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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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.
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