Zesty Strawberry Lemonade Aperol Margarita Recipe for Summer Fun

Summer cocktails reach new heights with this strawberry lemonade aperol margarita that blends tangy citrus and sweet berry notes.

Vibrant ingredients dance together in a glass, creating a refreshing twist on classic drinks.

Ripe strawberries mingle with zesty lemons, delivering a burst of sunshine in every sip.

Smooth aperol adds a sophisticated orange undertone that elevates the entire experience.

Friends will marvel at your mixology skills when you serve this stunning beverage.

Colorful and inviting, this cocktail promises to become your go-to summer refreshment.

Mix, chill, and savor the perfect balance of flavors waiting to delight you.

Strawberry Lemonade Aperol Margarita Highlights

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Combine multiple taste profiles with the tangy lemon, sweet strawberries, spicy Tajin salt, and refreshing ginger beer for a drink that dances on your palate.
• Customize with Ease: Quickly transform this cocktail into a mocktail by swapping alcoholic ingredients with kid-friendly alternatives like apple cider and orange juice.
• Impress Guests Instantly: Create a visually stunning drink with a salt-rimmed glass, vibrant red strawberry muddling, and elegant herb garnish that looks professionally crafted.
• Shake and Serve Quickly: Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker within minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade Aperol Margarita

• Tequila: A classic Mexican spirit that provides the strong alcoholic base for the cocktail.
• Aperol: An Italian aperitif that adds a bitter-sweet orange flavor and vibrant color.
• Cointreau: A premium orange liqueur that enhances the citrusy profile of the drink.

• Lemon Juice, Lime Juice: Fresh citrus juices that create a tangy and bright foundation for the cocktail.

• Strawberries: Fresh berries muddled to release their sweet and juicy essence into the cocktail.
• Ginger Beer: A spicy and effervescent mixer that adds complexity and fizz to the drink.

• Tajin, Sea Salt: A zesty Mexican seasoning and salt blend used to create a spicy and savory rim on the glass.
• Fresh Herbs, Additional Strawberries: Decorative garnishes that enhance the visual appeal and aroma of the cocktail.

• Apple Cider, Sparkling Apple Cider, Orange Juice: Non-alcoholic substitutes that provide similar flavor complexity for a alcohol-free version.

Preparation Steps for Aperol Margarita

Step 1: Prepare Tajin Salt Rim

Create a zesty salt rim by mixing Tajin and sea salt on a shallow plate.

Carefully twist each glass rim into the mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Fill glasses with ice cubes.

Step 2: Crush and Blend Strawberries

In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle fresh strawberries using a muddler or the back of a spoon.

Press and twist to extract maximum juice and flavor.

Pour in tequila and continue crushing to infuse the liquids.

Step 3: Add Cocktail Ingredients

• Aperol
• Cointreau
• Fresh lemon juice
• Fresh lime juice

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to blend and chill the drink.

Step 4: Strain and Finish

Strain the vibrant mixture into your prepared glasses.

Top with ginger beer for extra sparkle and complexity.

Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and delicate herb sprigs like mint or basil.

Step 5: Mocktail Variation

For a non-alcoholic version, skip the spirits.

• Apple cider
• Orange juice

Mix thoroughly and follow the same preparation method for a refreshing alternative.

Pro Tips for Strawberry Lemonade Aperol Margarita

• Use a light, even pressure when coating the glass rim with Tajin salt for a professional-looking cocktail presentation.
• Thoroughly muddle strawberries to extract maximum juice and intensify the fruity essence of the drink.
• Shake the cocktail with plenty of ice to ensure the drink is properly chilled and well-mixed.
• Replace alcoholic ingredients with apple cider and orange juice for a refreshing non-alcoholic version that maintains the drink's vibrant flavor profile.
• Add fresh strawberry slices and herbs as a final touch to enhance both the visual appeal and aromatic experience of the cocktail.

