Spiced Tamarind Mezcal Sour

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

A smoky mezcal cocktail lifted by tart tamarind and a hint of warming spice, balanced with honey and citrus. This cocktails & beverages-inspired quick meals ready in about 8 minutes pairs mezcal, fresh lemon juice, tamarind syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 8 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Beverages cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz tamarind syrup, 1/2 teaspoon honey, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and 1 large egg white into a cocktail shaker without ice.
  2. Step 2: Dry shake vigorously for 20 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
  3. Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake again for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
  4. Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to ensure a smooth texture.
  5. Step 5: Express a lemon twist over the surface to release oils, then rest it on the rim as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tamarind Mezcal Sour take to make?

Total time is about 8 minutes (8 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Tamarind Mezcal Sour?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mezcal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Tamarind Mezcal Sour?

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 Tamarind Mezcal Sour 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 Tamarind Mezcal Sour?

Cocktails & Beverages quick meals 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.