The Aperol Paloma Spritz is a fun, fruity, and colorful twist on a traditional Paloma. Made with silver tequila, lime, grapefruit, Aperol, and Fresca, it's an easy-to-make, impressive, and refreshing summertime drink!
It wouldn't be the start of the warm weather months without a new spritz recipe, so today I'm kicking off the season by sharing one of my favorite new cocktails: Aperol Palomas!
The fusion drink of my dreams, this refreshing summer cocktail is made by adding Aperol to a Paloma. Traditionally made with tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave, and soda water, classic Palomas are a citrusy, refreshing, and hydrating cocktail virtually made for summertime.
Take it a few delicious steps further and create Aperol Palomas by stirring in a jigger of Aperol, swapping grapefruit flavored Fresca for the sparkling water, and rimming the glass with Tajìn. They're citrusy, complex yet balanced, refreshing, fizzy, and boozy. Quite simply, the drink of the summer!
With a deep sunset hue, plenty of ice, and a fresh grapefruit and lime garnish, these stunning cocktails are best enjoyed on warm summer days, at al fresco happy hours, or with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Let's get sipping, shall we?
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Why You'll Love It
There is so much to love about these Palomas with Aperol! They are...
- Frosty and Refreshing — With a splash of fizzy soda, fresh crushed ice, and fresh citrus, these drinks are guaranteed to cool you off.
- Boozy, Yet Light — Tequila and Aperol up the ABV while the soda and juice balance the strength, making them great for unwinding but clean enough for weeknight enjoyment.
- Ultra Easy to Prep — If you can measure, stir, and pour, you can make these drinks! They're surprisingly simple to assemble and great for beginner mixologists.
- Effortless Impressive Presentation — These tequila, Aperol, and grapefruit cocktails always elicit awe! Their gorgeous burnt orange color and balanced, intriguing flavor are perfect for entertaining and summer get-togethers.
🥂Make it A Rosy Moment
This cocktail is a sparkling twist on a classic—citrusy, bittersweet, and made for golden hour sipping! Here's how to turn this easy cocktail into a full on rosy moment:
- Golden Hour Sips – Serve your Aperol Palomas in pretty coupe or highball glasses with a rim of tajín and a grapefruit slice for that wow-factor. Set out a few light bites—like my Whipped Feta and Ricotta with Hot Honey—and head outside as the sun starts to dip. It’s the kind of moment that feels straight out of a magazine (but totally doable on a Tuesday).
- Brunch Bar Batch Cocktail – Hosting a spring brunch? Batch the cocktail in a glass pitcher and create a build-your-own garnish station with citrus wheels, sprigs of rosemary, and edible flowers. Place it next to your pastry board or a big bowl of Dill Pickle Pasta Salad for a brunch setup that’s bright, easy, and full of charm.
- Poolside Party – Chill your Aperol Palomas in a big ice-filled drink dispenser with floating grapefruit slices and mint leaves. Serve in clear plastic cups with fun paper straws for a low-key, high-style pool party vibe. Pair it with Skillet Blackened Corn or some zesty shrimp skewers for that perfect sweet-meets-smoky flavor combo.
Important Ingredients
- Aperol - If you ask me, there's no end to the ways to enjoy this fruity, bitter, and full-flavored Italian liqueur! Its bitterness perfectly complements the sweet agave and earthy tequila.
- Lime Juice - This adds brightness to the Paloma spritz, enhancing the tequila and grapefruit flavors.
- Grapefruit Juice - Use fresh grapefruit juice for the fullest taste, though refrigerated grapefruit juice also works great.
- Agave Syrup - This adds natural sweetness while complementing the agave-derived tequila and balancing the bitter flavors. Start with ½ ounce and add more to taste for a sweeter cocktail.
- Tequila - One of the stars of any Paloma! I recommend using a high-quality brand if possible. Blanco or silver tequila is my go-to for its crisp and clean taste.
- Tajín - This popular Mexican seasoning features chili, lime, and sea salt, adding a smokiness and light spice to balance the bright citrus and sweetness.
- Sugar - This is mixed with the Tajín to cut the spiciness.
- Fresca - A splash of this grapefruit soda adds a delightful lightness and fizz.
- Lime and Grapefruit Slices - These add a beautiful garnish and allow guests to squeeze in an optional burst of fresh citrus.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Agave Syrup - If needed, swap the same amount of simple syrup or coconut nectar. Or, use honey for a fuller, more floral flavor.
- Tequila - Don't have or prefer silver tequila? Use reposado for oaky or woody undertones or gold for a smoother and sweeter finish.
- Grapefruit Soda - You can also finish the drinks with a splash of Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit or Grapefruit Pellegrino for a touch of hydrating citrus.
Full Recipe Below
Find the full list of ingredients & measurements below!
