Frozen Aperol Paloma

PREP TIME 5 min

Cocktail Type

Aperol

Great for

Summer

Difficulty

Easy

Two glasses of a bright orange cocktail, garnished with slices of orange, sit on a dark surface. The glasses are filled with ice and the drink has a smooth, slushy texture. The background is a gradient of green, creating a striking contrast with the orange drink.

The Frozen Aperol Paloma is a vibrant and zesty twist on the classic Paloma, with Aperol adding a delicious bitter orange note. This blend of tangy grapefruit juice and lime juice complements the smooth tequila, and when you blitz it all together, it becomes a slushy-like sipper that’s perfect for hot days. Ideal for summer parties or date nights, the Frozen Aperol Paloma is the ultimate balance of sweet, tart, and sour flavours in one gorgeous drink.

QUICK TIPS

01
-

Add a few dashes of orange bitters for even more citrus depth.

02
-

Don’t like thyme? Try agave syrup instead.

03
-

This cocktail pairs beautifully with prawn tacos.

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

45 Ml

1.5 Oz

1.5 Parts

22.5 Ml

0.75 Oz

0.75 Parts

60 Ml

2 Oz

2 Parts

Grapefruit juice
15 Ml

0.5 Oz

0.5 Parts

Lime juice
15 Ml

0.5 Oz

0.5 Parts

Thyme sugar syrup
1
To garnish, a slice of orange or grapefruit
1
Cup ice

INSTRUCTIONS

01
1.

Add all the ingredients to a blender, and blitz until smooth.

02
2.

Decant into your favourite serving glass and garnish with a a slice of orange or grapefruit.

How to make thyme sugar syrup

Thyme sugar syrup adds a subtle herbal note to your Frozen Aperol Paloma, enhancing its complexity. It’s quick to make and pairs beautifully with the citrus flavours in the drink.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 5–6 fresh thyme sprigs

METHOD

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar, and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. After the sugar dissolves, add the thyme sprigs and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes.
  3. Remove it from the heat and let the thyme steep for 15–20 minutes.
  4. Strain out the thyme and let the syrup cool before using.
  5. Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

What makes a Frozen Aperol Paloma different from a regular Paloma?

Aperol, an Italian aperitif renowned for its vibrant orange flavour and bitter finish, adds a playful twist to the classic Paloma in the Frozen Aperol Paloma. When blended with ice, the drink takes on a playful slushy texture that turns this cocktail into a perfect frozen treat, adding even more enjoyment to the original Paloma recipe.

Also see: 10 Playful Paloma Variations for Picture-Perfect Sipping

Can I make a non-frozen version of this cocktail?

Of course! If you’re not feeling the frozen vibes, just shake it all up in a cocktail shaker pour the ingredients over ice in a highball glass. You’ll have the same delicious Paloma experience without the frozen twist—and it’s just as delicious.

Read next: 10 Frozen Rum Drinks to Embrace the Heat

What to serve with a Frozen Aperol Paloma

Here are some tasty dishes that will pair wonderfully with your Frozen Aperol Paloma:

Grilled shrimp tacos. The tangy citrus of the drink perfectly complements the smoky flavours of the shrimp.
Guacamole and chips. The creamy texture of the guacamole contrasts nicely with the tartness of the Paloma.
Spicy BBQ wings. The zing of the wings enhances the drink’s citrusy notes, creating a bold pairing.

More drinks to try if you love a Frozen Aperol Paloma

Frozen Margarita. A true classic that combines the tartness of lime with the smoothness of tequila.
Frozen Daiquiri. Rum and lime come together in this icy delight, offering a simple yet irresistible flavour.
Frozen Piña Colada. Creamy coconut and pineapple flavours frozen to perfection.
Frozen Mojito. A minty, lime-infused rum drink with an icy kick.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, you can swap out Espolòn Tequila for any Blanco tequila you prefer. Espolòn works great, but any high-quality Blanco tequila will give the drink a smooth, clean flavour that pairs well with the Aperol and grapefruit juice.

Serve it in a wine glass or even a coupe for a more elegant look. Garnish with a slice of orange or grapefruit for a pop of colour and citrus aroma that complements the drink.

While Aperol gives the Frozen Aperol Paloma its signature bittersweet flavour, you can try substituting it with triple sec or another orange liqueur, though it will change the flavour profile slightly. If you’re looking for the signature orange bitterness, Aperol is your best bet.

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