunks. Tamarind is a staple in Mexico, the Caribbean, Thailand, and Indian cuisine.

    Ingredients

    • Tamarind paste - This tamarind concentrate has a consistency similar to blackstrap molasses. It is 100% organic tamarind and is concentrated; it is not watery like juice. You can find this in Asian markets, in the Asian section of your grocery store, at an Indian market, online, or in a Latin market.
    • Tequila - I used Blanco tequila.
    • Triple sec - I used Cointreau.
    • Agave syrup - Although I haven't tried it, organic sugar cane syrup would be a great choice (especially when in Costa Rica). Let me know if you do!
    • You'll need half a lime or a lime wedge for the rim of the glass, followed by a chili salt rim (a mix of chili lime seasoning and Himalayan sea salt).

    How to make a Tamarind Margarita

    This recipe for Tamarind Margaritas is easy to make and fun! It's a different take on the margarita, and the unique ingredients will have your tastebuds dancing in delight! Accent these cocktails with a Tajin Seasoning and sea salt rim to give them an exciting twist.

    It's easy to put this cocktail together, a different take on the classic margarita. I mix the tamarind concentrate with water to thin it.

    • Mix the tamarind paste and water in a pot and boil, stirring with a whisk. Immediately turn off the heat, take it off the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 30 minutes.
    • Stir the mixture and strain into a bowl, discarding any solids. Let cool to room temperature.
    • Mix the chili lime seasoning (I used Tajin Clasico Seasoning) with the Himalayan Sea Salt and place it on a small plate.
    • Prepare two glasses by running the edge of half a lime against the edges. Gently press the edges of the glasses into the salt mixture, and refrigerate the glasses while you mix the drinks.
    • Combine the tamarind juice, Blanco tequila, triple sec, agave syrup, and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker.
    • Shake and pour into the prepared glasses with salted rims. If you're using glasses similar to double old-fashioned glasses, include the ice. Cheers!

    Sideview of 2 margarita cocktails with tamarind juice

    Equipment

    • small saucepan
    • whisk
    • coupe glasses, martini glasses, double old fashioned glasses, or margarita glasses
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • cocktail shaker

    To keep an elegant feel, I chose coupe glasses for this tamarind margarita without ice. However, I would have preferred a traditional margarita glass if this were a blended frozen fruit margarita.

    In an informal setting, feel free to serve the margaritas any way you like, such as on ice in an old-fashioned glass or lowball glass, typically a short glass used to serve whisky or cocktails containing whisky.

    Substitutions

    • Agave syrup - You can use maple syrup or simple syrup. Organic sugar cane syrup would be a great choice (especially when in Costa Rica), although I haven't tried it. Let me know if you do!
    • Lime - You can use fresh lemon instead.
    • Tamarind concentrate or Tamarind paste concentrate - I do not have a substitute for this; this is usually available at the grocery store, online, or at your local Indian or Latin market.
    Pour shot from cocktail shaker into coupe glass lined with sea salt & chili lime salt

    Expert Tips

    • Make the "tamarind juice" far enough ahead of time so that it has time to cool before you need it.
    • You can use sea salt to rim the cocktail glass, but I highly recommend combining chili lime seasoning and sea salt. It takes it to the next level!
    • Try a quality orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier instead of triple sec. Quality makes all the difference!

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    • Side view of strawberry lemon gin granita in coupe glass
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    I hope you give these Tamarindo Margaritas a try. They're perfect for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, or anytime!

    If you make this recipe, please take a moment to ★★★★★ star-rate it and leave a comment below. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook, and share your creation with me! Tag me @resplendentkitchen and hashtag #resplendentkitchenrecipes.

    Recipe

    side view of two Tamarind Margaritas on blue background.

