Spicy Tamarind and Ginger Margarita

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

A bold margarita variant blending tangy tamarind paste with fresh ginger and jalapeño for a fiery, refreshing cocktail. This recipe, ready in about 7 minutes, brings together tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, tamarind paste 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 190 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 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub the rim of a rocks glass with fresh lime juice and dip it into coarse salt to coat. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  2. Step 2: In a shaker, muddle 2 slices of jalapeño gently to release aroma but not overpower heat.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 oz tequila blanco, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz tamarind paste, 0.5 oz ginger syrup, and 0.25 oz agave syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Step 4: Double strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice to remove jalapeño bits.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 lime wheel on the rim and serve immediately for a balanced spicy-sour drink.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tamarind and Ginger 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 Spicy Tamarind and Ginger Margarita?

Refrigerate any leftover spicy tamarind and ginger 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 Spicy Tamarind and Ginger 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 Spicy Tamarind and Ginger 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 Spicy Tamarind and Ginger 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.