The Best Aperol Margarita Cocktail Recipe! A unique twist on a classic margarita, blending the light bitterness of Aperol with a touch of tequila for a balanced flavor. This Aperol Margarita recipe has the mildly sweet notes of an Aperol Spritz, using simple ingredients you probably have in your home bar already — a must-try for cocktail recipes lovers!
A bottle of Aperol isn’t just for spritzes — it’s the secret to this refreshing blend of Aperol Spritz and Traditional Margarita Vibes. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any happy hour at your home bar, it balances the mild sweetness of the Aperol with classic Margarita flavors. My Passion Fruit Margarita Cocktail recipe is a favorite. And I hope this original version of an Aperol Margarita earns a top spot, too!
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🍽 Equipment
To make this Aperol Margarita, you’ll need a few essential tools to mix and serve it just right. A cocktail shaker or a mason jar and a cocktail glass. With these simple tools, you’ll be ready to shake up one of our favorite drinks in no time!
📝Ingredients and Substitutions
The best Aperol Margarita cocktail recipe combines a handful of simple ingredients that balance citrus, sweetness, bitterness, and a smooth tequila finish. Here's what you'll need, plus a few easy swaps.
See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities
📝Ingredients Notes
This Aperol Margarita Cocktail Recipe combines the bold flavors of a traditional margarita with an aperol twist!
- Blanco Tequila – tequila blanco keeps it crisp, but reposado adds a hint of oak. Nonetheless, the best is actually your favorite tequila!
- Aperol – the light bitterness of aperol balances the citrus and sweetness, making this margarita unique.
- Triple Sec or your favorite orange liqueur – works to enhance the citrus notes. If you prefer something a little smoother, try grand marnier (my favorite!).
- Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup – a touch of simple syrup adds just enough sweetness.
- Fresh Lime Juice and Fresh Orange Juice – freshly squeezed juices bring out the best flavors. The orange juice adds a bright citrus kick that pairs perfectly with the aperol.
- Orange Zest, Lime Zest, Salt, and optional Tajín – a zesty and slightly spicy rim for extra depth.
- Lime Wheel, Lime Slice, Orange Slice, or Lime Wedge are classic margarita garnishes that enhance the look and flavor.
With these ingredients, you get the best of both worlds — citrus flavors from a traditional margarita paired with aperol's slightly bitter and refreshing twist. ENJOY!
🥣Aperol Margarita Step-by-Step Instructions
This Aperol Margarita Recipe is quick to make! Follow these simple steps to shake up a refreshing cocktail with a smooth citrus balance and a hint of bitterness.
- Prepare the rim – Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into a mix of salt, lime zest, and orange zest for a flavorful salted rim.
- This enhances every sip!
- Fill a shaker – Add fresh ice, tequila, aperol, triple sec, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker or mason jar.
- Shake Well – Secure the lid and shake for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
- Prepare the glass – Add a large ice cube or fresh ice to your prepared glass. Strain the shaken margarita into the glass over the ice.
- Garnish – Finish with a lime wheel, lime slice, or orange slice for a fresh, citrusy touch.
Sip and savor the perfect blend of bitter, sweet, and tart flavors!
I love this cocktail blend with the light bitterness and mild sweetness of the aperol, punchy citrus, and smooth tequila!
This Aperol Margarita is my new drink that combines the bold flavors of a classic margarita with a refreshing twist. If you love easy recipes that use simple ingredients from your home bar, this cocktail is a must-try.
Shake one up and enjoy a perfectly balanced sip anytime! And, SALUD!
🍹Other Refreshing Margarita Recipes!
If you enjoyed this Aperol Margarita Recipe, try one of these other refreshing margaritas for more creative twists on a classic cocktail. Whether you’re in the mood for tropical, spiced, or seasonal flavors, these margarita recipes are a must-try for any drink recipes collection!
- Skinny Passion Fruit Margarita – A light and tangy tropical margarita with fresh passion fruit and a hint of citrus.
