Tamarind Chili Old Fashioned
A bold, smoky old fashioned cocktail with rich tamarind syrup and a touch of chili heat, offering a complex and memorable sip inspired by Mexican flavors. This cocktails-inspired mexican ready in about 6 minutes pairs reposado tequila, tamarind syrup, dashes angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz reposado tequila
- 0.5 oz tamarind syrup
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- a pinch chili powder
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz reposado tequila, 0.5 oz tamarind syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and a pinch of chili powder.
- Step 3: Add ice cubes to the mixing glass and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of a wide orange peel over the surface of the drink by holding it over the glass and twisting firmly, then rub the peel around the rim before resting it inside the glass as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind Chili Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Tamarind Chili Old Fashioned?
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 reposado tequila from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind Chili Old Fashioned?
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 Old Fashioned 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 Old Fashioned?
Cocktails mexican 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.
