Aperol Margaritas

By Becky Hardin

Updated Jan 15, 2025

I love enjoying a refreshing and citrusy drink after a long busy day, and my Aperol Margaritas is one of them. With a vibrant mix of orange juice, grapefruit juice, Aperol, and tequila, this cocktail is a game changer. Made with a few simple ingredients, blended to chilled perfection it’s a perfect toast to those summer vibes.

frozen Aperol margarita in a glass with orange slice and mint garnishes - 5

These fun, colorful Aperol margaritas are a zippy twist on my classic Aperol spritz . Aperol adds a little something extra and the citrus pop comes from orange and grapefruit juices.

It’s like all ingredients come together in hormony to create a delightful symphony of flavors. Aperol takes a tequila cocktail to the next level!!

Aperol Spritz Margaritas

It is a citrus liqueur that is bright orange in color and bittersweet, an Italian apéritif that has notes of rhubarb and orange. It has a 11% alcohol by volume and often enjoyed as a pre-meal drink to enjoy. Aperol is the main ingredient in Aperol Spritz and it is a staple in Italian culture.

This blood orange margarita is citrusy, bitter, sweet, all at once. The tangy lime, smooth tequila and slightly bitter-sweet orange flavors from aperol all come together so perfectly.

These margaritas are refreshing summer cocktail for celebrations like Cinco de Mayo , BBQs, potlucks , parties, and more.

Ingredients for Frozen Aperol Margarita

Aperol: I love the vibrant orange color it brings to my drink with that bittersweet citrusy flavors.
Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is best. Instead of orange or grapefruit juices, use your favorites. Bottled juice works in a pinch.
Tequila: Choose the best quality of tequila as this is the foundation of the great frozen margarita. Use any that you love to enjoy. I use Blanco here.
Lime: I prefer to use fresh lime juice over bottled one. Fresh juice provides the correct tartness that is essential to balance the other flavors.

Variations And Substitutions

Aperol is the star ingredient of this margarita. Instead of Aperol, use an equal amount of Campari. Campari is a little more bitter than Aperol, so you may taste a difference. Triple sec is another great alternative that is a little sweeter side.
I am serving my this cocktail with lots of garnishing and so didn’t rim the glasses. But if not, dip the rim of each glass into Tajín seasoning for a little spicy kick. Here comes a Spicy Aperol Margarita!! You can also muddle some cut jalapenos for extra spiciness.
If you like a sweeter cocktail, add maple or agave syrup as per taste.
For smoky margaritas I would suggest to use high quality mezcal. Swap tequila with equal amount mezcal and make Aperol mezcal margarita.

No Blender? No Problem!

Instead of blending all of the ingredients together, divide the juice ice cubes between 2 glasses. Mix the remaining ingredients together and pour half into each glass on top of the cubes. They won’t be frozen margaritas, but will still be delicious.

Tips For Success

Use the fresh lime juice for the brightest flavors in the cocktail.
Don’t compromise on the good quality tequila. I use Blanco in my recipe, use the one you enjoy the most.
Try any variations and enjoy with simmer vibes.

How to Store

Opened bottle of Aperol stay fresh in refrigerator for 3-4 months.

When planning ahead I make the juice ice cubes up to a month in advance. Store ice cubes in zip lock bags in the freezer until ready to use.

You can whip up a big pitcher for the crowd by mixing every ingredient together quickly. Even double or triple the ingredients based on the number of servings.

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Serving Suggestions

So far I have been explaining all about this Italian-Mexican fusion cocktail, isn’t it the BEST idea to remain with the theme and serve some Italian appetizers, salads and main courses!!

Having said that Cheese Ravioli with Sausage , Tortellini Soup and Caprese Pasta Bake , are my favorites for a dreamy weeknight meal to pair with frozen margarita. Enjoy it with Italian Pasta Salad and Caprese Salad for light luncheon.

5-Star Review

“I made this last night and it was the moistest chicken we’ve ever had. A bit of crispy and the flavor was wonderful. I didn’t have buttermilk and did add lemon juice to 1% milk. I am making it again today. Thank you for this recipe.” – Dawn

Ingredients1x2x3x

For the Ice Cubes

▢ ¾ cup orange juice
▢ ¾ cup pink grapefruit juice

For the Margaritas

▢ 2 ounces Aperol
▢ 2 ounces tequila
▢ 1 ½ ounces orange juice
▢ 1 ounce pink grapefruit juice
▢ Juice of one lime
▢ Orange or grapefruit slices, mint, and squeeze of lime juice for garnish

Video

Instructions

Make the juice ice cubes. Fill half of an empty ice cube tray with orange juice and the other half with pink grapefruit juice. Freeze completely. ¾ cup orange juice, ¾ cup pink grapefruit juice
Once frozen, add the juice ice cubes and remaining ingredients to a blender. 2 ounces Aperol, 2 ounces tequila, 1 ½ ounces orange juice, 1 ounce pink grapefruit juice, Juice of one lime
Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve. Orange or grapefruit slices, mint, and squeeze of lime juice

Becky’s Tips

Instead of Aperol, use an equal amount of Campari. Campari is a little more bitter than Aperol, so you may taste a difference. Triple sec is another great alternative that is a little sweeter side.
Dip the rim of each glass into Tajín seasoning for a little spicy kick. Here comes a Spicy Aperol Margarita!! You can also muddle some cut jalapenos for extra spiciness.
If you like a sweeter cocktail, add maple or agave syrup as per taste.
Swap tequila with equal amount mezcal and make Aperol mezcal margarita.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

How to Make Aperol Margarita Step by Step

Freeze Juice Cubes: The first thing is to freeze the juices. Fill half of an empty ice cube tray with ¾ cup of orange juice and other half with the juice of ¾ cup of pink grapefruit juice. Freeze them completely.

Freezing the orange and grapefruit juices in ice cube tray - 8

Blend all Ingredients: Once juices ice cubes are frozen, add these juice cubes in a blender along with 2 ounces of Aperol, 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ½ ounces of orange juice, 1 ounce of pink grapefruit juice, and Juice of one lime.

all all ingredients of aperol in a high speed blender - 9

Blend until smooth.

Garnish & Serve: Pour into glasses and garnish with orange or grapefruit slices, mint, and squeeze of lime juice (optional).

What are you waiting for now? Go, Grab that Aperol bottle from the home bar and make these incredible Aperol Margaritas. You won’t be disappointed! Check out my other fantastic margarita recipes , too!

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