Aperol Margarita Recipe
aperol, jose cuervo tradicional® blanco tequila, lime juice & mint
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Frequently paired with
The best thing to pair and share with Aperol Margarita
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
Prepare the glass (optional)
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks or coupe glass. Dip the rim into coarse salt or Tajín spread on a small plate to coat. Set the glass aside in the freezer or fridge to chill while you mix the cocktail.
Muddle mint
In a cocktail shaker, place 6 fresh mint leaves and the agave syrup (0.25 oz). Gently muddle the mint just enough to release the oils — about 4–6 gentle presses. Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness.
Combine liquids
Add to the shaker: 2 oz Jose Cuervo Tradicional® Blanco tequila, 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz orange liqueur (if using).
Add ice and shake
Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
Double strain and serve
If you muddled mint, double-strain the cocktail into the prepared chilled glass over fresh ice (or serve neat in a coupe). Double straining with a fine mesh strainer removes small mint bits and ice shards for a clean texture.
Garnish
Express a lime wheel over the drink to release oils, then garnish with the lime wheel or wedge and a small sprig of mint. Optionally slap the mint between your hands first to awaken the aroma before tucking it into the drink.
Adjustments & serving notes
Taste and adjust sweetness with a little more agave syrup if needed. For a slightly more bitter finish, increase Aperol to 1.25 oz; for a more classic margarita profile, keep orange liqueur. Serve immediately.