Variations for Aperol Margarita

• Spicy Berry Swap: Replace Aperol with Campari for a bolder, more bitter flavor profile and add a dash of chili powder to the salt rim for extra heat.
• Tropical Fusion: Substitute tequila with white rum and add a splash of passion fruit juice for a Caribbean-inspired version of the cocktail.
• Herbal Garden Mix: Use gin instead of tequila and muddle fresh basil leaves with strawberries for an aromatic, herbaceous variation.
• Low-Alcohol Option: Reduce the amount of tequila and Aperol, replacing some volume with sparkling water to create a lighter, less potent drink.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Aperol Margarita

• Party-Perfect Pairing: Serve alongside fresh summer appetizers like shrimp ceviche or grilled fish tacos for a vibrant flavor combination.
• Sunset Sipping Station: Create a beautiful cocktail bar with multiple glasses, fresh strawberry slices, herb sprigs, and extra Tajin salt for guests to customize their drinks.
• Brunch Blast Companion: Pair with light breakfast items like frittatas, quiche, or avocado toast to elevate a weekend morning gathering.
• Festive Fruit Finale: Garnish glasses with additional fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or edible flowers to make the presentation Instagram-worthy and elegant.

Storage Advice for Aperol Margarita

• Store leftover cocktail mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the strawberry-infused liquid separate from ice to prevent dilution.
• Pour the cocktail mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for future slushy drinks. These flavor-packed cubes can elevate new cocktail batches.
• When ready to serve, thaw the frozen mixture, reshake with fresh ice, and strain into a Tajin-rimmed glass. Add ginger beer and fresh garnishes for a revived drink.
• Store mocktail base in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Stir before serving and add fresh sparkling apple cider to maintain vibrant carbonation.

FAQs

• What does Tajin taste like?

Tajin is a Mexican seasoning blend with a tangy, slightly spicy flavor combining chili peppers, lime, and salt that adds a zesty kick to cocktails and rim garnishes.

• Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best for muddling and releasing juice, but if using frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before muddling to maintain the cocktail’s texture.

• What if I don't have Cointreau?

You can substitute Cointreau with another orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or triple sec, which will provide a similar citrusy and sweet orange flavor profile to the cocktail.

Strawberry Lemonade Aperol Margarita Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Refreshing strawberry lemonade aperol margarita blends summer’s most delightful flavors into one cocktail. Crisp citrus notes and sweet strawberry dance with aperol’s subtle bitterness, creating a perfect poolside companion you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spirits and Liqueurs:

• 2 ounces (60 milliliters) silver tequila
• 1 ounce (30 milliliters) Aperol
• 3/4 ounce (22 milliliters) Cointreau

Fresh Fruits and Juices:

• 4–6 strawberries (sliced)
• 1 ounce (30 milliliters) 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce (15 milliliters) 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 slice lemon for rimming glasses

Garnish and Topping:

• Tajin for the rim
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) strong ginger beer (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Combine Tajin and sea salt on a flat surface, creating a zesty rimming mixture for cocktail glasses. Coat glass edges thoroughly and fill with ice cubes.
2. Place fresh strawberries in a cocktail shaker, crushing them vigorously to extract maximum juice and flavor. Pour tequila into the shaker and continue muddling.
3. Add Aperol, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lime juice to the strawberry-tequila mixture. Fill shaker with ice and shake energetically for 15-20 seconds to blend and chill ingredients.
4. Carefully strain the vibrant crimson cocktail into prepared glasses, ensuring smooth liquid transfer and preventing strawberry pulp from entering.
5. Top each glass with a splash of ginger beer, creating a sparkling effervescent finish. Garnish with sliced strawberries and delicate herb sprigs for visual appeal.
6. For a non-alcoholic version, replace spirits with 2 tablespoons sparkling apple cider and 1 tablespoon orange juice. Follow same preparation technique, omitting alcoholic components.

Notes

• Swap Tajin for a zesty alternative like chili lime salt or smoked paprika salt to add a unique twist to the glass rim.
• Muddle strawberries thoroughly to extract maximum flavor and create a vibrant, fruity base for the cocktail.
• For a lighter version, use half the amount of alcohol and top with more ginger beer to reduce overall alcohol content.
• Prepare mocktail version by using fresh fruit juices and sparkling water to maintain the drink’s refreshing essence without alcohol.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 175 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg