Siesta Cocktail
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 ozA 100% agave tequila is recommended for best flavor.
- Campari15 ml / 0.5 ozThis bitter aperitivo is essential for the drink's profile.
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed juice is crucial for the best taste.
- Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed juice is essential.
- Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozUse 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.
Similar Cocktails
You May Also Like
Little Italy
A sophisticated, bittersweet Manhattan variation featuring rye whiskey and the Italian artichoke liqueur, Cynar.
Espresso Martini
A sophisticated and energizing cocktail made with vodka, espresso coffee, and coffee liqueur, known for its rich flavor and creamy foam top.
Irish Hot Whiskey
A simple and comforting warm drink made with Irish whiskey, hot water, lemon, cloves, and a sweetener.
Brandy and Ginger
A simple and refreshing highball combining the warmth of brandy with the spicy sweetness of ginger ale.
Have You Tried These Yet?
Veep Cocktail
A sophisticated and smoky stirred cocktail balancing the earthiness of mezcal with the herbal complexity of Chartreuse and Cynar.
El Capitán Cocktail
A sophisticated Peruvian cocktail that masterfully blends the grape-based spirit pisco with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters.
Silent Third
A sophisticated classic cocktail that perfectly balances the smoky notes of Scotch whisky with the sweet citrus of Cointreau and the tartness of fresh lemon.
Zizz Cocktail
A delightful and obscure classic from the Savoy Cocktail Book, balancing gin's botanicals with sweet apricot and tangy citrus.