4-INGREDIENT SPIKED TAMARIND SODAS FOR HAPPY HOUR AT HOME!
Tamarind on tamarind. You'd think this wouldn't work but it does and it works like A DREAM at that. I have made this copious times since and I had to include this in my Diwali series. It is easy to sip on and customize. Let me tell you more.
Want to offer your guests an option of both a mocktail and/or cocktail? This one is ideal as the tamarind chutney + tajin rim along with the addition of bright lime juice, make this recipe a winner -- that too, with or without alcohol!
For the spiked version, a blanco tequila will be your best friend. It pairs SO nicely with the tamarind and you can always add more to taste. Customizable cocktails, we love to see it.
Before guests arrive, you can go ahead and rim all of the glasses with the tamarind chutney and tajin. Once guests arrive, set up a station (bonus points if you're crafty and/ or love Canva like me) and outline a few steps on how to make this beverage. More on this in the notes below...I am getting ahead of myself because I am so excited for you to try this one!
I especially love this one for those of you at home who don't necessarily have a cocktail shaker. This drink is a perfect first drink to make if you are excited about making more drinks at home, but don't know where to start. I've made it easier than ever for you and I can't wait for you to taste this pairing. Better yet? I can't wait for you to see the look on your friends and loved ones' faces when THEY take their first sip of this one. Happiness all around if you ask me!
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INGREDIENTS
12.5 oz Tamarind Jarritos
1 1/2 tablespoons of tamarind chutney, **straight out of the fridge chilled
1/2 tablespoon or more to taste of Tajin (or your favorite Chili-Lime seasoning- Trader Joes also has a good one!)
1 oz or more to taste of blanco tequila, I used Tequila Revolucion
Small lime wedge, for garnish (optional but highly recommended)
DIRECTIONS
Wipe clean the outside of the Tamarind Jarritos bottle.
Take a deep dish and pour in the tamarind chutney. Then, carefully dip the side of the bottle to coat the rim and neck of the bottle on a single side.
Sprinkle on Tajin liberally to coat the tamarind chutney.
When ready to serve, open the Jarritos gently using a bottle opener.
Add in tequila!
Garnish with lime wedge and stir either with a barspoon or straw! Serve immediately!
~ Serves 1
Notes
**I found that the chutney coats best when straight out of the fridge!
I've been asked if you can use a date chutney. That would also work but the flavor of tamarind chutney is equal parts sweet and tangy -- making it the right pairing for this specific recipe.
I personally love the tamarind x tamarind effect, but you can also switch this out for your other favorite Jarritos flavor. I like what I like but if were to choose another flavor for this recipe, it'd likely be guava or the pineapple flavor. A good rule of thumb is to use the flavor of Jarritos you enjoy eating Tajin with. My favorites are guava and pineapple. :) You can also most definitely use a different bottled soda but I don't know why - there is something so special about the flavor of Jarritos that I'd highly recommend trying to find this brand specifically!
For serving, I love to use Canva to print out a simple sign explaining how guests can help themselves (to either a mocktail or cocktail!) with the following steps:
Gently open your Jarritos using the bottle opener.
Completely optional but if you'd like add in tequila if you wish (pour with your heart)!
Garnish with a lime wedge. :)
Stir and enjoy!