Aperol Margarita
I happen to love Aperol, which is interesting cause I’m not really one for bitter botanical flavors. I write more about what Aperol actually is in this post here, where I provide an Aperol Spritz recipe, as well as my copycat Aperol Gin Spritz.
If you haven’t ever tried Aperol, think of the most perfect and refreshing drink you could possibly have while vacationing in Capri or Portofino. Not that I’ve been to either spot, but yes, it’s an Italian liqueur with a gorgeous orange color.
Today I’m fusing Italy and Mexico by turning Aperol into a margarita! I got the idea from the Delish.com website. And like a regular margarita, it’s only 3 ingredients.
Aperol Margarita
Makes 2, slightly adapted
For the rim:
Zest from 1/2 orange
1 tablespoon coarse salt
2 teaspoons sugar
For the cocktail:
1/2 orange, cut into wedges
3.5 ounces tequila of choice
1.5 ounces Aperol
1.5 ounces lime juice
Zest half the orange onto a cutting board. Using a knife, chop finely. Let dry for about 30 minutes. Place the salt and sugar on a small plate, and sprinkle on the slightly dried orange zest. Don’t hesitate on the sugar; this drink is not sweet.
If desired, place the margarita glasses in the freezer until ready to serve.
Combine tequila, Aperol and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and shake vigorously.
Rub the glass rims with a wedge of orange until coated. Dip the rim into the mixture until the edges are lightly coated.
Strain the cocktail into the margarita glass filled with ice.
Garnish with an orange wedge to serve.
Aperol Margarita
Makes 2, slightly adapted
For the rim:
Zest from 1/2 orange
1 tablespoon coarse salt
2 teaspoons sugar
For the cocktail:
1/2 orange, cut into wedges
3.5 ounces tequila of choice
1.5 ounces Aperol
1.5 ounces lime juice
Zest half the orange onto a cutting board. Using a knife, chop finely. Let dry for about 30 minutes.
Place the salt and sugar on a small plate, and sprinkle on the slightly dried orange zest. Don’t hesitate on the sugar; this drink is not sweet.
If desired, place the margarita glasses in the freezer until ready to serve.
Combine tequila, Aperol and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and shake vigorously.
Rub the glass rims with a wedge of orange until coated.
Dip the rim into the mixture until the edges are lightly coated.
Strain the cocktail into the margarita glass filled with ice.
Garnish with an orange wedge to serve.
About the Author: Chef Mimi
This is a cocktail I will make since I enjoy Aperol. Prost!
I like it with the fun rim, but it’s strong!
I love Aperol, and this looks as beautiful as it must taste. The rim is the best garnish ever.
It was very tasty, too!
I can’t wait to try this as,like you, I’m crazy for aperol.
I prefer a spritz over this cocktail, but that’s just me. I prefer less strong drinks!
Oh fun! I love happy hours!
Oh!!! You should really try a spritz.
I love a spritz — perfect any time of year. Never heard of this margarita version — but why not?
It’s something, but I do prefer a spritz, only because I prefer drinks that aren’t that strong!
In my drinking days I used to enjoy an aperol spritz! Too old and rusty these days to drink – hehehehe.
Rusty?!! Well okay.
The Aperol makes the margarita so pretty! And the orange-zested rim is perfection. Love this for outdoor summer entertaining. :-) ~Valentina
P.S. I love the look of the salad with shrimp and avocado at the top of your home page, but can’t find it on the site. Can you direct me?
This sounds perfect for summer!
Interesting. When I hear Aperol, I immediately think of the Aperol Spritz. I need to try this variation as it sounds like a great option for a hot summer day!
It’s a great option, and way more alcoholic!!
As we would say in Italy, è molto rinfrescante puoi essere una italiana onorario
Yes! Ditto! (I wish I knew some Italian.)
I’m not familiar with Aperol but obviously I should be! Such a pretty drink and good too I bet :)
It’s quite unique! And refreshing.
Try it in a spritz to get the real flavor. It’s quite tasty and refreshing!
We love Aperol Spritz so trying it as a margarita is a must try for this weekend. Looks so refreshing – perfect for summer sipping.
An aperol spritz is such a perfect drink! The margarita is a bit stronger…
I am so intrigued – my daughter introduced me to an Aperol Spritz not too long ago, and I loved it! So, this fusion of Aperol into a Margherita I cannot wait to try! –
There’s nothing quite as refreshing and tasty as an aperol spritz I think! The margarita is much stronger!
What a refreshing twist on a classic margarita! The fusion of Italian Aperol with Mexican tequila and lime juice sounds like the perfect marriage of flavors. I can almost taste the vibrant citrusy notes with a hint of bitterness from the Aperol.
It was a fun change from both an aperol spritz and a margarita!
Technically yes, but they’re still considered botanical liqueurs. I didn’t think the distinction was worth pointing out, but yes, you are right!
I’ve never tried Aperol. but happened to have a bottle wasting away in my cabinet, so I just mixed up this recipe this evening as I was curious.
Well, I’m truly a fan! I followed this recipe to a tee, and it was simply refreshing and wonderful! The bit of saltiness mixed with sugar and orange zest were the finishing touch to a very fine cocktail! I now know what to do with that bottle of Aperol! Thank you, Chef Mimi for a new avenue and lovely addition to my rotation!
You are welcome! Next try an Aperol spritz. You’ll love them!!!