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.
I love whipping up this Aperol Margarita at my home bar. It includes some of my favorite things: tequila and Aperol. Plus, I love anything that involves fresh citrus juice! I tend to have citrus on hand and I always have a bottle of Aperol so, that means I don’t need to take a trip to the liquor store to make this refreshing cocktail!
The best part about this drink is that it’s low-sugar compared to some other cocktail recipes. If you have any questions about this recipe, scroll down past my recipe card and leave a comment. I’ll answer quickly!
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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s unique – I’ve added a unique twist to the classic margarita by infusing it with the unique and delightful flavors of Aperol. Trust me, this unexpected pairing creates a taste experience you won’t find in your average cocktail.
- It’s easy to make – I know life can get busy, so I’ve ensured that whipping up this Aperol Margarita is a breeze—no need for rare or complicated ingredients – just simple steps to cocktail perfection.
- Summer in a glass – Imagine sipping on a drink that’s delicious and incredibly refreshing. This Aperol Margarita is like a mini-vacation in a glass, especially ideal for those warm, sunny days when you need a cool pick-me-up. It’s also the perfect cocktail to lift you out of your winter slump!
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!
Substitutions
- Mezcal – Use mezcal for a smokier flavor or a good-quality silver rum for a unique twist.
- Grapefruit juice – No orange juice? This margarita recipe would be delicious with grapefruit as well!
- Skip the rim – Not a fan of salt? No need to salt the rim of your glass! This is totally a personal preference.
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.
Recipe FAQs
Serving Suggestions
- Tapas pairing – Pair the Aperol Margaritas with a selection of tapas such as guacamole, ceviche, or mini tacos for a delightful and festive spread.
- Chilled appetizers – Serve alongside chilled appetizers like shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon bites, or cucumber slices with tzatziki.
- Mexican street corn (elote) – Accompany the Aperol Margaritas with Mexican street corn, grilled and slathered with creamy chili-lime mayo and cotija cheese.
- Summer salad – Serve a refreshing summer salad with ingredients like watermelon, feta, mint, and arugula to complement the citrusy notes of the cocktail.
- Outdoor setting – Enjoy your Aperol Margaritas in an outdoor setting, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, picnic, or beach gathering, for a laid-back and enjoyable atmosphere.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted 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.