Go Back
+ servings
La Bruja is a tamarind margarita that is sweet and sour and perfect for Halloween. Dark añejo tequila, homemade tamarind simple syrup, and lots of lime.
Kate Ramos

Real Tamarind Margarita with Spicy Chili Rim

This Tamarind Margarita is my favorite oh-so refreshing margarita. Añejo tequila shaken with fresh lime juice and a sweet-tart simple syrup made from fresh tamarind. Serve over ice with a spicy chipotle chili rim, this is the perfect cocktail to sip on with friends and family all summer long.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 875

Ingredients
  

For the Tamarind Syrup:
For the Cocktail:

Method
 

  1. To make the syrup: remove the outer husk and stem from the 5 ounces of tamarind pods. Combine the pods, 3 cups of water, and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a medium saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and then bring to a boil. Boil gently until the pulp around the seeds of the pods are soft, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  2. Blend: Pour tamarind mixture into the blender and blend until liquified. The seeds will make a very loud noise but will not break your blender. Strain out the seeds and discard. Syrup can be made up to a week in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  3. To make the cocktail: Cut one of the limes in half then slice one half into wedges. Cut a slit in a lime wedge then rub it around the outer rim of your glass. Combine the 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder on a small plate then dip the glass in the mixture to coat (you can use as much as you'd like to make it spicy for your tastes).
  4. Shake: Combine 1/2 cup tequila, 1/4 cup simple syrup, and the juice from the remaining 1 1/2 limes in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty. Pour into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge if you'd like. ¡Salúd!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 875kcalCarbohydrates: 173gProtein: 1gFat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 62mgFiber: 2gSugar: 166g

Notes

  1. Serving size: This makes enough for 1 large drink or two small margaritas.
  2. Tamarind syrup: There should be enough syrup for 10-12 drinks. Syrup will keep in the fridge for up to a month or see the post for how to make a pitcher of margaritas.
  3. Spicier Option: For a spicier chili rim, increase the chipotle chili powder. Or omit the sugar.
  4. Pairing Ideas: This margarita is fantastic with chicken fajitas, shrimp ceviche, or any of your favorite Mexican dishes.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!