Home ยป Recipes

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. ย 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.

An orange-colored margarita with a lime garnish on a gold coaster with a salt, lime zest, and orange zest rim.

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 breezeโ€”no need for rare or complicated ingredients โ€“ 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

Ingredients for aperol margaritas on a wooden board: lime and orange wedges, lime and orange zest, tequila blanco, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, aperol, salt, ice.

  • 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

A mixture of salt, lime zest, and orange zest on a white plate.

Step 1: Mix some salt with lime zest and orange zest in a dish.

A hand holding a short cocktail glass and another hand with an orange wedge wetting the rim.

Step 2: Then, wet the rim of your glass with a lime or orange wedge.

A short cocktail glass upside down on a white plate with salt, lime zest, and orange zest.

Step 3: Dip the rim into the zesty salt mixture spread on a plate.

Pouring Aperol into a silver cocktail shaker.

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.

Silver cocktail shaker being shaken

Step 5: Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.

A short cocktail glass with ice and an orange wedge in the glass with a salt, lime zest, and orange xest rim, on a gold coaster.

Step 6: Fill your prepared glass with ice and an orange slice (optional).

An orange-colored margarita with a lime garnish on a gold coaster with a salt, lime zest, and orange zest rim. A cocktail shaker pouring the drink.

Step 7: Then, pour the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.

An orange-colored margarita with a lime garnish on a gold coaster with a salt, lime zest, and orange zest rim.

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

Absolutely! While Tequila Blanco is recommended for its smoothness, feel free to experiment with reposado or aรฑejo for added depth of flavor.

Yes, you can prepare a larger batch in advance, but waiting until just before serving to add ice to maintain freshness and chill is recommended.

While fresh-squeezed is preferred, you can use pre-packaged juices if needed. Just be aware that the flavor may differ slightly.

While a shaker is recommended for optimal mixing, you can stir the ingredients in a glass with ice if a shaker is unavailable.

An orange-colored margarita with a lime garnish on a gold coaster with a salt, lime zest, and orange zest rim.

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 โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ review below!

An orange-colored margarita with a lime garnish on a gold coaster with a salt, lime zest, and orange zest rim.

Aperol Margarita

Allie Hagerty
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!
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 1 drink
Calories 216 kcal

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.ย Enjoy your Aperol Margarita. Cheers!

Notes

Always use freshly squeezed lime and orange juice for the best and brightest flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 71IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword aperol, citrus, Margarita
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Iโ€™m not usually a margarita person but these have become a personal favorite and frequently requested when we host friends.

5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating