BY CHEF KATIE MIST

Spicy Tamarind Basil Margarita

If you've never had a Spicy Tamarind Basil Margarita, then today is your lucky day. Sometimes as you traverse the days of peri/menopause, let's be honest, you need a cocktail. While alcohol consumption can aggravate menopausal symptoms and is widely considered to increase risk of certain health ailments, sometimes a girl just needs a Margarita. And, if you're going to have a cocktail, might as well make it as "good for you" as possible. Tamarind is a fruit that grows in the form of a pod. The pulp inside the pod has a sour taste and is jam-packed with health benefits -- amino acids (for healthy muscle tissue), magnesium and calcium (for bone health), B vitamins (for brain health), potassium, polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. The list goes on and on. The fresh basil brings a nice pop to the slightly earthy, sweet and sour cocktail. Paring this nutrient dense powerhouse with an adaptogen powder makes this Spicy Tamarind Basil Margarita, dare we say, a good choice if you're going to indulge in an alcoholic bevvy.

Cook Time: n/a | Prep time: 5 mins | Serves/Serving: Servings = 1

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 oz. blanco tequila

• 1 1⁄2 oz. fresh orange juice

• 1⁄2 oz. tamarind paste (typically in the Asian food section of your grocery store)

• 1⁄4 jalapeño, about 2 thick slices

• 2 large basil leaves

• 1⁄2 teaspoon adaptogen powder (We love Om Master Blend Mushroom & Adaptogens.)

• 2 oz. soda water

• Tajin, to rim the glass

• 1 jalapeño slice

• 1 orange slice

• 1 basil leaf

Instructions

1. Using a wedge of orange, rim your glass with Tajin.

2. In a cocktail shaker, add tequila, orange juice, tamarind paste, 2 jalapeño slices and 2 basil leaves and adaptogen powder. Muddle to release the flavor of the basil.

3. Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, or until the shaker feels thoroughly chilled to the touch.

4.Strain into the Tajin-rimmed glass, top with soda water. Garnish with jalapeño slice, orange slice and basil leaf on a cocktail pick.

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