pink margarita on the rocks

aperol is the secret ingredient

I’m a big believer in necessity being the mother of invention. Earlier this week after a rousing game of tennis at our local park, I came home thirsty and water could only quench so much. What I really wanted was a margarita but I didn’t have any triple sec. For those not in the know, triple sec is a clear sweet orange liqueur commonly used in margaritas. So when I pulled out a bottle of Aperol, a bright orange bitter sweet liqueur, I knew I was onto something.

The resulting drink wasn’t the green-hued margarita that I’m used to. The Aperol had stained this drink a lovely hue of pinkish orange and it looked cheerfully celebratory! Hurrah for summer! A toast to a sweaty and silly game of running around with racquets and lime green balls! And because this is the start of a long weekend in Canada, I’m especially cheering to a glorious long weekend ahead!

aperol & tequila

I do like my drinks tart so I used only 1 ounce of agave syrup. If you like your drinks a bit sweeter, add in two ounces.

12 comments to “pink margarita on the rocks”

  1. 1
    Kathryn | Dramatic Pancake   July 29, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    Yum – I’ve never had aperol, but this looks delicious and totally refreshing!

  2. 2
    Maddie   July 29, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    This is the perfect Friday post. I’m looking at my watch and thinking it’s maybe not too late to run out and buy some drink ingredients…

    Happy weekend to you!

  3. 3
    Gretchen @ flowercityfoodie.com   July 29, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    Necessity is the mother of invention–I was trying to make ice cream sandwiches, and when everything failed, I ended up crumbling the cookies into a chocolate-crumb crust for banana cream pie. Here’s hoping the pie is as good as your drink looks!

  4. 4
    Joanne   July 30, 2011 at 2:19 am

    I’m pretty sure this is going to be my drink of choice after my long run today…at 10AM. No judgment.

  5. 5
    Kimberley   July 30, 2011 at 10:39 am

    I’m so impressed! I never would have thought to pair Aperol with tequila. But look at those results. Hurrah for creativity.

  6. 6
    kickpleat   July 30, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    Kathryn, aperol is a worthy investment to any bar. It’s actually really affordable and a lot of good drinks as a result!

    Maddie, I’ll join you! Happy weekend 🙂

    Gretchen sounds like you found a winner!

    No judgement here, Joanne.

    Kimberley, it really works out nicely! Hurrah indeed.

  7. 7
    Bijoux   July 31, 2011 at 8:36 am

    I never quite got the gist of what the expression “necessity is the mother of invention” meant…I think I now have a better understanding – haha! The Margarita is my favourite boozy mixed drink. Your version sounds yummy! That tequila bottle looks so regal!

  8. 8
    Sues   August 1, 2011 at 7:46 am

    Mmm perfect drink! I love the invention that your necessity brought forth 🙂

  9. 9
    kickpleat   August 2, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    Bijoux, the margarita is one of my favorite cocktails too – which is why drinking it in this pretty pink shade is even more appealing!

    Thanks Sues 🙂

  10. 10
    Crystal   August 8, 2011 at 11:56 am

    Oh, good idea! Did it add a bit of bitterness to the drink? Sounds like a good balance to the tart and sweet…

  11. 11
    kickpleat   August 9, 2011 at 10:38 am

    Crystal, it didn’t add too much bitterness and it was super enjoyable – but who doesn’t love sipping on pink drinks?

Leave a comment