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1: In a small cocktail pitcher, combine the Aperol, lime juice, grapefruit juice, tequila, and agave. Stir well to combine.
- Step 2: Combine the sugar and Tajin in a small shallow bowl. Rim the two glasses with a lime wedge and dip them into the Tajin and sugar mixture.
- Step 3: Fill the glasses with crushed ice.
- Step 4: Pour the Aperol Paloma mixture into the glasses, dividing it evenly.
- Step 5: Top the cocktails with equal amounts of Fresca.
- Step 6: Garnish with a slice of lime and grapefruit. Enjoy!
Top Tip
For the best results, use quality ingredients. If possible, fresh juices, top-shelf tequila, and name-brand Fresca create the most balanced, clean, and flavorful Aperol Palomas.
Tips for the Perfect Aperol Paloma Spritz
Make a delightfully complex and fizzy tequila grapefruit spritz every time by following these no-fail tips:
- Chill the ingredients and tools. This prevents diluting and ensures an extra cool and refreshing sipper, perfect for warm summer days. Pop the juice and soda in the refrigerator until cool, and the Aperol, tequila, cocktail pitcher, and glasses in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until ice cold.
- Mix well. Ensure an even and smooth drink by stirring the juices, Aperol, tequila, and agave syrup until the syrup is fully dissolved.
- Use crushed ice. If available, crushed ice chills the Paloma spritz faster, balancing the flavors without diluting the drinks, and adds a divine frostiness. Chef's kiss!
- Shake it up. Don't have a small cocktail pitcher? Use a chilled glass jar instead! For an extra-chilled and frothy drink, pour the Aperol and tequila mixture into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well for 15-30 seconds, then strain into the ice-filled glasses.
- Grab different glassware. I prefer and recommend a coupe glass. The stem keeps your hand away from the cup, preventing body heat from warming, diluting, and muddying the tequila spritz. For cooler days or less strong cocktails, you can also use a chilled rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
💡Recipe FAQ
Yes! For the most heat, stir slices of jalapeños with the tequila and Aperol mixture. Add modest spice by garnishing the spritzes with jalapeño slices.
Certainly! When blended, the cocktail tastes like a blended Aperol Grapefruit Margarita. To make it, add the grapefruit and lime juice, tequila, Aperol, agave syrup, Fresca, and 1 cup of fresh ice to a blender and blitz until smooth. Divide the frosty drink between two coupe glasses, garnish with a slice of grapefruit and lime, and enjoy!
Like Aperol spritzes, which were developed in Italy to be enjoyed as pre-meal drinks, Aperol Palomas are delicious enjoyed on their own or with light appetizers, like chips and salsa, guacamole, or queso dip. The presence of grapefruit and tequila makes this cocktail more versatile, making it also great for pairing with grilled chicken fajitas, tuna tacos, and more!
You can make the Aperol and tequila base up to 4 hours ahead of time. Combine the juices, agave syrup, Aperol, and tequila in a small pitcher, stir well, cover, and refrigerate before pouring it over ice and assembling the drinks to serve.
Related Recipes
If you tried this Aperol Paloma Spritz Recipe, or any other of the delicious recipes on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
- ½ oz agave add more for a sweeter cocktail
- 4 oz tequila
- 1 tablespoon Tajin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 oz Fresca or other grapefruit soda
- Lime and grapefruit wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Add the Aperol, lime juice, grapefruit juice, agave, and tequila in a small cocktail pitcher. Stir well to combine.
- In a small, shallow bowl combine the sugar and Tajin for the rim.
- Rim the 2 glasses with a lime wedge and dip into the Tajin sugar mixture.
- Add crushed ice to each glass and pour even amounts of the Aperol Paloma into each one.
- Pour two ounces of Fresca into each cocktail glass. Garnish the drinks with a wedge of lime and grapefruit and enjoy!
Notes
- Chill the ingredients and tools. This prevents diluting and ensures an extra cool and refreshing sipper, perfect for warm summer days. Pop the juice and soda in the refrigerator until cool, and the Aperol, tequila, cocktail pitcher, and glasses in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until ice cold.
- Mix well. Ensure an even and smooth drink by stirring the juices, Aperol, tequila, and agave syrup until the syrup is fully dissolved.
- Use crushed ice. If available, crushed ice chills the Paloma spritz faster, balancing the flavors without diluting the drinks, and adds a divine frostiness. Chef's kiss!
- Shake it up. Don't have a small cocktail pitcher? Use a chilled glass jar instead! For an extra-chilled and frothy drink, pour the Aperol and tequila mixture into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well for 15-30 seconds, then strain into the ice-filled glasses.
- Grab different glassware. I prefer and recommend a coupe glass. The stem keeps your hand away from the cup, preventing body heat from warming, diluting, and muddying the tequila spritz. For cooler days or less strong cocktails, you can also use a chilled rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
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