Spiced Mexican Tamarind Margarita

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold margarita with tart tamarind and a spicy chili rim that celebrates Latin American flavors with a vibrant kick. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, tamarind syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 1 tsp chili powder and 1 tsp coarse sea salt on a small plate.
  2. Step 2: Rub the rim of a rocks glass with a lime wedge, then dip the rim into the chili-salt mixture to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
  4. Step 4: Pour 2 oz reposado tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz tamarind syrup, and 1/2 oz orange liqueur into the shaker.
  5. Step 5: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
  6. Step 6: Strain into the prepared rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with a lime wheel placed on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Mexican Tamarind Margarita take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Spiced Mexican Tamarind Margarita?

Refrigerate any leftover spiced mexican tamarind margarita in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Mexican Tamarind Margarita?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Mexican Tamarind Margarita for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Mexican Tamarind Margarita?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.