Siesta cocktail

Siesta Cocktail

(0 ratings)

A modern classic cocktail created in 2006 by NYC bartender Katie Stipe, blending tequila blanco with Campari and fresh citrus for a refreshing, bittersweet drink with a beautiful coral-pink hue.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Coupe Glass

Keep screen on?

Recipe

1 cocktail (135ml)
  • Blanco Tequila 
    45 ml
  • Campari 
    15 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    15 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1) 
    15 ml
  • Fresh Grapefruit Juice 
    15 ml
  • Grapefruit 
    1 wheel
Recipe credit: Katie Stipe (2006)

Instructions

Step

Chill your coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while you prepare the drink.

Step

Add tequila blanco, Campari, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh grapefruit juice to a cocktail shaker.

Step

Fill the shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds until well chilled.

Step

Fine strain into the chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards and pulp.

Step

Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.

Equipment

Shaker
Jigger
Fine Mesh Strainer
Citrus juicer

Description

The Siesta is a brilliant modern interpretation that bridges the gap between a Margarita and a Hemingway Daiquiri. This sophisticated cocktail showcases the perfect harmony between tequila’s earthy agave notes, Campari’s bittersweet complexity, and the bright acidity of fresh citrus. Created as a summer sipper, its balanced profile makes it enjoyable year-round, offering both refreshment and depth in every sip.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (135ml)
Calories
165
ABV
22 %
Alcohol
18 g
Carbs
12 g
Carbs from Sugar
11 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.2 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Always use fresh citrus juices - bottled juices lack the brightness and complexity needed for this cocktail's perfect balance.

  • The Campari amount is crucial - even small variations can throw off the delicate sweet-sour-bitter balance, so measure precisely with a jigger.

  • Shake vigorously with plenty of ice to achieve proper dilution - this cocktail needs adequate dilution to marry the flavors and tame the Campari's intensity.

  • Try garnishing with a grapefruit peel instead of lime wheel for enhanced aroma and an extra touch of bitterness that complements the Campari beautifully.

While Campari is traditional and provides the signature flavor, you can substitute with Aperol for a lighter, less bitter version, or try other bitter liqueurs like Gran Classico, though the flavor profile will change significantly.

Blanco (silver) tequila is ideal as it provides clean agave flavor without the oak influence of aged tequilas. Choose a high-quality 100% agave blanco for the smoothest results – brands like Espolòn, Cimarron, or Fortaleza work excellently.

Start with the recipe as written, then adjust in small increments. If too tart, add 2-3ml more simple syrup. If too sweet, add a splash more lime juice. The grapefruit’s natural sweetness can vary, so taste and adjust accordingly.

The coral-pink color comes specifically from Campari. If your drink is too pale, you may need to check your Campari measurement or ensure you’re using genuine Campari rather than a substitute. The color should be a beautiful coral-pink when properly balanced.

Leave the first comment

Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

Okay

Recipe notes

Create a free account 

My Bar, saved forever
Without an account, your ingredients are only stored in cookies and can disappear. With an account, your bar is saved securely – so you can always see which recipes you can craft (or almost craft) based on what you have at home.

Rate recipes
Share your opinion and help other cocktail lovers discover the best recipes.

Favourites at your fingertips
Save your go-to cocktails for quick access right from your account page.

Personal notes
Add your own tweaks, tips, or reminders to any recipe – perfect if you like to experiment or record what worked best.

Exclusive newsletter
Opt-in for insights into mixology, cocktail theory, and home bartending – plus stay updated when new recipes are added.

Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Blanco Tequila
    45 ml
  • Campari
    15 ml
  • Lime Juice
    15 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1)
    15 ml
  • Fresh Grapefruit Juice
    15 ml
  • Grapefruit
    1 wheel

Method

  1. Chill your coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while you prepare the drink.
  2. Add tequila blanco, Campari, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh grapefruit juice to a cocktail shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Fine strain into the chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards and pulp.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.