- Pumpkin Spice Margarita – The perfect blend of warm fall spices and smooth tequila for a seasonal twist.
- Perfect Apple Cider Fall Margarita – A cozy mix of apple cider, tequila, and autumn-inspired flavors.
These recipes offer something for every occasion, from summer sipping to festive fall gatherings!
🧑🍳Recipe Variations
Looking to switch up your aperol margarita? Try these fun variations to add a new twist to this cocktail!
- Aperol Grapefruit Margarita — Swap the orange juice for fresh grapefruit juice for a tangy, slightly bitter take on the classic. This version pairs perfectly with a salted rim or a splash of sparkling water for extra refreshment.
- Strawberry Aperol Margarita – Blend muddled fresh strawberries into the mix for a fruity and slightly sweeter variation. A cinnamon stick garnish adds a subtle warmth that complements the citrus flavors.
- Aperol Coconut Margarita — For a tropical twist, replace the agave nectar with coconut syrup and add a splash of coconut water. This version is smooth, slightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing.
- Spicy Kick Margarita – Add sliced jalapeños before mixing for a bold twist. A cinnamon stick pairs surprisingly well with the spice, adding a warm depth to the cocktail.
Each variation brings a new layer of flavor, making it easy to customize this margarita to your taste!
🍲Storage Tips
Pre-mixing: You can mix the aperol, tequila blanco, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and fresh orange juice ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You could also make a large batch for gatherings. Mix or shake well before serving.
Agave Syrup & Rim Mixture: If you’re making a salt, lime zest, and orange zest mixture for the rim, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Ice Matters: Always shake and serve over fresh ice — never store a mixed margarita with ice, as it will dilute the drink.
There you have it! The best cocktail fusion in the world!
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🍽️Related Recipes
Looking for other drink recipes like this? Try some of my favorites.
🍴Pairing Suggestions
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📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️
The Best Aperol Margarita Cocktail Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 margarita 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Aperol Margarita Cocktail Recipe is a refreshing twist on a classic margarita, blending the bitterness of Aperol with fresh citrus and smooth tequila blanco. Lightly sweet with a touch of simple syrup, this cocktail is easy to make with ingredients you likely have in your home bar. Perfect for warm days, happy hour, or Cinco de Mayo, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds — Aperol Spritz and traditional margarita flavors in one glass!
Equipment you'll need: To make this Aperol Margarita, you’ll need a cocktail shaker or a mason jar and a cocktail glass.
Ingredients
Margarita Ingredients
- 2 ounces of Tequila Blanco (see notes)
- 1 ounce of Aperol
- 1/2 ounce of Triple Sec or your favorite Orange Liqueur
- 1/2 ounce of Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup
- 1 ounce of Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 ounce of Fresh Orange Juice.
Ingredients for the Rim
- Lime Wedge
- Orange Zest
- Lime Zest
- Salt
- Tajín (optional)
Garnish
- Lime Wheel or Orange slices.
Instructions
This Aperol Margarita Recipe is quick to make! Follow these simple steps to shake up a refreshing cocktail with a smooth citrus balance and a hint of bitterness.
- Prepare the rim – Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into a mix of salt, lime zest, and orange zest for a flavorful salted rim.
- Fill a shaker – Add fresh ice, tequila, aperol, triple sec, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker or mason jar.
- Shake Well – Secure the lid and shake for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
- Prepare the glass – Add a large ice cube or fresh ice to your prepared glass. Strain the shaken margarita into the glass over the ice.
- Garnish – Finish with a lime wheel, lime slice, or orange slice for a fresh, citrusy touch.
Sip and savor the perfect blend of bitter, sweet, and tart flavors!
Notes
-- Tequila blanco keeps it crisp, but reposado adds a hint of oak. Nonetheless, the best is actually your favorite tequila!
-- Aperol Grapefruit Margarita — Swap the orange juice for fresh grapefruit juice.
