I first experienced these Italian Margaritas at one of my best friends' bachelorette party and have been obsessed with them ever since. Zesty Aperol adds the perfect spin on this delicious twist on the classic margarita!

Every party needs a signature cocktail! This is the perfect cocktail for this, as it is always a crowd pleaser yet not your typical margarita.

What is an Italian Margarita?

Although there are many variations of this cocktail that include amaretto liquor, I personally prefer to use Aperol for a bright and fun twist! Aperol is an Italian liqueur with a bright orange color and has a sweet tart bitter orange flavor. The crisp flavor of the Aperol balances with the smooth tequila and sweetness of the simple syrup and orange liqueur. This is such a fun cocktail there is even a variation of it on the menu at Olive Garden!

The Origin of the Margarita

The story goes that the first time a margarita was created was in the early 1900s in Puebla, Mexico. The bartender's girlfriend was named Margarita and enjoyed salt in her drinks. Apparently, he created this drink for her as a present!

This version of the classic uses a handful of fresh ingredients and liqueurs to create the most vibrant orange margarita!

What Do I Need to Make the Best Italian Margarita?

While the full ingredients list is available below, here are some tips on what you will need to make this Italian twist on a regular margarita!

• Reposado tequila
• Aperol
• Fresh lime juice
• Triple sec or Grand Marnier
• Simple syrup
  

Some people can also put fresh orange juice in this cocktail to blend the fresh citrus juices. I love to garnish this cocktail with a sprig of fresh rosemary, a fresh lime wedge, or orange wedges. If you can find blood oranges you could use slices of them too!

How to Make Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is just as easy to prepare as its name suggests! Simply add equal parts sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir often while heating the mixture until the sugar fully dissolves into the water. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

How to Prepare This Italian Margarita Recipe

Here are some tips to prepare this Italian version of a classic cocktail.

• If you want to salt the rim of the glass, simply add a smidge of simple syrup to a small plate and have some coarse salt ready in a small plate next to it. Dip rim into the simple syrup to coat the rim. Then dip rim into the salt. Shake off excess salt and you are ready to pour in your Italian margarita!
• Add all of your ingredients to a cocktail shaker and add lots of ice cubes. Shake vigorously for approximately thirty seconds, until the mixture is very cold. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass or margarita glasses and enjoy!

Other Cocktail Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this Italian margarita cocktail recipe and are looking for another simple cocktail recipe to try, check out these quick links!

• Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cocktails
• Pumpkin Brandy Alexander Cocktails
• Best Basil Lemon Drop Cocktails
• Blood Orange Gin Fizz
• Raspberry Cosmopolitan
• Rosemary Gin Gimlet Cocktails