Easy Aperol Margarita Recipe – A Refreshing Tequila Cocktail
This Aperol Margarita recipe is a super simple tequila cocktail that’s perfect year-round. It’s one of my favorite drinks and combines the flavor of a classic Aperol spritz with a traditional margarita. You can also make a large batch of this Aperol Margarita, perfect for a party or Cinco de Mayo! If you’re looking for more craveable cocktails, check out my other drink recipes.
Although this is a margarita, it’s serving up some serious Italian summer vibes! I picture myself enjoying this Aperol cocktail with Pasta with Mussels in White Wine Garlic Sauce, Bruschetta with Pesto, and warm Focaccia.
Ingredients
- Aperol – A splash of Italian Aperol brings a bittersweet twist, adding a unique kick to your margarita. This orange liquor is the star of the drink.
- Orange juice – Fresh orange juice adds a sweet and citrusy punch, balancing the bitterness of Aperol.
- Fresh lime juice – Squeezed lime juice provides a zesty kick, cutting through sweetness for a refreshing taste.
- Tequila – Quality tequila forms the base of your drink, ensuring a smooth and robust base. I prefer to use tequila blanco for this recipe.
- Lime zest – Lime zest adds a fun burst of green to the rim, with the sweet scent of lime.
- Orange zest – A hint of orange zest adds a subtle yet distinctive aroma, enhancing the overall citrus vibe.
- Salt – A salted rim brings a classic touch, contrasting the sweet and sour notes with a savory contrast.
- Ice – Crisp ice cools down your margarita, turning it into a refreshing, chilled cocktail.
- Garnish – Feel free to serve with an orange wedge or lime wedge!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix some salt with lime zest and orange zest in a dish.
Step 2: Then, wet the rim of your glass with a lime or orange wedge.
Step 3: Dip the rim into the zesty salt mixture spread on a plate.
Step 4: Next, Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Pour 1 oz Aperol, 2 oz Tequila Blanco, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and 1 oz fresh lime juice into the shaker.
Step 5: Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
Step 6: Fill your prepared glass with ice and an orange slice (optional).
Step 7: Then, pour the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
Step 8: Garnish the rim with lime or orange wedges. Enjoy your Aperol Margarita. Cheers!
Tips and Notes
- Fresh citrus is best – Always use freshly squeezed lime and orange juice for the best and brightest flavors.
- Quality tequila matters – Choose a good-quality Tequila Blanco to ensure a smooth and enjoyable base for your cocktail.
- Serve over ice – The cocktail is best enjoyed over a generous amount of ice for that refreshing chill factor.
- Batch for parties – This recipe can be easily scaled up to make a batch for parties. Just multiply the quantities based on the number of servings needed.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @alliehagerty on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!
Aperol Margarita
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 oz Aperol
- 2 oz Tequila Blanco
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Salt
- Lime zest
- Orange zest
- Lime wedge
- Orange wedge
Instructions
- Mix some salt with lime zest and orange zest in a dish.
- Then, wet the rim of your glass with a lime or orange wedge.
- Dip the rim into the zesty salt mixture spread on a plate.
- Next, Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Pour 1 oz Aperol, 2 oz Tequila Blanco, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and 1 oz fresh lime juice into the shaker.
- Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Fill your prepared glass with ice and an orange slice (optional).
- Then, pour the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Garnish the rim with lime or orange wedges. Enjoy your Aperol Margarita. Cheers!
This recipe is my new favorite margarita to make! Simple ingredients and the perfect sized cocktail!
I made this over the weekend and I’m actually obsessed!
Loved these!
These are even better than a typical aperol spritz! So fun and easy to make!
I’m not usually a margarita person but these have become a personal favorite and frequently requested when we host friends.
This was a huge hit with our friends last weekend!