Tamarind Margarita

RECIPE: Courtenay Greenleaf, Rosa Mexicano, New York City

Photo: Lara Ferroni

May 01, 2017

A creative riff that’s tart, savory and smoky.

Tamarind adds a tart, savory element to mezcal’s smokiness in this Margarita riff.

Ingredients

2 oz. mezcal
3/4 oz. tamarind purée
3/4 oz. canela-agave syrup
1/4 oz. fresh lime juice
1 dash Angostura bitters
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Chile de árbol-guajillo-flor de sal
1/2 oz. dried chile de árbol
1 oz. dried guajillo chile (stems removed)
Kosher salt
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Canela-Agave Syrup
4 canela sticks (Mexican cinnamon)
1/2 cup agave nectar
1/2 cup water

Tools:shaker, strainer
Glass:rocks
Garnish:chile de árbol-guajillo-flor de sal

Preparation

Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with an orange wedge and dip the rim in chile de árbol-guajillo-flor de sal; fill the glass with ice and set aside. Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into the prepared glass.

Chile de árbol-guajillo-flor de salLightly toast the dried chilis with the seeds intact. Grind árbol in spice grinder until fully ground, and grind guajillo in larger flakes. Measure equal parts kosher salt to the chili mix. Mix well and store in a sealed container.

Canela-Agave SyrupAdd the water and canela to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the agave nectar and stir to combine, then remove from the heat. Let cool, and chill overnight to infuse; strain the mixture, then store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.