    Tamarind Margarita Recipe

    Emily Miller
    This sweet and sour Tamarind Margarita is tasty and easy to make with step-by-step instructions for making tamarind juice from tamarind paste. You can now create and enjoy this unique twist on a refreshing tamarind margarita recipe at home!
    5 from 115 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Resting time for tamarind juice 30 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 2 people
    Calories 290 kcal

    Equipment

    • small saucepan
    • whisk
    • coupe glasses or martini glasses or margarita glasses
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • cocktail shaker

    Ingredients
      

    For the Tamarind Juice

    • 2 oz tamarind paste
    • 1 ¾ cup water

    For the Tamarind Margarita

    • 1 teaspoon Tajin Seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
    • Lime halved
    • 4 oz tamarind juice
    • 4 oz Blanco tequila
    • 2 oz triple sec I like to use Cointreau
    • 2 teaspoons agave syrup or maple syrup, simple syrup, or sugar cane syrup
    • 4 large ice cubes

    Instructions
     

    To make the Tamarind Juice

    • Combine the tamarind paste and water in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring with a whisk.  Immediately turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 30 minutes on the counter.
    • Stir and strain the mixture into a bowl, discarding any solids. Let cool to room temperature.

    To make the Tamarind Margarita

    • Mix Tajin Seasoning with the Himalayan sea salt and place on a small flat plate. Prepare two coupe glasses by running the edge of half a lime against the edges. Gently press the edges of the glasses into the salt mixture, and refrigerate the glasses.
    • Combine the tamarind juice, Blanco tequila, triple sec, maple syrup, and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker.
    • Shake and pour into the glasses with salted rims. Serve.

    Notes

    Make the tamarind juice far enough ahead of time so that it has time to cool before you need it.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drinkCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 37.2gSodium: 177.8mgPotassium: 6.1mgFiber: 5.7gSugar: 24gVitamin C: 1.2mgCalcium: 1.8mgIron: 0.8mg
    Keyword CInco de Mayo, cocktail, party
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Marinela

      August 16, 2021 at 9:32 am

      5 stars
      These tamarind margaritas are so enjoyable! The most perfect homemade drink with a delicately sweet and sour flavor. It's super refreshing and tastes like summer! Thanks for sharing the recipe, Emily!

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 16, 2021 at 9:48 am

        Thank you for your review, Marinela! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tamarind margaritas. This recipe is one of my favorites; it's a great drink on a hot day and perfect for summer!

        Reply
    2. Kayla DiMaggio

      August 16, 2021 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      This tamarind margarita was so delicious! I just bought some tamarind to make pad thai so I gave this a try too! So good!

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 16, 2021 at 1:29 pm

        Thanks for your review of my tamarind margarita, Kayla. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! This is one of my favorite drinks too and I'm happy to hear that you're interested in cooking with tamarind as well!

        Reply
    3. Lucy

      August 16, 2021 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      I've never tried making my own margaritas before but I will be regularly now. Your recipe is so flavoursome and your instructions are so clear and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 16, 2021 at 1:33 pm

        Thank you for the five star rating, Lucy! I'm so happy to hear that you were able to make a delicious margarita with my recipe and instructions. Cheers!

        Reply
    4. Anaiah

      August 16, 2021 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! I never tried tamarind this way before. In my culture, we use tamarind to give a nice tart flavor in our soups and that's the only way I've had it. This was new to me and so great to try!

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 16, 2021 at 3:24 pm

        Thank you, Anaiah, for your review of my tamarind margarita. I'm glad to hear that it was a new experience and you enjoyed the flavor!

        Reply
    5. Daniela

      August 16, 2021 at 5:05 pm

      5 stars
      I was intrigued by the Tamarind but oh my, this might be my new favorite margarita flavor! So good!

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 16, 2021 at 5:45 pm

        Thanks for the review, Daniela! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed my Tamarind Margarita. It's one of my favorite margaritas!

        Reply
    6. Joshua

      August 16, 2021 at 11:49 pm

      5 stars
      Tamarind margaritas?? Count me in! This was a great recipe and a creative way to use tamarind.

