Dzu Nguyen’s Ha Long Margarita

2 ounces reposado Tequila

1 ounce fresh lime juice

½ ounce Cointreau

1 teaspoon tamarind paste

¾ ounce rich simple syrup (see Note) Coconut water or coconut soda (optional)

Thai basil for garnish

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain over ice. Top with coconut water or coconut soda if using. Garnish with Thai basil.

Note: To make rich simple syrup, combine 1 part water and 2 parts sugar (use demerara or a dark sugar if you have it) in a small saucepan. Heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Let cool before using in a cocktail. Feel free to make more than you’ll need; the syrup will keep in a jar in your fridge for a few months.

Michael Short / Special to The Chronicle

Esther Mobley / The Chronicle Above: Horsefeather bar manager Dzu Nguyen found the positive in having two involuntary months off from his bar job. Right: Nguyen’s Ha Long Margarita.