The Trendy Cocktail Coming For America's Longtime Favorite

The margarita has had a stronghold on cocktail drinkers in the U.S. for decades. That combination of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur can be found on the menu of bars, restaurants, and backyard gatherings from coast to coast — so standard it feels written into law. Survey after survey showed that the margarita was the undisputed champion of cocktails among bar-goers going back years. But, in recent years, there's a new drink on the block that's coming for the margarita's crown: the Aperol spritz.

This refreshing, Italian-inspired drink made with Prosecco, Aperol, soda water, and an orange slice has claimed the top spot as the most-favored drink in 22 states, according to a 2024 study cited by Forbes. The margarita is still beloved, but it lagged a fair distance behind as the top drink in 17 states. When you consider how, in previous studies that dated back years, the margarita has consistently been ranked as America's drink, you can see why this made headlines. 

This trend has only continued since 2024, according to a 2025 Beverage Daily article. A spokesperson for Campari — which owns the Aperol brand — told the outlet that spritz drinks are increasingly popular in the U.S. due to their adaptability to various occasions, and the fact that spritzes can be appealing for a growing demand for low-ABV cocktails. 

A margarita and an Aperol spritz have completely different vibes. The tequila-forward drink is bold and assertive — the kind of drink that announces itself the moment it hits your mouth. Margaritas have about 20 to 30 percent ABV, depending on the recipe and you can feel it punch through. Alternatively an Aperol spritz is bubbly, refreshing, and light.

It's nice to have versatility as an all-day drink, but a margarita demands commitment. An Aperol spritz is just as good at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday as it is as an after-dinner drink — making it an easy fan favorite.

As popular as margaritas are, it can be tricky to find a place that serves them well. Sometimes bartenders tend to wing the drink and just mash the ingredients together without using a particular ratio or, worse, opting for sub-par ingredients like bottled lime juice and cheap tequila. In contrast, Aperol spritzes are much harder to mess up.