• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
  • Parties
  • Shop

Cupcakes and Cutlery logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Cocktails
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Cocktails
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Cocktails » Refreshing Aperol Margarita Recipe

    Published: Sep 16, 2022 · Updated: Sep 16, 2022 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Refreshing Aperol Margarita Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A stemless margarita glass on a table next to a bottle of Aperol with text that says "Aperol Margarita" on it.

    This Aperol Margarita recipe is the perfect cocktail to sip when you want to branch out from the standard Aperol Spritz. The color is vibrant and the taste is one you'll love and crave!

    An orange margarita in a glass next to a bottle of Aperol.

    I didn't start out as a fan of tequila cocktails, but over the years I've learned they are my favorite!

    I like to keep my home bar small and make sure I'm getting the most use out of each ingredient. I love that this easy recipe gives us another idea for how to use Aperol that isn't an Aperol Spritz.

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Top tip
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Related Recipes
    • Aperol Margarita Recipe

    Why This Recipe Works

    The bitter orange flavor of the Aperol (an Italian aperitif), pairs perfectly with tequila.

    If you're a fan of a classic Margarita cocktail, this one kicks it up in the flavor department and has the most brilliant orange color that looks fantastic in a glass.

    Aside from a cocktail shaker, you don't need any special tools to make this margarita with Aperol. It's perfect to serve to company because it's unique and seems more "craft" than it really is!

    These are perfect to serve any time of year! So grab that bottle of Aperol and shake one up!

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make a margarita with Aperol liqueur on a counter.

    To make this easy Aperol Tequila Margarita, you need a bottle of Aperol, Triple Sec and your favorite tequila.

    I picked up Trader Joe's Tequila to try last time I was at the store. I love to try new tequila. But this one is not my favorite. It is not a tequila I would want to sip on its own. And while I don't often sip tequila straight, you should choose one for your cocktails that you like the flavor of.

    I used Blanco tequila but you could also use a reposado if you prefer. Or even a Joven like I did in my Ginger Tequila Lemonade.

    I also used fresh orange juice and lime juice (lime not pictured) to brighten the flavor. Anytime I can add fresh ingredients to a drink recipe, I will. It makes all the difference.

    I also rimmed my cocktail with spiced sugar (not pictured) but you can use salt, Tajin or something else. Or skip it. Up to you.

    Scroll to the recipe card for full quantities (or you can always use the "jump to recipe" button under the title of my blog posts).

    Instructions

    Woman adding Aperol to a cocktail shaker.

    To the cocktail shaker, add the Aperol.

    Woman adding triple sec to a cocktail shaker.

    Add the Triple Sec.

    Woman adding tequila to a cocktail shaker.

    Add the tequila.

    Woman adding fresh orange juice to a cocktail shaker.
    Woman adding fresh lime to a cocktail shaker.

    Add the orange juice and lime juice.

    Woman shaking a cocktail in a cocktail shaker.

    Hint: Add the ice after all the ingredients right before shaking to cause the least amount of dilution.

    Straining an Aperol Tequila Margarita into a stemless margarita glass.

    NOTE: If you want to rim your glass, you would need to do it before you strain in the finished drink.

    Related: How to Rim a Glass

    Strain the Aperol Margarita over fresh ice in a margarita glass. These glasses shown are my FAVORITE (plus, I use them for other types of drinks too).

    With a rimmed glass, I don't usually add any other garnish. But if you don't rim the glass, a small wedge of orange or a lime wheel would be nice.

    Variations

    There are so many ways to customize a margarita and this Aperol Margarita is no different.

    • Spicy - muddle some serrano or jalapeno (like in my Serrano Margarita) in the bottle of the cocktail shaker then add the ingredients and make as noted above.
    • Deluxe - swap out the Triple Sec and use a nicer orange liqueur instead. Cointreau or Grand Marnier are great options.
    • Sweeter - Need it a little bit sweeter, use agave or simple syrup.
    • Mixed Fruit - Muddle in some blackberries to make a flavor mash-up. Just about any berry or citrus fruit would work.
    • Fall-ify - A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg will take that bitter orange flavor and make it feel fall-friendly. Like my Spiced Clementine Margarita, this one can be perfect for that transitional weather between summer and fall.

    Top tip

    If you are just starting out with making cocktails at home, you can shake the drink and take a straw full straight from the shaker before straining it into a glass.

    Just insert the straw into the liquid then put your finger over the top of it to cause suction, then put the drink side into your mouth before taking your finger off. That way, you can add more of this or that, if needed.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you put Aperol in a Margarita?

    You betcha! Aperol in a margarita is a delicious treat. The bitter orange flavor pairs perfectly with lime and tequila. It's a great variation to try if you're looking for another way to use that bottle of Aperol sitting in your cupboard.

    Can you use Aperol instead of Triple Sec?