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 17, 2021 at 8:59 am

        Thank you for your review Joshua! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe and found it creative. We love to share new recipes with our readers so we're happy that this one worked out well.

        Reply
    7. Julia

      August 17, 2021 at 2:05 am

      5 stars
      This was a welcome drink at the end of a hot summer's day. It looked so elegant too. I've only ever used tamarind in curries before so this was quite different. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 17, 2021 at 9:01 am

        Hi Julia, Thank you for your review and feedback. We're glad to hear that the drink was a welcome refreshment on this hot summer day! The tamarind is one of my favorite flavors for a margarita - I'm so glad you enjoyed this creative cocktail!

        Reply
    8. Choclette

      August 17, 2021 at 7:31 am

      5 stars
      Oh my! It's been far too long since I had a cocktail. So excited by your use of tamarind in this one. I've only ever used it in curries.

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 17, 2021 at 9:05 am

        Thank you so much for your review, Choclette! It's been a while since I've had this cocktail; tamarind is such an interesting ingredient to use. I hope you give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

        Reply
    9. Caroline

      April 13, 2022 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      I've been wanting to try making a drink with tamarind after having one at a local taco bar - this sounds a perfect place to start! I love the flavor tamarind adds to things.

      Reply
      • Emily

        April 13, 2022 at 2:59 pm

        Hi Caroline! Thank you for your review. I'm so glad to hear that you are interested in trying tamarind in this drink! Tamarind is a delicious ingredient, with a tart-sweet flavor and sour notes. Cheers!

        Reply
    10. Kris

      April 13, 2022 at 3:24 pm

      5 stars
      This was so unique and delicious! Will definitely make again. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Emily

        April 13, 2022 at 4:31 pm

        Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Kris! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed it and thank you for taking the time to review the recipe.

        Reply
    11. Mirlene

      April 13, 2022 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      Now this is a great idea! Never thought of using tamarind in a cocktail. So tempting and delicious.

      Reply
      • Emily

        April 13, 2022 at 4:32 pm

        Thanks for the review, Mirlene. Tamarind is a great ingredient to add to cocktails!

        Reply
    12. Catherine

      April 13, 2022 at 3:59 pm

      5 stars
      This is so exotic and delicious. A perfect cocktail for the warm weather and so elegant too!

      Reply
      • Emily

        April 13, 2022 at 4:34 pm

        Thank you so much for your review, Catherine! It's always a joy when someone tries something different and enjoys it 🙂

        Reply
    13. Alison

      April 13, 2022 at 4:36 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good sweet and sour cocktail and this one hits all the notes!

      Reply
      • Emily

        April 13, 2022 at 4:57 pm

        Thank you for the review, Alison! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed this cocktail recipe!

        Reply
    14. Jeff

      February 05, 2023 at 6:30 am

      I bought Goya Tamarind pulp. It all I could find in my area. I'm confused on all the descriptions I find online, pulp, paste, juice, tamarind water. It came frozen and the ingredients on the package say, water and tamarind. Once thawed it more like slightly creamy coffee consistency, not a pulpy block like pictures I've seen online of tamarind pulp. Do I just use this straight from the package to make Tamarindo Margaritas?
      TIA
      Jeff

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 06, 2023 at 12:30 pm

        Hi Jeff, thanks for your question. My suggestion is to try it straight from the package, thawed, to make the Tamarindo Margaritas. If that is too strong, then I would dilute it with water to thin it to make a "juice" consistency and try again. The Tamararind Paste I use is 100% organic tamarind and has a syrupy consistency, which I water down a bit and cook briefly to make a "juice" although it's not really juice, it's just water and tamarind paste. Please let me know how it turns out.

        Reply

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    Emily Miller

    Hi, I'm Emily, the photographer, writer, and cook behind Resplendent Kitchen, a 100% plant-based blog - where making dishes that are good for you can also be incredibly tasty.

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