This lip-smacking tamarind cocktail will transport you to a paradise of tropical flavors. Discover the perfect blend of tangy tamarind, citrusy lime, and premium rums.
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to spice up your evening, look no further than this rum tamarind cocktail recipe. This tantalizing drink combines the tangy goodness of tamarind juice with the sweetness of sugar, a splash of lime, the warmth of ginger and cinnamon, and the rich notes of white and spiced rum.
I first tasted tamarind cocktails when I went to Colombia. There, in an upscale bar on one of the highest rooftops of Bogota, my then-boyfriend and I sipped back elevated cocktails and cheese and hot chocolate drinks made with typical Colombian drink ingredients—and I fell in love with the tangy, sweet, and surprising flavor of the tamarind fruit. Other favorites I have tried to recreate includes aguardiente sours and Colombian canelazo cocktails.
Now, I'd love to share my favorite way to mix tamarind juice in a cocktail recipe with you guys! It's also the cocktail I make with my gluten-free samosas.
What is tamarind?
Tamarind is a tropical fruit that comes from the tamarind tree, scientifically known as Tamarindus indica. It is widely grown in many regions worldwide, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and parts of the Americas.
The tamarind fruit is pod-shaped and has a hard brown shell. Inside, it contains a sticky, pulp-like substance that is brown or reddish-brown in color.
Tamarind is known for its unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors, which makes it a popular ingredient in various cuisines. It is commonly used in beverages, candies, chutneys, sauces, and even as a seasoning for savory dishes.
Is tamarind healthy?
Tamarind is very good for you. Tamarind is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to one's diet.
Apart from its culinary uses, tamarind also has various health benefits. It has been traditionally used to aid digestion, improve heart health, boost the immune system, and alleviate symptoms of various ailments.
Overall, tamarind fruit is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that adds a distinct flavor to dishes while offering numerous health benefits.
How to make a refreshing tamarind cocktail
Combine the ingredients
To make this Rum Tamarind Cocktail recipe, assemble a cocktail shaker and gather tamarind juice, sugar, lime juice, and grated ginger. Measure out the desired amount of each ingredient and pour them into the shaker.
Tamarind juice brings tangy goodness, sugar adds necessary sweetness, lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note, and grated ginger brings a warm and spicy kick.
Add the Spirits
to give the cocktail its distinct character, pour white rum and spiced rum into the shaker, measuring out the desired amounts. White rum provides a light and smooth base, while spiced rum adds complexity and a hint of spice to the mix.
The combination of these two spirits creates a well-rounded and flavorful profile for the tamarind rum cocktail.
Shake, Chill, and Infuse.
Fill the shaker with a generous amount of ice cubes to chill the cocktail and allow the flavors to meld together. Shake vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds. The shaking chills the cocktail, creating a refreshing and invigorating experience. It also helps infuse the flavors, ensuring every sip is bursting with tamarind, ginger, and cinnamon notes.
Strain, Garnish, and Serve
Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice, using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any ice chips or pulp, ensuring a smooth and refined texture.
For an extra refreshing drink with a mellow sweet and sour flavor, top the drink with soda water.
For an extra touch of presentation, garnish the cocktail with a slice of lime or cinnamon stick. Serve the Tamarind Rum Cocktail to yourself or your guests and enjoy it responsibly, savoring each sip of this enticing and refreshing beverage.
Recipe
Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.
Spicy and Tangy Tamarind Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 ounce white rum
- 1 ounce spiced rum
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 oz tamarind juice
- ½ ounce sugar or simple syrup optional
- 1- inch piece of ginger
- soda water optional
- 1 lime slice
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine tamarind juice, sugar, freshly squeezed lime juice and grated ginger.
- Add white rum and spiced rum to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and tightly seal it.
- Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill the cocktail and infuse the flavors.
- Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass filled with ice cubes. Top with soda water, if desired.
- Garnish with a slice of lime and a cinnamon stick, if desired. Serve and enjoy responsibly.
Jessica says
Tamarind is so elusive to me. It's in my local markets, but I never know how to use it. This recipe seems easy, so I'll try it next! Wish me luck 🙂
Jennifer Osborn says
Whew! Two kinds of rum? I’m in! I’d never had tamarind juice before and I really enjoyed it!
Sharon says
I love rum drinks so I knew this cocktail would be a good one! The ginger and tamarind were delicious and the drink was perfectly balanced.
Sue says
I needed to use up some of the rum in my cabinet so this was the perfect solution. It's a nice departure from the typical rum drinks - very yummy!
Lisa says
We enjoyed the sweet tangy flavor. A great drink for summer.
Shilpa says
Tamarind is something I always use in my cooking in so many ways but a cocktail with it is a whole new level. So good and I loved it.
Sage Scott says
I tend to lean toward sweet cocktails, so I was surprised at how much I liked this tangy tamarind cocktail with just the right amount of spice. A great change of pace!
Ellen says
This yummy cocktail had just the right amount of spice. The tamarind pairs nicely with the rum.
Anne says
The tanginess of the tamarind and the spicy kick tasted great together. This one certainly woke me up!