    I think it could be interesting to use Aperol in place of Triple Sec in cocktail recipes. In this Aperol Margarita, though, I use both! Triple Sec is lightly sweet with an orange flavor. Aperol has a more bitter flavor that also has hints of barks and spices like you might find in bitters. In most cases, I think you could use either, for a slightly different flavor profile.

    Can I drink just Aperol?

    Yes! You can drink Aperol on its own. It's sweet enough that the bitter notes aren't too overpowering. But I like to drink Aperol and Soda to make it a little bit more refreshing!

    A bottle of Aperol on a small tray next to a cocktail glass with an Aperol Margarita.

    If you have a bottle of Aperol on your bar and you haven't made an Aperol Margarita yet, what are you waiting for?

    Pin to save this recipe for later!

    Make sure you don’t lose this recipe by saving it for later! Also, for more recipes make sure you’re following me on Pinterest, Instagram and like my page on Facebook. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and tag me in your pictures!

    Related Recipes

    • The Best Frozen Margarita
    • My "House" Skinny Margarita
    • Vodka Margarita
    • Pumpkin Spice Margarita
    • Basil Margarita
    An Aperol Margarita in a stemless margarita glass on a small tray next to a bottle of Aperol.

    Aperol Margarita Recipe

    This bitter orange twist on a classic margarita is one you'll love! Make an Aperol Margarita as soon now. With tequila and fresh lime and orange juices, this easy recipe comes together fast and is a great way to use that bottle of Aperol on your bar that isn't a spritz.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 6 minutes
    Total Time: 6 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 374kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Equipment

    • 1 cocktail shaker

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz Tequila
    • 1.5 oz Aperol
    • 1 oz Triple Sec
    • 1.5 oz orange juice, fresh squeezed
    • .75 oz lime juice, fresh squeezed

    Instructions

    • In a cocktail shaker add Aperol, Triple Sec, Tequila, orange and lime juices.
    • Add ice and shake well.
    • Strain into a cocktail glass with fresh ice.
    • Can garnish with a lime wheel or orange wedge or rim the glass with salt or spiced sugar.

    Notes

    If you are just starting out with mixed drinks you can always pour a small taste from the cocktail shaker after you've shaken it with ice to test the flavors. Then add anything you think you need to, to balance the flavors to your liking before straining into the glass. 
    Easy variations to the recipe:
    • Spicy - muddle some serrano or jalapeno (like in my Serrano Margarita) in the bottle of the cocktail shaker then add the ingredients and make as noted above.
    • Deluxe - swap out the Triple Sec and use a nicer orange liqueur instead. Cointreau or Grand Marnier are great options.
    • Sweeter - Need it a little bit sweeter, use agave or simple syrup.
    • Mixed Fruit - Muddle in some blackberries to make a flavor mash-up. Just about any berry or citrus fruit would work.
    • Fall-ify - A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg will take that bitter orange flavor and make it feel fall-friendly. Like my Spiced Clementine Margarita, this one can be perfect for that transitional weather between summer and fall.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drink | Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 96IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

    More Classic Cocktail Recipes

    • A woman with her hand on the stem of a spritz glass on a counter holding a Hugo Spritz.
      A Refreshing Hugo Spritz Recipe with St Germain
    • Woman arranging straws in a milk jug full of large batch white Russian, next to Kahlua and chocolate syrup.
      Large Batch White Russian Recipe
    • An Aperol summer cocktail in a glass on top of a white plate surrounded by fresh limes and topped with a lime slice.
      Tropical Spiced Rum Aperol Cocktail Recipe
    • A martini glass filled with a French gimlet cocktail.
      A Simple French Gimlet Recipe for Spring (St Germain Gin Gimlet)

    Click to share!

    • Share
    • Tweet

    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Welcome!
    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

    More about Sharon →

    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

    Winter Favorites

    • A microwave bread pudding in a white ramekin.
      Microwave Bread Pudding in a Mug Recipe
    • Woman holding a coupe glass with a Spiced Rum Daiquiri in it.
      Spiced Rum Daiquiri
    • Close up of a cocktail in a copper mug on a table.
      Fireball Mule Recipe To Try Right Now
    • Close up of dried beef cheese ball next to crackers
      Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe For Your Next Party

    Reader Favorites

    • Close up of frosting in a bowl.
      The Best Quick and Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe
    • Close up of a cupcakes infused with Fireball Whiskey and topped with red buttercream.
      Flavorful Fireball Cupcakes Recipe with Cinnamon Whisky
    • Close up of a cup holding coke with a lime garnish next to a bottle of Coke on the table.
      Stupid Easy Vodka and Coke Cocktail Idea
    • A dish of pasta with some text over it.
      50 Birthday Dinner Ideas {Delicious Recipes for Celebrating at Home}
    Text - Shop Now, Shop my Amazon! with food in serving dishes on a counter in a kitchen.

    Affiliate Link Disclosure

    Cupcakes and Cutlery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy.

    This site generates income via ads.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Policy
    • CCPA
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    © 2008-2022 CUPCAKES & CUTLERY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.