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Why I Love This Cocktail Recipe
If you love a classic margarita, like I do, but want something just a little more unexpected, this Aperol margarita is the perfect drink to make. I first made this cocktail during the heat of summer when I wanted something with just a bit of bitterness to balance out the tart citrus flavors I already love in a margarita.
The result is a perfect summer-feeling drink that’s just the right mix of everything you want during the season.
Why this recipe is so good:
- Fresh and bright – Lime and orange juice give this drink a crisp, citrusy base.
- Aperol adds a twist – Slightly bitter and unique, it mixes beautifully with tequila.
- Perfect for summer – Great to serve as a refreshing drink on a hot summer evening when you’re having a party.
- Simple ingredients – Just 4 main ingredients are needed for a special cocktail that feels elevated.
Aperol Margarita Ingredients
There are just 4 main ingredients needed to make this margarita!
- Tequila blanco – The classic base alcohol for margaritas, it gives structure and warmth. I always prefer Lalo tequila when it comes to my margarita recipes.
- Aperol – Adds a bittersweet punch and a stunning coral hue. If Aperol is your thing, then you have to make my recipe for an Aperol spritz.
- Lime juice – Brightens everything with some tart, citrus-forward flavor.
- Orange juice – Softens the punchiness of the lime and echoes the Aperol’s orange notes.
- Optional add-ins – You’ll need ice to chill down the drink, flaky salt for the rim (a must in my book if we’re being honest), and an orange slice for garnish.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make an Aperol Margarita
There are only two steps necessary to make this margarita, which makes two cocktails:
Step 1: Prepare the cocktail – Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, Aperol, lime juice, and orange juice. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted.
Step 2: Serve – If you want a salt rim on your glass, rub an orange slice (or water) around the edge, then dip it in flaky salt to coat. Fill a glass with ice and strain the mixture. Garnish the drink with an orange slice.
Follow These Tips
Serving
Serve immediately over fresh ice in a salt-rimmed glass and with an orange slice/wedge. If you want your drink to stay colder even longer, you can chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes.
This drink pairs perfectly with salty snacks like chips and guacamole, or alongside grilled summer dishes.
Storage
This cocktail recipe should be made right before serving to ensure the best flavor that isn’t watered down.
If you want to make a batch, you multiply the recipe and mix it in a large pitcher, but forgo adding the ice until ready to serve. Each individual glass should contain ice rather than the pitcher, to avoid any dilution.
More Drink Recipes
- Aperol spritz – another classic Aperol drink for those who love this aperitif.
- Classic margarita – if you’re only going to make one margarita, start with this one!
- Hugo spritz – similar to its Aperol cousin, this one has elderflower liqueur.
- Italian margarita – a spin on the traditional with some Disarrono!
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
Aperol Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 oz orange juice
- ice
For the rim (optional)
- flaky salt
- orange slice
Instructions
- Prepare the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, Aperol, lime juice, and orange juice. Shake for about 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.2 oz tequila blanco, 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz lime juice, ice, 2 oz orange juice
- Serve: If you'd like a salted rim, rub the edge of a glass with an orange wedge (or a bit of water), then dip it into flaky salt. Fill a glass with ice, strain the drink into the glass, and garnish with an orange slice.orange slice, flaky salt
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Dera Burreson
