Heads up: if you’re searching for a classic tequila cocktail recipe, this is not it. While we love ourselves our fair share of classic cocktails from the Old Fashioned to the Negroni, we also like to mix it up now and then, like with this Aperol Paloma Cocktail Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sometimes you can’t decide on the drink you want, what if you could get two of your favorite drinks in one? That’s what we did with the Aperol Spritz and the Paloma Cocktail, and we came up with this Aperol Paloma Cocktail, and is now one of our favorites.
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:
- 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.
Impromptu Happy Hours
This Aperol Paloma is a cocktail recipe that evolved from our impromptu Test Kitchen Happy Hours here at Salt & Wind. These Happy Hours are a tradition we’ve had going on since we created Salt & Wind. It goes something like this: once a week, around Happy Hour, we play around on our bar to test and try out new cocktails.
The origin of this dates back to when our Editor In Chief, Aida, worked in the Test Kitchen of CHOW along with our Mexican food bestie, Kate of ¡Hola! Jalapeño. It’s a fun way to get creative with friends and toast the day at the same time!
Spend enough time around here. We like our drinks with an edge: sometimes spicy and other times just a tinge bitter. You’ve probably noticed that we use the classic Italian liquors — Campari and Aperol — A LOT when we want a hint of bitter. And, so it was only a matter of time until we added it to our margaritas!
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.
Similar Cocktails To Try Out
Into the bittersweet flavor of this drink? Here are a few other cocktails you might want to try out!
- Hibiscus Berry Mezcal Margarita Cocktail
- Classic Americano Cocktail
- Italian Sangria Cocktail
- Blood Orange Thyme Paloma Cocktail
Go stock up on all your bar essentials, then share your creation with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
