10 Best Tequila and Aperol Cocktails to Sip at Sunset

We all know and love the Aperol Spritz as the queen bee of Aperol cocktails, but even the mightiest queen has a few lovely ladies-in-waiting— case in point, these delicious tequila Aperol cocktails. This delightful combo is totally a thing, and we’re very excited to introduce you to a few Mexican-inspired clinkers that come to the party with plenty of Italian pizzazz.  

1. Naked & Famous 

Now and then, a modern cocktail comes along that’s an instant classic. Maybe it’s fate or maybe just good luck, but the aptly named Naked and Famous is one such cocktail. It’s intensely flavored yet wonderfully balanced and the perfect drink for your next dinner party. The standard recipe for this tequila Aperol cocktail calls for mezcal, but we also like making it with Espolòn Tequila Reposado, which has a rich, golden tone, and a smooth, spicy finish.  

Learn more: What’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila? 

2. El Chipilo

A spicy Aperol tequila cocktail may seem like a rather niche choice, but we promise you that this combo is epic. The addition of lime and Angostura bitters helps balance out the intensity, setting the scene for a full-bodied sip with a kiss of heat. To make an El Chipilo, combine 1.5 oz reposado tequila, 0.5 oz Aperol, 0.75 oz lime juice, three dashes of bitters, and two dashes of your favorite hot sauce in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a prepared serving glass, and serve. Add a garnish of your choice – a slice of lime or sprig of basil works well.  

You might also like: 14 Best Drinks to Mix with Tequila in 2024 

3. Autumn Sun

This simple yet satisfying tequila and Aperol cocktail is all about balance. By combining the warming flavors of Espolòn Tequila Añejo with the bittersweet punch of Aperol and Grand Marnier, we pave the way for one seriously layered sipper. To make an Autumn Sun, combine 2 oz tequila, 1 oz Aperol, 2 oz Grand Marnier, and 1 oz fresh orange juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve. 

Get crafty: 8 Popular Layered Cocktails that Always Make a Splash 

4. The 212

This Aperol and tequila cocktail is a fun twist on the Paloma named after its easy 2-1-2-part recipe. To make one, combine 2 oz grapefruit juice, 1 oz Aperol, and 2 oz reposado tequila in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, and fine strain into a serving glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist and serve.  

Read next: 10 Playful Paloma Variations for Picture-Perfect Sipping 

5. A Different Plane

Based on the classic Paper Plane cocktail, this Aperol tequila cocktail forgoes bourbon in favor of a Mexican-inspired twist, and some intriguing amaro notes. To make A Different Plane cocktail, combine 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz Amaro Averna, 1 oz lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well combined, strain into a serving glass, and top with a few dashes of bitters.  

More where this came from: 9 Paper Plane Variations to Make at Home

6. Aperol Margarita

If the classic flavor notes of a well-made Margarita tickle your fancy, you’re going to love this tequila Aperol lime cocktail. To make one, combine 2 oz Aperol, 1.5 oz Grand Marnier, 1 oz tequila, 1.5 oz lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a frosted Margarita glass, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy. Feeling fancy? Rim the glass with salt and lime zest before serving  

What is Aperitivo Hour? Discover & Enjoy Italy’s Happy Hour 

7. Mexican Spritz

This easy cocktail with tequila and Aperol yields a delightfully contemporary drink. To make one Mexican Spritz, add 1.5 oz Blanco tequila, 2 oz Aperol, and 0.5 oz grapefruit juice to a tall glass filled with ice. Top it off with 3 oz Prosecco, garnish with a grapefruit slice, and you’re all set.   

More bubbles this way: 9 Spritz Cocktails to Sip On this Summer 

8. Part Time Lover

This sweet, tart, and juicy sipper wanders down a more floral path, and we dig it. To make a Part Time Lover cocktail, combine 1.5 oz Blanco tequila, 0.5 oz Aperol, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, 0.75 oz lemon juice, and 2 dashes of bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well combined, strain into a serving glass over fresh ice, and garnish with an orange twist.  

Cin Cin! 20 Aperol Cocktail Recipes to Try Today

9. Dead Man’s Handle

It’s not every day that a drink combines the singular aspects of both orgeat and Aperol, and we are here for this dapper combo. To make a Dead Man’s Handle cocktail, combine 3 oz Blanco tequila, 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz orgeat, and 1 oz lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into a serving glass over fresh ice.  

Get clever: What is Orgeat and How is it Used in Cocktails? 

10. Pineapple Princess

Tequila and pineapple juice are a match made in heaven, but you can take things to a whole new level with the addition of a bitter apéritif to strike a captivating balance. To make a Pineapple Princess cocktail, combine 0.75 oz Aperol, 1 oz tequila, 0.75 oz Grand Marnier, 2 oz fresh pineapple juice, and 0.5 oz lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a serving glass over fresh ice, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve.   

¡Salud! Or, should we say cin cin? Or a bit of both?! Whichever way you choose to say cheers, we hope you enjoy your tequila Aperol cocktail. Tag us in your Insta pics, and remember to sign up for our newsletter for more interesting cocktail recommendations from The Mixer crew.