Aperol Margarita

An Aperol margarita is the summer cocktail I keep coming back to. It takes everything you love about a classic margarita, tequila, citrus, a little salt, and adds Aperol's bittersweet orange kick. The result is something brighter, a little more complex, and honestly more interesting than a standard marg. If you're already an Aperol fan, this one's a no-brainer.

This post covers how to make an Aperol margarita at home with five simple ingredients: Aperol, blanco tequila, triple sec, fresh orange juice, and fresh lime juice. It's written for anyone who loves Aperol cocktails or is looking for a fresh twist on the classic margarita. You'll also find instructions for batching it for a party, easy garnish ideas, and answers to common questions about substitutions and flavor.

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You'll love this Aperol margarita

It comes together in five minutes. No special skills, no fancy equipment, just a shaker, some ice, and a good pour. The Aperol does most of the heavy lifting flavor-wise, adding a bittersweet citrus depth that makes this margarita taste like it took way more effort than it did.

It's also a great lower-ABV option. Aperol clocks in at 11% alcohol, much lower than triple sec, so swapping it in naturally lightens the drink. It's still a real cocktail, just a little easier to sip on a hot afternoon.

It can be made as a batched cocktail. ​Since there are no sparkling components to this margarita, it's super easy to make a batched version for your next happy hour or backyard party! 

Ingredients

Aperol is the star here. It has a bittersweet orange flavor with herby undertones, which is what makes this drink different from a regular margarita. There's really no substitute that replicates it, so I'd recommend keeping a bottle stocked on your bar cart year-round.

Blanco tequila is my pick for any margarita recipe. It's clean and crisp, which lets the Aperol shine. Reposado works too if that's what you have. It'll add a slightly warmer, oakier note.

Triple sec rounds out the orange flavor and adds the sweetness the cocktail needs. Cointreau and Grand Marnier are both great upgrades if you want to go fancier.

Fresh orange juice, and please don't skip this. You only need an ounce, which is about half an orange. The difference between fresh and bottled is noticeable in a drink this simple.

Fresh lime juice brings the tartness that makes it taste like a margarita. Half an ounce is all you need.

How to make an Aperol margarita

1. Add 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz Aperol, ½ oz triple sec, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and ½ oz fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
3. Strain into a margarita glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish and enjoy.

Substitutions and variations

Swap the OJ for grapefruit juice. Grapefruit and Aperol are a natural pairing. The bitterness plays really well together. It makes the drink a little more tart and a little less sweet, which I love.

Try mezcal instead of tequila. If you want a smokier cocktail, mezcal is a great swap. It adds a layer of complexity that works surprisingly well with Aperol.

Reposado tequila is a fine substitute for blanco if that's what you have. It'll make the drink a touch richer.

How to Batch Aperol Margaritas (Makes 10 Drinks)

This is my go-to move for summer entertaining. Mix everything ahead of time, keep it in the fridge, and just pour over ice when guests arrive.

• 2½ cups blanco tequila
• 1¼ cups Aperol
• 5 oz triple sec
• 1¼ cups fresh orange juice
• 5 oz fresh lime juice

Combine everything in a large pitcher and stir well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour about 4 oz per serving over ice and garnish.

Garnish ideas

• Orange wedge
• Orange wheel
• Lime wedge
• Orange twist

I usually go with an orange wheel. It looks great and takes about two seconds.

FAQs

What does an Aperol margarita taste like?

It's bittersweet, citrusy, and a little tart — like a classic margarita with more depth. The Aperol brings an orange flavor that's slightly more complex than triple sec alone, with a pleasant bitterness that keeps it from being too sweet.

Can you use Aperol instead of triple sec in a margarita?

You can, but the drink will taste different. Aperol is less sweet and lower in alcohol than triple sec, so the margarita will be lighter and more bitter. For this recipe, I use both Aperol as the main spirit element and triple sec for balance.

What's the difference between Aperol and Campari?

Both are Italian aperitifs, but they're not the same. Aperol is lighter, sweeter, and lower in alcohol (11% vs. Campari's 25%). Campari has a deeper bitterness and a stronger herbal punch. If you sub Campari here, expect a bolder, more bitter drink.

What tequila is best for an Aperol margarita?

Blanco tequila is the move. It's clean, and its agave-forward flavor doesn't compete with the Aperol. Reposado works if you prefer a slightly richer, more mellow cocktail. Skip añejo, it's too complex and will fight the Aperol.

Can you make Aperol margaritas ahead of time?

Yes, and it's actually great for parties. Mix everything except the ice, store in a sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge, and it'll keep for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before serving.

Is an Aperol margarita lower in alcohol?

It's lower than a traditional margarita. Aperol is only 11% ABV compared to triple sec, which is typically 30–40%. Using Aperol in place of (or alongside) triple sec brings the overall ABV of the cocktail down, making it a lighter option.

Want more Aperol cocktail recipes?

• Amalfi Spritz
• Aperol Negroni
• Peach Aperol Spritz

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