Meatless Monday Challenge
Marley's Menu Logo

Vibrant Aperol Margarita

on July 1, 2021
last updated April 12, 2023
Jump to Recipe
5 from 1 vote
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This fresh new take on a classic margarita uses fresh lime and an Italian bitters apértif to give you a crisp, vibrant, Aperol Margarita.
Two Ice Cold Aperol Margaritas

Looking for an exciting new way to sip your tequila? This Aperol Margarita takes a delicious classic and puts a twist on it to bring you a brand new way to kick back and relax.

The use of Aperol here gives you the classic margarita taste and then some, with its slightly bitter aftertaste and a strong punch of citrus. It will easily become your new favorite unique margarita recipe.

Close Up of Salt Rimmed Glass With Ice and Red Cocktail Garnished With Lime

So What Is Aperol Anyway?

Aperol is a classic Italian bitters apértif known for its citrusy notes of orange and iconic bright red hue. As its description as an apértif suggests, it was originally intended as a before-dinner drink.

Green tip: Consider buying your liquor in glass bottles to reduce your contribution to plastic waste.

Aperol Margarita Tips and Tricks


Gather Your Ingredients First

There are only a few, which means we lean on the flavor of each to really make this cocktail come together. I highly recommend using fresh lime for your lime juice. One large lime should get you all the juice you need.

Here’s everything else you’ll need:

  • Aperol. The source of your gorgeous vibrant color and complex flavor.
  • Tequila. What’s a margarita without it?
  • Agave. For sweetness.
  • Lime. For citrus.
  • Ice. For cooling.
tequila, agave nectar, lime, ice, aperol

Garnishing Your Rim

This part is optional, but if you want the ultimate margarita experience, it’s highly recommended! It’s simple to do. Just wet the rim of your glass with a wedge of lime and then dip it into salt.

You can put the salt on a plate, in a shallow bowl, or easiest of all—use a cocktail rimmer. I love using pink Himalayan salt here—it provides such a great contrast to the otherwise sweet margarita.

Tested Substitutions

This recipe calls for 2 ounces of tequila blanco. It’s my preference just because it tends to be a tad more citrus-y, which plays well with the fresh lime. That being said, if you prefer reposado, that absolutely plays well with these ingredients, too!

I love using agave in margaritas because it is such a great tequila accompaniment! However, you can use any sweetener in place of it here. Use simple syrup, honey, or even molasses in the same amount in its place.

Moody Picture of Two Bright Red Margaritas

Aperol Margarita Frequently Asked Questions


Can I use Aperol in a margarita?

Adding Aperol to a margarita gives it robust flavor and vibrant color, merging two of my favorite cocktails—an Aperol Spritz and a Margarita!

Can you use Aperol instead of Triple Sec?

Replacing triple sec with Aperol in a margarita is a fun way to level up the classic!

Want to sharpen your kitchen skills?

Download My Free eBook!

Why You Should Make This Aperol Margarita


  • That color! Just look at that vibrant red.
  • It’s refreshing. Thanks to the fresh lime juice.
  • It’s unique! We all love a classic margarita, but it’s fun to change it up every now and then!

If you’re loving this Aperol Margarita and are looking for more margaritas, check this list of Best Margaritas. And if you’re here for the Aperol, check out this list of Aperol Cocktails You Need to Try.

Two Ice Cold Aperol Margaritas

Vibrant Aperol Margarita

5 from 1 vote
Marley Goldin
PRINT PIN RATE
This fresh new take on a classic margarita uses fresh lime and an Italian bitters apértif to give you a crisp, vibrant, Aperol Margarita.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces tequila blanco
  • 2 ounces Aperol
  • ¼ cup ice
  • 1 ounce lime juice (1 oz usually = juice of 1 lime)
  • ½ ounce agave nectar
  • 1 lime wedge for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Add tequila, Aperol, and lime juice to a glass with ice.
  • Add agave nectar last and stir well. Serve cold and garnish with a lime wedge.

Pro Tips

  • You can use any sweetener in place of agave in an equal amount.
  • Use a fresh lime if you can.
  • You can substitute tequila reposado for blanco if that is your preference.
  • 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons
  • I love Aperol—so much so that I have a whole collection of my best Aperol cocktail recipes!
Course Cocktails
Cuisine Italian
Diet Vegan
Keyword 30 Minutes or Less, Aperol, Aperol Margarita, Easy, Happy Hour, Quick, Tequila, Vegan Cocktail
Did you make this recipe?Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @marleysmenu on Instagram.

GET OUR FRESHEST RECIPES STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!

You'll Also Love

Comment on & Rate this Recipe

I very much hope you enjoyed this recipe!

If you did, please give it a star rating, which will help other people just like you find and enjoy the recipe too 😊

If you have any comments, questions or thoughts on the recipe, be sure to let me know in the comments as well. I read each and every one and would love to hear from you!

Leave a Comment

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

Recipe Rating