-- Strawberry Aperol Margarita – Blend muddled fresh strawberries into the mix for a fruity and slightly sweeter variation.
-- Aperol Coconut Margarita — Replace the agave nectar with coconut syrup and add a splash of coconut water.
-- Spicy Kick Margarita – Add sliced jalapeños before mixing for a bold twist. A cinnamon stick pairs surprisingly well with the spice.
Other Refreshing Margarita Recipes!
- Skinny Passion Fruit Margarita – A light and tangy tropical margarita with fresh passion fruit and a hint of citrus.
- Pumpkin Spice Margarita – The perfect blend of warm fall spices and smooth tequila for a seasonal twist.
- Perfect Apple Cider Fall Margarita – A cozy mix of apple cider, tequila, and autumn-inspired flavors.
Marie-Pierre Breton says
I love this! And the tiny tajin touch, too! I fear this will be in my hands most of the summer!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Haha, I love that! A Tajín-rimmed Margarita is definitely a summer vibe! 🌞🍹🔥
Nicole says
This is one of the best margaritas I've ever had. It has such a unique flavor.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
That means so much — 💖 thank you! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the unique flavor twist! 🍹
Claudia says
I tried this Aperol Margarita, and it's amazing! The perfect balance of flavors – refreshing and just the right amount of kick. Definitely making this again!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
So glad you loved it! That refreshing kick really makes it a standout! 🔥
Liz says
SO delicious....and the color is beautiful, too! I am going to make a batch again the next time I host my book club.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
That sounds perfect — this cocktail is totally book club-worthy! 🙌
Elizabeth says
Such a beautiful, delicious and refreshing cocktail. We loved it and can't wait to make another batch!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
So happy to hear you loved it! Hope your next batch is just as refreshing and delicious. 🙂
Nicole Kendrick says
This cocktail looks amazing! I've never had a margarita like this before, but I know all the ingredients. I can almost taste it! And I will taste it tonight!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Love that enthusiasm — hope it tastes just as amazing as you imagined! Cheers! 🍹
Nora says
I tried your Aperol Margarita, and it was fantastic! The bright citrus and bittersweet Aperol paired beautifully with the smooth tequila blanco—such a refreshing twist. It's like sipping sunshine; I'll definitely be making this again for happy hour!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thank you so much! I love how you described it - "sipping sunshine" is exactly the vibe I was going for. ☀️🍹
Claudia says
This Aperol Margarita is a fun twist on the classic, with a perfect balance of citrus and bitterness. So refreshing and easy to make!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the twist — refreshing and easy is always the goal!
Genevieve says
This cocktail is light and refreshing and perfect for Spring!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Couldn't agree more!
Tisha says
Pour me another! I am obsessed with how good the cocktail is!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Me too! 🙌🍹
Nora says
I tried this Aperol Margarita, and it’s the perfect balance of bitter, citrusy, and smooth! The Aperol adds a lovely twist to the classic margarita, making it so refreshing and unique. Definitely a new favorite for happy hour!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Yay! Thanks for the great review. I am so glad you found it unique with the light bitterness, citrus and smooth taste. 🙂
Nora says
This Aperol Margarita is an absolute game-changer! The perfect blend of bitter, citrusy, and smooth, it brings together the best of an Aperol Spritz and a classic margarita. So refreshing and easy to make—this one’s going straight into my happy hour rotation!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
I’m so happy to hear that — Love that it’s earned a spot in your happy hour rotation! 🍹
Nicole Kendrick says
I'm in love with this margarita! I've never had one quite like it before.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
What a compliment! Thank you. 🙂 I totally agree with you.
Liz says
A beautiful, delicious cocktail. I'll be serving this to my book club next month. I know they'll love it as much as I did!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
That's great! Thanks, Liz. Let me know how it went. 🙂
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings says
Omg this is a DELIGHT, can't wait to make these again as it gets warmer out!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
So glad you loved it! This Margarita is perfect for sunny days — well, any day! 😉