8 sour tamarind pods, hard shells removed "vines" removed
1large lime, cut in half
1 1/2jiggers (2 1/4 ounces)añejo tequila
1/2jigger (3/4 ounce)triple sec
ice to serve
Smoked Salt Mix
1teaspoonkosher salt
1/2teaspoon Tajín classico seasoning
2dropsliquid smoke
Instructions
In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil over high heat. After the water comes to a boil and the sugar has dissolved, pour the boiling water over the tamarind in a mixing bowl. Allow the hot water to loosen up the pulp.
Once the soaking water is cold, blend the contents of the bowl for one minute.After you've blended the tamarind, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer, or through a piece of cheesecloth set inside a funnel.
Chill the liquid in the refrigerator for one hour (or until very cold).
Prepare the Smoked Salt
Combine the Tajín, kosher (or sea) salt, and a couple drops of liquid smoke in a shallow bowl or dish. Use a spoon or your fingers to incorporate the liquid smoke into the spices.
Prepare the Tamarind Añejo Margarita
Cut one of the lime halves into wedges. Rub one wedge, per glass, around the rim of your old-fashioned glass to moisten it. Reserve the remaining lime for adding to the cocktail.Dip the wet rim into your smoked salt mixture to coat it well. Set the glasses aside to dry while you prepare the margarita.
Fill a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Pour the añejo, triple sec, the lime juice from the leftover limes, and a cup of the chilled tamarind juice. Store the remaining tamarind juice in the fridge.
Cap the shaker and shake vigorously until the shaker frosts over.Strain the margarita into your ice-filled, salt-rimmed margarita glasses. Sprinkle a bit more of that smokey salt over the margarita, if desired.
Serve immediately. Enjoy responsibly.
Notes
To make pitcher margaritas, just quadruple the recipe.For a kid-friendly drink, omit the añejo and triple sec and serve over ice.