Tamarind Chili Mezcal Margarita
A smoky mezcal margarita with a tangy tamarind kick and a spicy chili-salt rim that awakens the palate with every sip. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together mezcal, 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 185 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz tamarind syrup
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 lime wheel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1/4 tsp chili powder and 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt on a small plate. Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with fresh lime juice and dip it into the chili-salt mix to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz tamarind syrup, and 1/2 oz triple sec.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Strain into the prepared rocks glass filled with a large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Garnish with a lime wheel placed on the rim, ready to be squeezed for an extra burst of citrus.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind Chili Mezcal 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 Tamarind Chili Mezcal Margarita?
Refrigerate any leftover tamarind chili mezcal 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 Tamarind Chili Mezcal 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 Tamarind Chili Mezcal 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 Tamarind Chili Mezcal 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.
