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Why I Love a Siesta Cocktail
When the weather warms up and the citrus starts piling up on my kitchen counter, I know it’s time for one thing: cocktails that feel refreshing without being too sweet. This siesta cocktail hits the mark every time. It’s light, it’s punchy, and it’s a little bit unexpected, which is perfect in a cocktail.
The first time I made this cocktail was for a backyard dinner. If you know me, you know I always love a good margarita—especially a spicy one—but I wanted to switch things up without straying too far from my love of tequila. I had some extra citrus from the store and knew I had to give this a try.
After one sip, I knew this was a drink I’d be making again and again. I think you will be, too!
What Is a Siesta Cocktail?
Think of this drink as a modern riff on a margarita but with a twist. It was created by New York bartender Katie Stipe in the early 2000s and has been winning over citrus and tequila lovers ever since. What sets it apart is the addition of Campari, an Italian aperitif that brings a subtle bitterness and depth of flavor. It’s the ingredient that turns this from just another fruit-forward drink into something balanced, sippable, and grown-up.
Siesta Cocktail Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cocktail:
- Tequila blanco – Use a good-quality blanco that’s smooth. Personally, I love Lalo tequila!
- Campari – This is what gives the cocktail its bitter bite and gorgeous pink hue.
- Fresh lime juice – Bright and tart to balance everything out.
- Fresh grapefruit juice – Adds depth, a touch of bitterness, and a citrusy punch.
- Simple syrup or agave – Adjust based on how sweet you like your cocktails.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make a Siesta Cocktail
Shake it up. In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, Campari, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup or agave. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled, about 1 minute.
Serve it right away. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a strip of grapefruit zest or wedge for a simple, sunny finish.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
Whether you’re already a tequila fan or just looking for something fresh and unexpected, the Siesta delivers.
- It’s not too sweet. Fresh juice + a touch of bitterness = balance.
- It’s beautiful in the glass, with a soft coral-pink color that just looks like summer.
- It feels fancy but comes together in five minutes or less.
What to Serve With a Siesta Cocktail
This cocktail plays beautifully with bold, summery dishes. Try it with:
- Tex-Mex fish tacos – The tequila and citrus complement seafood so well.
- Fresh guacamole and chips – Always a good idea, right?
- Citrus chicken salad – Light, bright, and packed with flavor—it echoes the cocktail’s zing.
- Grilled pineapple salsa – Sweet and just a little spicy, which is perfect for scooping or spooning over grilled meats or eating with chips.
More Cocktail Recipes
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
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Siesta Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz tequila blanco
- ½ oz Campari
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz simple syrup or agave
Instructions
- Prepare: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, Campari, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake until it is well chilled, 1 minute.1 ½ oz tequila blanco, ½ oz Campari, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, ½ oz simple syrup or agave
- Serve: Strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a strip of grapefruit zest and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Dera Burreson
