Aperol Margaritas combine the bitterness of Aperol with the salty sweet flavor of a traditional margarita to create a complex yummy cocktail.
If you love Aperol cocktails and are a fan of margaritas, this is a cocktail recipe for you! It combines the bitter flavor of Aperol with the sweet and saltiness of margaritas. It’s a flavorful and unique cocktail.
Serve this cocktail at a dinner party or as a poolside cocktail on a hot summer day!
Love margaritas? Give this Grapefruit Margarita a try! It’s citrusy and delicious.
What is an Aperol Margarita?
Traditional margaritas contain tequila, lime juice, and orange liquor. They are served over ice in a highball glass or cold in a stemmed margarita glass. Margaritas are excellent cocktails to experiment with different flavors. This margarita combines tequila with Aperol.
Aperol is an aperitif Italian liquor. Aperitives are dry and bitter liquors that are meant to stimulate the appetite. Aperol is made with rhubarb and other root plants, not oranges! The bittersweet flavor pairs well with sweet citrus like limes, lemons, and oranges. Which is why it works well in a margarita.
Aperol margaritas are simultaneously bitter, sweet, citrusy, and salty. It’s the perfect balance of flavors! And they make a truly unique cocktail.
Ingredients for an Aperol Margarita
- Tequila – Use a blanco tequila for this cocktail. A gold tequila will change the color of the drink. Blanco also has a better flavor for fruity margaritas.
- Triple Sec – This liquor enhances the citrus flavors of the margarita because it is made from oranges. Substitute triple sec for Cointreau or any other orange liquor.
- Aperol – A bittersweet liquor that is bright orange in color. It creates a more complex flavor in this margarita recipe.
- Lime Juice – This citrus flavor is key for any margarita. It gives the cocktail its signature flavor, which should still be present under any additional flavors. Fresh lime juice is best.
How to Make an Aperol Margarita
These delicious margaritas are vibrant orange and look more complicated than they actually are! All you need are four ingredients and a cocktail shaker!
First, combine the Aperol, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
Then, add a handful of ice to the shaker. Then firmly place the lid on the cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds to combine the cocktail ingredients and chill them.
Strain the margarita into a cocktail glass with a salted rim. Garnish with a slice of orange or a lime wedge. Or add orange zest to the salt for a more colorful rim!
What Type of Glass Do I Use?
- Margarita glass – Margarita glasses are an obvious choice for margaritas. They have a stem and a wide mouth. A wide-mouth glass allows the alcohol to “breathe” or disperse more evenly. Hold a margarita glass by the stem so the cocktail doesn’t warm from your hands. Usually, a frozen margarita is served in this type of glass.
- Short tumbler – Not everyone has a set of margarita glasses at home. So a short tumbler is also perfect for a margarita. With this glass, add ice to keep your cocktail cold. Also, the ice dilutes the cocktail a bit. That’s perfect if you don’t like your margaritas as strong. Personally, I prefer margaritas over ice with a straw!
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How to Salt Rim a Glass
Many margaritas have a salted rim. This is incredibly easy to do and adds a special touch to the cocktail glass.
First, take a lime wedge and run it along the rim of the glass. This creates a wet and sticky surface for the salt to stick to.
Next, flip the glass upside down and place it in a shallow bowl of coarse salt. Coarse salt is bigger salt flakes that are more visible. It also has a better flavor. If you make a lot of margaritas, consider buying a salt rimmer.* (Affiliate link)
For this cocktail, add a little orange zest to the salt before dipping your glass! It adds a pop of color and the scent of oranges.
Can I Make This Margarita in Advance?
Yes! Margaritas are great for making ahead of time! Combine all of the ingredients, without ice, and store in an airtight jar or glass bottle until it is time to serve.
You may store this cocktail in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, the flavor profile may change a bit the longer you store it!
Make Aperol Margaritas in Bulk!
Since this delicious cocktail stores so well, it’s also great for making in bulk. Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you wish to serve. Then mix all of the ingredients, without ice, in a large pitcher. Store the pitcher in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve!
More Cocktails to Try!
Aperol Margarita
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1 oz Aperol
- 2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 3/4 oz lime juice
Instructions
- Combine Aperol, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
- Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Firmly place the lid on the cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds to combine the cocktail ingredients and chill them.
- Strain the margarita into a cocktail glass with a salted rim.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a lime wedge.
