Can I batch this cocktail for a party?

Yes! Just scale up the ingredients, mix them in a pitcher, and refrigerate. Serve over ice as guests arrive. Give it a good stir before pouring so the cream stays blended.

Can I use reposado tequila instead of blanco?

Absolutely! Reposado will add a touch of oak and vanilla, giving the Siesta a richer, more nuanced flavor. Just keep in mind it will slightly alter the cocktail's fresh, zesty profile.

What can I use if I don't have Campari?

If you don't have Campari, you can substitute another red Italian aperitif like Aperol (for a lighter, sweeter flavor) or Cappelletti. The result will be less bitter, but still delicious.

Is it necessary to use fresh juices?

Fresh juices make a huge difference in the Siesta—bottled juice can taste flat or overly sweet. If you have the option, always squeeze your own citrus for the brightest, most refreshing flavor.

Siesta

Name: Siesta
Prep time: 4 min
Total time: 4 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila (blanco or silver); 0.5 oz Fresh grapefruit juice; 0.5 oz Fresh lime juice; 0.5 oz Campari; 0.5 oz Simple syrup

The Siesta is a playful, citrus-forward tequila cocktail that blends the boldness of agave with the tartness of grapefruit and lime, all rounded out with a hint of bitters and sweetness. Imagine a sunny afternoon nap (a 'siesta') in a glass—refreshing, vibrant, and just adventurous enough to become your new favorite.

4 minutesEasy1 serving

Featured

Ingredients

1 serving

Tequila (blanco or silver)
60 ml (2 oz)
Choose a good-quality blanco for clean agave flavor
Fresh grapefruit juice
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Fresh-squeezed for best taste
Fresh lime juice
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Fresh-squeezed
Campari
15 ml (0.5 oz)
For a touch of bitter complexity
Simple syrup
15 ml (0.5 oz)
1:1 sugar to water syrup

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Fine mesh strainer
Citrus juicer
Rocks glass

Instructions

Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, Campari, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a thin grapefruit wedge or a lime wheel.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Perfect balance of bitter, tart, and sweet flavors.
A refreshing twist on tequila that's not a Margarita or Paloma.
Easy to make with common bar ingredients.
Bright, vibrant color that looks stunning in the glass.
Appeals to both tequila lovers and cocktail explorers alike.

History & Origin

The Siesta cocktail was created in 2006 by New York bartender Katie Stipe at the famed NYC bar, Flatiron Lounge. Inspired by the classic Hemingway Daiquiri and the Paloma, Stipe wanted to showcase tequila in a more modern, approachable way. By mixing it with Campari, grapefruit, and lime, she crafted a drink that balances bitter, sour, and sweet notes, making it a staple for cocktail enthusiasts who love to explore beyond the basics.

Garnish

A thin wedge of grapefruit or a lime wheel, which adds a pop of color and enhances the citrus aroma with every sip.

Nutrition Info

Approx. 170 calories per serving. Contains ~15g carbohydrates (mainly from fruit juice and syrup), negligible fat and protein, and about 15% ABV.

Frequently Asked Questions

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