Tamarindo Recipe
Javier’s Reserva Reposado Tequila, fresh tamarind, agave nectar, fresh lime juice
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Ingredients
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Tamarindo Cocktail
Method
Tamarindo Cocktail
Prepare tamarind pulp (if using fresh tamarind pods)
If you start from fresh tamarind pods (not pre-made pulp), remove shells and veins from about 50–60 g fresh tamarind. Place the sticky fruit in a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of warm water and gently pick and mash to loosen the pulp. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract about 1.5 oz (45 ml) of smooth tamarind pulp. Discard fibers and seeds. (If you have pre-made tamarind pulp, use 1.5 oz directly.)
Rim the glass
Spread the salt or chili-lime salt on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks or coupe glass, then dip the rim into the salt to coat. Set the glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill while you mix the cocktail.
Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker add: 2 oz Javier’s Reserva Reposado Tequila, 1.5 oz strained tamarind pulp, 0.5 oz agave nectar, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.25 oz cold water. If you want a deeper tamarind flavor, add 0.25 tsp tamarind paste or concentrate. The extra water helps the tamarind blend smoothly.
Dry shake (optional)
If the tamarind pulp is thick, seal the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 10–12 seconds to help emulsify the tamarind, agave, and lime.
Shake with ice
Add ice to the shaker (about 1 cup) and shake very hard for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is well chilled and slightly frosted. This chills, dilutes, and integrates the tamarind evenly.
Strain and serve
Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared chilled glass using a fine-mesh strainer over a julep or Hawthorne strainer to remove any pulp solids and ice shards. If you prefer a slightly slushier texture, strain once into a rocks glass over fresh large ice.
Garnish
Finish with a lime wheel or wedge on the rim. Optionally, skewer a small piece of tamarind candy or a thin tamarind strip for visual appeal.
Taste and adjust
Taste the cocktail; if it needs more sweetness, add 0.25 oz agave and stir briefly. If it needs brighter acidity, add 0.125–0.25 oz more lime juice. Re-stir or give a quick shake with ice and re-strain before serving.