The Aperol Paloma Cocktail is a vibrant, citrusy twist on the classic Mexican drink, combining the bittersweet notes of Aperol with fresh grapefruit, lime, and silver tequila. It’s a sunset-hued sipper that’s equal parts refreshing, bitter, and just sweet enough to keep things balanced. Whether you’re poolside, planning a happy hour, or setting the scene for taco night, the Aperol Paloma Cocktail is here to elevate your drink game.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love a Paloma but want something a little more complex and aperitivo-inspired, this Aperol Paloma Cocktail is for you. The Aperol adds a slightly bitter, herbal edge that pairs beautifully with the citrus and smooth tequila. It’s easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and the kind of drink that feels effortlessly cool and cocktail-bar worthy—without any complicated prep.
Recipe Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this cocktail:
- 100% agave silver tequila
- freshly-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
- orange liqueur
- Aperol
- freshly squeezed lime juice
- ice cubes
- thinly sliced lime for garnish
How To Make An Aperol Paloma Cocktail
These are the instructions to make this recipe:
- Combine The Ingredients – In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, orange liqueur, Aperol, and lime juice.
- Add ice and shake– Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake vigorously until the drink is well chilled, about 20 seconds.
- Serve and garnish – Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice and garnish with a lime slice for a pop of color and aroma.
What to Serve With This
The Aperol Paloma Cocktail pairs perfectly with spicy, citrusy, or grilled fare—think grilled shrimp tostadas, citrus-marinated chicken, or guacamole and chips. It’s also a great match for brunch spreads or aperitivo hour, especially when paired with salty bites like marinated olives, crostini, or charcuterie. For a full-on summer vibe, serve it alongside ceviche or a fresh corn salad.
The Origin Of The Aperol Paloma Cocktail
If you’re a fellow home bartender, you’ll likely see the traces of other classic cocktails — namely, an Aperol Spritz, a Cadillac Margarita, and a Paloma –. Still, it has evolved to be something in and of itself.
While it’s not a Mexican cocktail recipe that you’ll come across in any bartending book, it’s one we turn to a lot when we’re cooking Mexican food. The reason? The bittersweet nature of the Aperol combined with the sour tartness of the grapefruit juice makes it a perfect pairing with spicy, hot flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions Aperol Paloma Cocktail
An Aperol Paloma is a twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, known for its refreshing and slightly bitter taste. While a traditional Paloma combines tequila with grapefruit soda, lime, and salt, the Aperol Paloma introduces Aperol, an Italian aperitif, into the mix. Aperol adds a unique bitter-sweet flavor and a vibrant orange color, creating a more complex and visually appealing cocktail.
To make an Aperol Paloma, you'll need tequila, Aperol, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a splash of club soda. Start by filling a glass with ice, then add equal parts of tequila and Aperol. Add the grapefruit and lime juice, top with club soda, and stir gently. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or a lime slice. For a classic touch, rim the glass with salt before preparing the drink.
An Aperol Paloma pairs well with light and fresh dishes that complement its citrus and bitter notes. Seafood dishes like ceviche or grilled shrimp, fresh salads with citrus dressing, or light tapas like bruschetta or olives are great choices. The cocktail's refreshing nature also makes it a perfect accompaniment for spicy foods, as it can help balance the heat.
Similar Cocktails To Try Out
Into the bittersweet flavor of this drink? Here are a few other cocktails you might want to try out!
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Aperol Paloma Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces 100% agave silver tequila
- 1 1/2 ounces freshly-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce Cointreau or other orange liqueur
- 3/4 ounce Aperol
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Thinly sliced Lime for garnish
Instructions
- Make The Aperol Paloma Cocktail: Combine the tequila, grapefruit juice, orange liqueur, Aperol, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker, fill halfway with ice, and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass, garnish with some lime slices and serve.
