Name: Aperol Grapefruit Margarita
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ oz tequila; 1 oz Aperol; 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice; 1 oz Orange juice; ½ oz lime juice; ½ oz agave syrup (adjust to taste; 1 tsp tajin to rim; 1 slice of lime for garnish

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The Aperol Grapefruit Margarita is a vibrant twist on the classic recipe, combining the tangy, slightly bitter notes of Aperol and grapefruit.

aperol margarita recipe served into a margarita glasses

What is Aperol Grapefruit Margarita?

An Aperol Grapefruit Margarita is a refreshing cocktail that combines Aperol’s tangy, slightly bitter flavors, like fresh pink grapefruit juice, club soda or grapefruit soda, orange, and a touch of tajín. with the classic margarita ingredients: Tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. Aperol, a bittersweet Italian apéritif, adds a unique depth to the margarita, while the grapefruit brings brightness and subtle sweetness. Often sweetened with a touch of agave syrup and served over ice with a salted rim, with a garnish of lime slice or grapefruit slice, this cocktail offers a balanced blend of tart, sweet, and bitter flavors, making it perfect for warm weather or gatherings.

Ingredients For Aperol Grapefruit Margarita

To make this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Blanco Tequila: (or Reposado works well)

Triple sec: To lower the kick of the tequila and add more notes to the cocktail

Aperol: The bitter orange notes in Aperol add complexity to the margarita and pair beautifully with grapefruit.

Fresh Grapefruit juice: Adds brightness and tang to the cocktail.

Orange Juice: to enhance the citrus flavor of the grapefruit

Lime juice: Essential for that classic margarita tartness.

Agave syrup: (adjust to taste): Sweetens the drink just enough to balance the bitterness.

Tajín for rimming: Salt rimming is optional, but it enhances the drink’s flavors.

Garnish: Lime slice or grapefruit wedge adds a decorative touch and a bit of extra flavor.

(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

How to Make Aperol Grapefruit Margarita?

Making this recipe is very easy, you’ll have a delicious cocktail ready to enjoy.

Instructions:

1.- Rim the glass with tajin or salt (optional).

2.- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add Tequila, triple sec, agave syrup, and all the juices, then shake vigorously until combined for approx 10-12 sec.

3.- Pour the mixture into a glass previously rimmed, garnish with a slice of lime, serve, and ENJOY!

Guide to Tequilas for Aperol Grapefruit Margarita

Blanco

Blanco (Silver) can be bottled immediately or aged for up to two months and is the purest flavor of Tequila because it contains no added flavoring agents.

Tasting notes: Never barrel aged, the most authentic flavor of the agave plant, including some citrus, spicy notes with a slightly floral scent!

Joven

“Young” in Spanish, this type of Tequila is commonly referred to as gold. This Tequila derives its name from the golden color imparted upon the liquid from extracts added to change the flavor and hue of the Tequila beyond the blue agave plant.

Tasting notes: Citrusy, spicy, sweeter than Blanco

Reposado

In Spanish, reposado means “rested”. This Tequila is aged in a French or American oak barrel for 2 to 12 months, giving it time to turn a pale golden color, it is excellent for mixing!

Tasting notes: Bold Blanco taste with caramel and honey. Depending on how long it has been aged, some can pull in flavors such as vanilla, cinnamon, or dried chocolate.

Añejo

Añejo, meaning “aged,” spends one to three years in an oak barrel like the ones used for aging whiskey or wine. It gets smoother and darker.

Tasting notes: Smooth, removing the sharpness of a Blanco, and adding sugary and caramelized notes.

Extra Añejo

A somewhat new type of tequila that is barrel-aged for more than three years. The spirit becomes a dark amber color.

Most of these tequilas are Top Shelf, they are great for sipping!

Tasting notes: Rich with nuts, caramel, fruit, and spice, like Bourbon or a Cognac.

Variation of Aperol Grapefruit Margarita

Here are some delightful variations of this delicious recipe!

More recipes you might love: Blood Orange Martini, Guava Margarita, and Lychee Martini.

Here are a few popular variations:

Spicy: Add a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño to the shaker or muddle a bit of chili in with the tequila to create a spicy version that pairs beautifully with the bitter Aperol and tart citrus.

Mezcal: Substitute mezcal for tequila to give the drink a smoky dimension. The earthy notes of mezcal complement the Aperol and grapefruit, creating a unique and complex twist.

Bubbly: Top off the margarita with a splash of sparkling wine or champagne for a bubbly, refreshing take. This version is like a grapefruit Aperol spritz and is ideal for warm days.

When to Serve Aperol Grapefruit Margarita?

This drink is ideal for occasions when you want a refreshing, eye-catching cocktail that’s a bit different from the usual options. Here are some great times to serve it:

Summer Gatherings and Pool Parties: Its bright citrus flavors make it a hit on hot days, perfect for poolside sipping or outdoor gatherings.
Brunches and Daytime Events: Aperol’s slight bitterness and the fresh citrus make this drink a lovely complement to brunch items, especially with lighter, savory dishes.
Festive Celebrations: The drink’s vibrant color and unique flavor make it ideal for festive gatherings and cocktail hours, adding a touch of elegance and creativity.
Happy Hours and Sunset Toasts: The refreshing quality is great for winding down after a long day, making it a fitting choice for golden hour or happy hour events.
Winter Citrus Season: With fresh grapefruits at their best in winter, it’s a delicious seasonal option to brighten up colder months with a touch of summery flair.

Overall, it’s versatile and can be served whenever a fresh, citrusy, and slightly bitter cocktail would be a welcome addition!

margarita glavored grapefruit with a touch of aperol liquer

Serving Suggestion for Aperol Grapefruit Margarita

This recipe is an ideal choice for entertaining, as it’s colorful, flavorful, and visually appealing. Here are some ways to serve it that will impress your guests:

1.- Serve in a Large Pitcher: For a party, make a large batch of the recipe by scaling up the recipe. Serve it in a pitcher with ice and garnished with slices of grapefruit and lime for a vibrant, inviting presentation.

2.- Pair with Appetizers: This cocktail pairs well with light, zesty appetizers like guacamole, ceviche, shrimp skewers, and grilled vegetables. The bitterness of Aperol and the tartness of grapefruit are complemented by fresh, citrusy flavors.

3.- Serve with Brunch: Aperol’s bitter notes make it a lovely cocktail for brunch. Serve it alongside dishes like avocado toast, smoked salmon bagels, or fresh fruit platters for a refreshing start to the day.

Tips for Perfecting Your Aperol Grapefruit Margarita

1.- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice make a huge difference in the flavor of this cocktail. The brightness and acidity will be much fresher than bottled juices.

2.- Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing drink, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the margarita.

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Yield: 1