Siesta Cocktail Drink

Siesta Cocktail

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Want a refreshing drink? Try making this Siesta Cocktail recipe! It’s full of fresh ingredients and super easy to whip up.

Siesta Cocktail Recipe

Unwind with this simple Siesta Cocktail recipe! Crafted with Tequila, grapefruit juice, Campari, lime and a hint of sugar, this refreshing drink is ideal for spring.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

217 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Tequila
  • ½ oz Campari
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Grapefruit slice or twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Coupe Glass
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill a coupe glass with ice and set it aside.
  • Add Sugar: Pour ½ oz simple syrup into the shaker.
  • Add Lime Juice: Add ½ oz fresh lime juice.
  • Add Grapefruit Juice: Add ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice.
  • Add Campari: Measure and pour ½ oz Campari into the shaker as well.
  • Add Tequila: Finally, add 2 oz Tequila to the mix.
  • Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Strain: Discard the ice inside the coupe glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the ice filled glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a grapefruit peel or slice and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you're out of Tequila, try using mezcal for a smoky flavor or a white rum for a lighter, sweeter profile.
  • Campari: If Campari's bitterness differs from your liking, Aperol is an excellent alternative with its lighter, more citrusy flavor.
  • Fresh Juices: I've used bottled juices in a pinch, but nothing beats the taste of fresh-squeezed.
  • Simple Syrup: You can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat or using agave nectar for a different sweetness.

Making a Pitcher of Siesta Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Tequila, 4 oz of Campari, 4 oz of fresh lime juice, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 4 oz of grapefruit juice.
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice and stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture and store it in the fridge. When needed pour the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a grapefruit slice or twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several on the market do a good job mimicking Tequila's unique flavor.
  • Campari Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic aperitif or make a simple syrup infused with grapefruit peel, gentian root and rhubarb.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Simple Syrup: Ensure your simple syrup is made with sugar that is not processed with animal derived products. Alternatively, use agave nectar as a vegan-friendly sweetener.
  • Liquor: Make sure to check the label or to check directly with the producer as some liqueurs and spirits are processed with animal products.
  • Proceed As Usual: With this adjustment, your Siesta Cocktail will be vegan-friendly. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories
217
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.02
g
0
%
Sodium
 
9
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
17
g
6
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
12
g
13
%
Potassium
 
50
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
8
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
5
mg
1
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Siesta Cocktail Drink

Siesta Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Unwind with this simple Siesta Cocktail recipe! Crafted with Tequila, grapefruit juice, Campari, lime and a hint of sugar, this refreshing drink is ideal for spring.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 217

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Tequila
  • ½ oz Campari
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Grapefruit slice or twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Coupe Glass
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill a coupe glass with ice and set it aside.
  • Add Sugar: Pour ½ oz simple syrup into the shaker.
  • Add Lime Juice: Add ½ oz fresh lime juice.
  • Add Grapefruit Juice: Add ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice.
  • Add Campari: Measure and pour ½ oz Campari into the shaker as well.
  • Add Tequila: Finally, add 2 oz Tequila to the mix.
  • Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Strain: Discard the ice inside the coupe glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the ice filled glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a grapefruit peel or slice and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you're out of Tequila, try using mezcal for a smoky flavor or a white rum for a lighter, sweeter profile.
  • Campari: If Campari's bitterness differs from your liking, Aperol is an excellent alternative with its lighter, more citrusy flavor.
  • Fresh Juices: I've used bottled juices in a pinch, but nothing beats the taste of fresh-squeezed.
  • Simple Syrup: You can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat or using agave nectar for a different sweetness.

Making a Pitcher of Siesta Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Tequila, 4 oz of Campari, 4 oz of fresh lime juice, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 4 oz of grapefruit juice.
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice and stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture and store it in the fridge. When needed pour the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a grapefruit slice or twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several on the market do a good job mimicking Tequila's unique flavor.
  • Campari Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic aperitif or make a simple syrup infused with grapefruit peel, gentian root and rhubarb.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Simple Syrup: Ensure your simple syrup is made with sugar that is not processed with animal derived products. Alternatively, use agave nectar as a vegan-friendly sweetener.
  • Liquor: Make sure to check the label or to check directly with the producer as some liqueurs and spirits are processed with animal products.
  • Proceed As Usual: With this adjustment, your Siesta Cocktail will be vegan-friendly. Enjoy!

What is a Siesta Cocktail?

A Siesta Cocktail is a tequila-based classic cocktail made of Campari, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice. This cocktail is relatively easy to make as it involves a straightforward process of mixing the ingredients in the right proportions.  The Siesta is also known for its vibrant pinkish color from the Campari, making it not only delicious but visually appealing.

A side shot of a Siesta cocktail in a coupe glass on a turquoise surface surrounded by a shaker and a light green bowl with lime and pomegranate wedges

What is a Siesta Cocktail made of – The ingredients

Ready to make a Siesta Cocktail? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Tequila: The cocktail’s base spirit provides a strong, robust flavor.
  • Campari: An Italian bitter aperitif adds a touch of bitterness and a vibrant red color.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the sweetness and bitterness.
  • Simple Syrup: Sweetens the cocktail and helps to blend the flavors.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Gives a tangy citrus note, enhancing the overall freshness of the drink.

Tequila, Campari, lime juice, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, sugar cubes, grapefruit and lime laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Siesta Cocktail?

Learn the method of creating a Siesta Cocktail with our easy-to-follow steps:

1
<p>Start by chilling a coupe glass, to do so stir some ice in it and set it aside.</p>

Start by chilling a coupe glass, to do so stir some ice in it and set it aside.

