Tamarind, tradition, and a very good excuse. National Mezcal Day starts here.
Two reasons to pour this month.
October's a big month for us. National Mezcal Day lands on the 20th, and Dia de los Muertos honors the spirit, literally, that put us here in the first place.
National Mezcal Day
Mezcal is a spirit with a long history, made by hand and shaped by the people and places behind every bottle. Mexico News Daily marks National Mezcal Day on the 20th as a chance to recognize the agave spirit and how it's made. Traditionally, the agave is roasted in earthen pits, which is where that signature smoke comes from. It's a good excuse to slow down and pay attention to what's in the glass.
Dia de los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico, and families honor loved ones with altars decorated with photographs, food, candles, and bright orange marigolds. It's not a day of sadness. It's a time of remembrance and celebration, joyful, colorful, and personal.
Why Tamarind
Tamarind's not an accident. It's tart, earthy, a little unexpected, the same way this whole season is: a celebration that doesn't take itself too seriously, and a tradition that doesn't need to.
The tree is native to tropical Africa, and it reached India so long ago that it's often mistaken for an Indian native. It made its way to Mexico centuries ago, and The Takeout points out that Mexico is now well known for tamarind's sweet and sour candies and sodas.
That tang is what makes it work with mezcal. The smoke gives the tamarind something to lean against, the lime keeps it sharp, and the Tajín rim ties it all together.
The Tamarind Mezcalita
Ingredients
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2 oz El Silencio Espadín
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1 oz tamarind paste (thinned with water)
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¾ oz lime juice
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½ oz triple sec
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¼ oz agave nectar
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Tajín rim
Instructions
Dilute tamarind paste with a splash of warm water until pourable. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake, and strain over fresh ice in a Tajín-rimmed glass.
Grab a bottle of El Silencio Mezcal and make one tonight. The ice is already starting to melt.