Aperol Margarita (Refreshing Tequila Cocktail)

If you're looking for another cocktail with Aperol, Italy's favorite aperitif, try my Aperol gin cocktail for your next happy hour. For another fun twist on a classic, try my lavender lemon drop martini. Cheers!

Recipe Inspiration

One of my favorite hobbies is creating cocktail recipes in my home bar. The inspiration for this recipe came when I wanted a new drink to sip by the pool in the summer. I set out to create the perfect Aperol Margarita recipe that blends the classic margarita and the trendy Aperol Spritz. I love making drinks with Aperol because it's a bright and fun liqueur.

The slight bitterness of Aperol balances the sweetness from the triple sec, while its citrusy and herbal notes enhance the overall freshness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors.

The classic combination of tacos and margaritas can't be ignored, serve this with beer battered shrimp tacos or sheet pan steak and shrimp fajitas for a perfect food and drink pairing.

Ingredients

• Tequila: I use Blanco tequila, also known as white or silver tequila, when making this recipe. Since this liquor is the foundation of the cocktail, choose a good quality tequila that you enjoy drinking.
• Aperol: Aperol is a vibrant Italian aperitif known for its bright orange color and bittersweet flavor. An aperitif is an alcoholic drink typically sipped on before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
• Cointreau: I use Cointreau, an orange liqueur, when making this margarita. The orange flavor blends seamlessly with the Aperol flavor notes. Its sweetness also mellows out the sharpness of the tequila, resulting in a balanced cocktail. For a Cointreau substitute, you can use triple sec or Grand Marnier.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the essential tartness that balances the sweetness and bitterness of the other ingredients.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients, exact measurements, and nutritional information.

How to Make an Aperol Margarita

Step 1: First, rim a rocks glass or margarita glass with salt. To a cocktail shaker, add ice cubes and pour in Aperol.

Step 2: Next, combine tequila and triple sec in the cocktail shaker.

Step 3: Using your hands or a citrus squeezer, add freshly squeezed lime juice.

Step 4: Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 20 seconds until the Aperol drink is chilled.

Strain into a glass and serve this tequila and Aperol cocktail with an orange wedge or lime wedge as a garnish.

Expert Tips

Fresh is best. If you can, use fresh lime juice instead of bottled. The bright flavor of freshly squeezed lime juice adds a vibrant freshness to your cocktail.

Quality spirits. Invest in good quality tequila and triple sec to enhance the overall flavor and provide a smoother and more enjoyable drinking experience.

Add a sweetener. Experiment with a splash of agave syrup or simple syrup if you prefer a slightly sweeter Aperol tequila cocktail.

Chill the glass. Before you start making the Aperol Margarita, chill your glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This helps keep your drink cold for longer and adds a frosty touch to your presentation. Serve with a large ice cube to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.

Serving Suggestions

This margarita with Aperol is versatile and can be served as a refreshing summer tequila cocktail or vibrant fall cocktail reminiscent of the orange foliage outside. A few of my favorite food pairings for this drink are:

• Stay with the Italian theme and serve with caprese skewers. Or, for a Mexican-inspired pairing, serve it with my elote pasta salad at a summer cookout.
• The beautiful orange color will look great with a Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
• In the summer, pair this drink with a refreshing salad.