Aperitini - Refreshing Aperol Tequila Cocktail (2024)

Need some new cocktail inspiration? Meet my Aperitini – a refreshing but potent cocktail made with Campari, Aperol and Tequila with an optional sparkling Prosecco top up! Lovers of the Aperol Spritz will enjoy this modern take on the classic cocktail.

You will also love… my Beergarita

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The current “stay at home” orders have given rise to some intense cocktail experimentation, in our household at least!

After all there are only so many margaritas you can enjoy before starting to think outside the box!

Here I have combined my love of tequila with my passion for the Negroni and Aperol Spritz… I have dubbed my new ‘quarantini’ the Aperitini!

Here’s what you will need

APEROL

An Italian bitter Aperitif dating back to 1919. Intense orange colour with a sweet/bitter flavour thanks to a secret mix of botanicals including cinchona, rhubarb, and gentian. Aperol has a relatively low ABV of 11% and is best mixed in a spritzer.

CAMPARI

Another classic bitter Italian liqueur composed of a mix of spices, herbs, grain, spirit and sugar. This bright red liqueur ranges from 20-28% ABV and is bracingly bitter with a taste of bitter orange. Campari is a must for any drinks cabinet and especially for lovers of the Negroni and Americano.

Tequila

I used Silver Tequila in my Aperitini (see also Blanco | Plata | White | Platinum) which is clear and unaged. You can also use Mezcal for a smokier cocktail – totally delicious!

Prosecco

If you want to turn this strong cocktail into a mellower drink you can top it up with a shot of ice-cold Prosecco.

You will also need

Fresh orange or mandarin juice and a dash of orange bitters (if available). If you love your drinks on the sweet side then you can add a little sugar syrup to balance out the bitterness of the Campari. A slice of orange and rosemary sprigs to garnish.

HOW TO MAKE AN APERITINI

Half fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Aperol, Campari and Tequila.

Add the fresh orange juice (or mandarin juice) and shake hard for 30 seconds. Have a taste of the cocktail and check if you need to adjust – perhaps you need to add the sugar syrup?

Strain into two chilled coupe glasses. Top with chilled Prosecco, if desired.

Garnish with a slice of orange and sprig of rosemary and enjoy!

Quarantini variations

• Replace the tequila with vodka – the drink will have less of an edge to it. I love it as much with vodka if I am honest!
• Double the Aperol and leave out the Campari if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.

Other cocktails you may enjoy

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