Siesta Cocktail

Name: Siesta Cocktail
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Tequila Blanco; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Campari; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Simple Syrup

Ingredients Instructions

The Siesta is a vibrant, ruby-hued cocktail that offers a perfect balance of flavors. It combines the earthy notes of blanco tequila with the bittersweet character of Campari, brightened by the tartness of fresh lime and grapefruit juices. A touch of simple syrup rounds out the profile, making it a sophisticated yet approachable and incredibly refreshing drink.

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Siesta is classified as a Modern Classic cocktail, having been invented in the 21st century but gaining widespread recognition in the craft cocktail community. It belongs to the "sour" family of drinks, characterized by a balance of spirit, citrus, and sweetener, with an added bitter element from Campari.

Serving

This is a moderately strong cocktail served "straight up" (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass to maintain its cold temperature and elegant presentation.

Serving size

Approximately 120 ml or 4 oz (before dilution)

Alcohol content

Approximately 18-22% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Coupe

Glass treatment

Chilled

Backstory

The Siesta was created in 2006 by bartender Katie Stipe at the renowned Pegu Club in New York City. It is considered a modern classic and is often described as a tequila-based riff on the Hemingway Daiquiri. Its creation helped popularize the use of tequila in more complex, craft cocktail applications beyond the standard Margarita.

Origin

The cocktail was created in 2006 by Katie Stipe at the Pegu Club in New York City, USA.

Siesta Cocktail

The drink is most commonly known as the Siesta Cocktail, or often shortened to simply the Siesta. It does not have other widely recognized alternative names as it is a relatively modern and well-documented creation.

Original name

Siesta Cocktail

Alternative name

Siesta

Characteristics overview

The Siesta has a bright, citrus-forward aroma and a complex, bittersweet flavor dominated by grapefruit, lime, and Campari. It presents a smooth, crisp texture and a clean finish with a pleasant, lingering bitterness that invites another sip.

Flavor

Bittersweet, Citrusy, Agave, Herbal, Tart

Aroma

Grapefruit, Lime, Agave, Bitter Orange

Taste balance

Sour, Bitter, Sweet

Aftertaste

Clean, Lingering Bitterness, Citrus Zest

Fizziness

Still, None

Color appearance

Pinkish-Red, Ruby, Translucent

Texture

Smooth, Crisp, Clean

Seasonality

Refreshing, Summery, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Siesta is a flavor-forward drink, defined by its high sourness and fruitiness, which are expertly balanced by moderate bitterness and low sweetness. It is a still, non-creamy cocktail with a noticeable but well-integrated alcohol presence.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a base of blanco tequila, the bitter liqueur Campari, and freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juices. A small amount of simple syrup is used to balance the tart and bitter elements.

Tequila Blanco60 ml / 2 oz
A 100% agave tequila is recommended for best flavor.
Campari15 ml / 0.5 oz
This bitter aperitivo is essential for the drink's profile.
Fresh Grapefruit Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for the best taste.
Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
Freshly squeezed juice is essential.
Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your grapefruit juice.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and a strainer. A fine-mesh strainer is also recommended for a smoother texture.

Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting the ingredients.
Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
Fine-mesh strainer for double straining to remove ice shards.
Citrus juicer to extract fresh juice.

Instructions

The preparation involves chilling a glass, shaking all ingredients vigorously with ice, and then double straining into the glass. The final touch is a garnish of a grapefruit twist.

1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.

2. Combine the tequila, Campari, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.

3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.

4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty.

5. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.

6. Double strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass. This involves pouring through both the shaker's built-in strainer and a fine-mesh strainer.

7. Prepare a grapefruit twist. Express the oils from the peel over the drink's surface and use it as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple grapefruit twist is the classic garnish. Express the oils from the peel over the surface of the drink before dropping it in or placing it on the rim to enhance the aroma.

Grapefruit twist, to express oils over the drink and place on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic and caffeine-free. It is naturally vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and generally considered gluten-free, though it's always best to check the labels of individual spirits.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✓ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Siesta is a relatively light cocktail, with around 180 calories per serving. Most of its carbohydrates and sugars come from the fresh juices and simple syrup.

Calories

Approximately 170-190 kcal / 711-795 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Approximately 10-12 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Approximately 9-11 g

Sugar level

Occasions

The Siesta is a versatile cocktail perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the appetite. Its refreshing qualities also make it an excellent choice for happy hour, summer parties, or any social gathering where a sophisticated, citrus-forward drink is desired.

Happy Hour
Summer Parties
Aperitif
Cocktail Party

Pairing suggestions

The Siesta's bittersweet and citrusy profile pairs wonderfully with spicy and savory foods. It cuts through the richness of Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor and complements the fresh flavors of seafood like ceviche or grilled fish. It is also an excellent companion to salty snacks.

Ceviche
Spicy Tacos (e.g., al pastor)
Grilled Fish or Shrimp
Salty Chips with Guacamole or Salsa

The Siesta Cocktail: A Modern Classic's Awakening

The Siesta cocktail is a masterful creation from the modern cocktail renaissance, offering a refreshing and complex alternative to the Margarita. It beautifully balances the earthy notes of tequila with the iconic bitterness of Campari, all tied together with bright, fresh citrus. This ruby-hued drink is both visually appealing and deliciously sophisticated, making it a perfect choice for an aperitif or a warm summer evening. Its creation at the Pegu Club solidified its place as a beloved modern classic.