Siesta Cocktail Recipe

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Siesta Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Siesta cocktail is a modern classic, created by Katie Stipe, a renowned mixologist from New York. This cocktail is a delightful blend of tequila, Campari, fresh lime and grapefruit juice, and simple syrup. It's a perfect choice for those who enjoy a refreshing, citrusy cocktail with a hint of bitterness. The Siesta is often enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening, hence its name.

How Siesta Tastes?

The Siesta cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The tequila provides a smooth, earthy base, while the Campari adds a hint of bitterness. The fresh lime and grapefruit juices add a refreshing, citrusy tang, and the simple syrup balances out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.

Interesting facts about Siesta

  • The Siesta cocktail was created by Katie Stipe, a renowned mixologist from New York.
  • Despite its name, the Siesta is not a traditional Mexican cocktail. It's a modern creation with a nod to classic tequila-based drinks.
  • The Siesta is often enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening, hence its name.

Ingredients

Tequila - 2 oz

Why? The base spirit - it gives the Siesta its backbone and a kick. Too much, and it will overpower the drink; too little, and the cocktail becomes a fruity soft sipper. Play it well, my friend!

Mary Mitkina

Campari - 0.5 oz

Why? It brings a unique bittersweet flavor that gives the Siesta its distinct character. Skip it and say goodbye to complexity, as there is no direct substitute for its ruby red charm.

Emma Rose

Fresh Lime Juice - 0.5 oz

Why? It’s the zesty life of the party that brings balance. Miss out on it, and you'll be left with a sweet mess. Too much, and it puckers up to a sour fest.

Alex Green

Fresh Grapefruit Juice - 0.5 oz

Why? Bitter meets sweet here, marrying well with the rest of the components. Without it, the cocktail would lose its rounded profile. Grapefruit's cousin, the pomelo, might flirt well as a substitute, giving a milder twist.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup - 0.5 oz

Why? It's the peacemaker between tang and bitter. Forget it, and the balance shifts to a tart standoff. But beware the sweet trap; too much can cloy at your palate.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Siesta Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the tequila, Campari, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality tequila for the best flavor.
  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Serve in a chilled glass to keep the cocktail cool.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood: The acidity and the bitterness of the cocktail cut through the richness of dishes like grilled shrimp or a ceviche, complementing the flavors.

Salads: Light garden or citrus salads with a vinaigrette dressing would pair delightfully with the Siesta's bright flavors.

Poultry: A dish like chicken tacos or a tangy BBQ chicken pairs well as the cocktail's citrus notes can mirror marinades and sauces.

Cheese: A cheese platter featuring aged cheeses such as manchego could nicely balance the sweet-bitter profile of the Siesta.

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What you could change in Siesta

If you don't have Campari, you can substitute it with another bitter aperitif like Aperol. If you don't have fresh grapefruit juice, you can use bottled grapefruit juice, but the taste may not be as fresh.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Mezcal Siesta

  • Ingredients: Replace tequila with mezcal.
  • Recipe: Just like the original, but the smoke signals from mezcal deliver an earthy punch.
  • Taste: The smokiness complements the citrus and bitterness, creating a more robust and mysterious Siesta.

Siesta Sangrita

  • Ingredients: Add a dash of hot sauce and a splash of orange juice.
  • Recipe: Build upon the original with these fiery and fruity additions.
  • Taste: A spicier kick, warming the soul and adding another layer of flavor complexity.

Hibiscus Siesta

  • Ingredients: Brew some hibiscus tea and cool it down for the mix.
  • Recipe: Use the tea in place of simple syrup for an exotic twist.
  • Taste: Tart and floral notes dance with the existing flavors, turning the cocktail into a tropical sensation.

In case you forgot basics how to make Siesta

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Siesta

What type of tequila works best in the Siesta?

A siesta typically calls for a Blanco or Silver tequila due to it's pure, clean flavor.

What kind of cocktail is a Siesta considered?

The Siesta is a variation of a sour cocktail.

Is the Siesta a well-known classic cocktail?

While the Siesta is considered a modern classic, it isn't as widely known as other classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?

While it's possible to use bottled lime juice, fresh lime juice is highly recommended for the best taste.

Can the campari be left out if I do not like it's bitterness?

The campari can be left out or reduced, but the cocktail will lose some of its characteristic bitterness.

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