The Siesta Cocktail

The Siesta cocktail is a luxurious and modern drink that combines tequila, campari, grapefruit and lime. Consider us believers!

Hey cocktail connoisseurs, there’s a new drink in town. meet him Cocktail nap! This unexpected combination of tequila, campari and fresh citrus juice is deliciously intriguing. Each sip is balanced and refreshing, with a sweet and tart body and a hint of bitterness on the finish. One sip, we’re sold! Here’s more about this modern classic and why it’s one of the best ways to use your bottle of Campari.

What is a siesta cocktail?

The Siesta Cocktail is a contemporary cocktail made with tequila, campari, grapefruit juice, and lime juice. It was invented by New York mixologist Katie Stipe in 2006. Some might call it a play on the Hemingway Daiquiri, with grapefruit juice and lime. But the similarities end there! Instead of rum, there is tequila, a sweet, earthy spirit. Then add to the mix Campari, a bitter Italian aperitif traditionally used only in Italian cocktails.

But the contrasts work. This unique blend of Mexican and Italian liqueurs cleverly layers flavors so you can enjoy the magic of both. (It reminds us of another popular modern cocktail, the Paper Plane, which contrasts sweet bourbon and bitter Italian aperol.)

Find out more about Campari

Got a bottle of tequila but not sure about Campari? Definitely worth getting a bottle for this recipe. Here is the downlow on this popular Italian spirit:

• Campari is a bitter Italian liqueur containing a aperitif: a drink drunk before a meal. It is part of the Italian Amaro family (Amaro means “little bitter”). It was invented by Gaspare Campari in Novara, Italy in 1860.
• Campari is bright red in color. In fact, its red color originally came from a dye made from crushed insects! The modern recipe now uses artificial red coloring.
• How does Campari taste? It is bitter, fruity and spicy at the same time. It is enriched with various herbs and fruits, part of a secret recipe. It’s quite a strong flavor, but mixed with the Siesta Cocktail it’s perfectly balanced.

How to make a siesta cocktail: shake and strain!

The siesta cocktail is more than easy to prepare. Once you’ve got the ingredients together, all you need is a shaker. Here’s what to do:

• Shake: Put the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and then shake until very cold. (Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with a lid instead.)
• stump: Strain the drink into a cocktail glass. (Don’t have a cocktail strainer? Use a fine mesh strainer instead.)
• Garnish: If desired, add a citrus wedge for garnish. That’s it!

More modern classic cocktails

Do you like the idea behind this siesta cocktail? There are a few other modern drinks that we love that are similar to this one! If you like the siesta, you will like:

• The Paper Plane cocktail that combines bourbon, aperol, amaro and lemon
• The Jungle Bird, a delicious blend of dark rum, pineapple juice, campari and lime
• Fernet Sour, a combination of Fernet-Branca, Chartreuse and Linden

When to serve a siesta cocktail

The Siesta cocktail is a sophisticated and perfectly balanced drink, ideal for impressing friends. Serve as:

• Happy hour drink
• Drink at dinner
• Late night drinks
• Evening drink between boys or between girls
• Aperitif at aperitif time