2
<p>Pour in 1/2 ounce of simple syrup into the shaker. This will sweeten your cocktail, rounding out the flavors and making it more palatable.</p>

Pour in 1/2 ounce of simple syrup into the shaker. This will sweeten your cocktail, rounding out the flavors and making it more palatable.

3
<p>Follow this with 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice. The lime juice will add a tangy zest to your cocktail, complementing the bitterness of the Campari.</p>

Follow this with 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice. The lime juice will add a tangy zest to your cocktail, complementing the bitterness of the Campari.

4
<p>Add 1/2 ounce of fresh grapefruit juice. The grapefruit juice will provide a refreshing citrus note, adding complexity to your Siesta Cocktail.</p>

Add 1/2 ounce of fresh grapefruit juice. The grapefruit juice will provide a refreshing citrus note, adding complexity to your Siesta Cocktail.

5
<p>Add 1/2 ounce of Campari to the shaker. The Campari will give your cocktail a bitter edge, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.</p>

Add 1/2 ounce of Campari to the shaker. The Campari will give your cocktail a bitter edge, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.

6
<p>Pour in 2 ounces of silver Tequila into the shaker. The Tequila serves as the base spirit for the Siesta Cocktail, providing a robust and earthy flavor.</p>

Pour in 2 ounces of silver Tequila into the shaker. The Tequila serves as the base spirit for the Siesta Cocktail, providing a robust and earthy flavor.

7
<p>Fill your shaker with ice cubes.</p>

Fill your shaker with ice cubes.

8
<p>Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This will mix all the ingredients, ensuring the flavors are well combined.</p>

Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This will mix all the ingredients, ensuring the flavors are well combined.

9
<p>Fine strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass. This will remove the ice and pulp from the fruit juices, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.</p>

Fine strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass. This will remove the ice and pulp from the fruit juices, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.

10
<p>Express a grapefruit on top of the drink, to release the oils. This will add a subtle hint of grapefruit flavor to each sip.</p>

Express a grapefruit on top of the drink, to release the oils. This will add a subtle hint of grapefruit flavor to each sip.

11
<p>Finally, garnish your Siesta Cocktail with the grapefruit twist, placing it over the rim of the glass. This will make your cocktail look more appealing,</p>

Finally, garnish your Siesta Cocktail with the grapefruit twist, placing it over the rim of the glass. This will make your cocktail look more appealing,

Variations

Looking for unique twists? Here are several that we especially enjoy:

  • Tropical Twist: Add pineapple juice and a hint of coconut cream to the classic Siesta base. This infusion brings a vacation-like vibe, transforming the original into a more exotic and creamy delight. I love how the tropical flavors make this version feel like a mini-getaway with each sip.
  • Berry Bliss: Muddle fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, which infuse the drink with a vibrant burst of fruitiness. The berries add a fresh, juicy layer that complements the tangy grapefruit and the smooth tequila, creating a more complex and refreshing experience.
  • Sunset Siesta: Introduce a splash of cranberry juice to the mix, adding a vibrant color and a slightly tart twist. This small addition enhances the visual appeal and adds another dimension of flavor, making the drink both beautiful and delicious. I particularly enjoy the cranberry’s tartness, which balances the sweetness perfectly.

History and Origin of the Siesta Cocktail

The Siesta Cocktail first made its appearance in the cocktail world in 2006. It was born from the creative mind of Katie Stipe, a renowned mixologist. At that time, she worked at Flatiron Lounge in New York City, known for its innovative and delicious cocktails.

Stipe decided to use the mix of lime juice and grapefruit juice taken from the Hemingway daiquiri and to add Tequila, the famous Mexican spirit and   Campari, an Italian bitter aperitif. The result was a cocktail that was both refreshing and complex.

She named her creation “Siesta,” which means nap or rest in Spanish. This name perfectly captures the laid-back vibe of this cocktail. It’s easy to imagine sipping on a Siesta Cocktail while lounging under the sun on a lazy afternoon.

A Siesta cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a beige surface surrounded by Tequila, Campari, lime juice, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, sugar cubes, grapefruit and lime

 

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FAQ

How many calories does a Siesta Cocktail contain?
A standard serving of a Siesta Cocktail contains approximately 200 calories. However, this can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of alcohol used.
How strong is a Siesta Cocktail?
The strength of a Siesta Cocktail depends on the ratio of its ingredients. Typically, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of around 15%, translating to 30 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Siesta Cocktail?
The primary alcohol in a Siesta Cocktail is Tequila. It's typically made with silver or blanco tequila, which gives the drink its distinctive flavor. A touch of Campari is added for a complex final result.
In what type of glass is a Siesta Cocktail served?
Traditionally, a Siesta Cocktail is served in a coupe glass. This glass's wide rim and shallow bowl allow for the perfect sipping experience.
What does a Siesta Cocktail taste like?
A Siesta Cocktail offers a complex blend of flavors. The Tequila provides an earthy base, while the Campari adds bitterness. Fresh lime juice and grapefruit juice bring acidity and tartness, and simple syrup balances everything with sweetness. Overall, it's refreshing with a slightly bitter edge.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Siesta Cocktail?
The typical ratio for a Siesta Cocktail is 2 parts tequila, 1/2 part Campari, 1/2 part fresh lime juice, 1/2 part grapefruit juice, and 1/2 part simple syrup. This balance ensures that no single flavor overpowers the others.
How is a Siesta Cocktail served with ice?
A Siesta Cocktail is usually shaken with ice and then strained into your glass. This method chills the drink quickly and blends the flavors effectively.
Is there any particular time or occasion to enjoy a Siesta Cocktail?
While there's no hard and fast rule, the Siesta Cocktail is often enjoyed as an aperitif due to its refreshing and slightly bitter taste. It's also a popular choice for summer parties and gatherings.

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