The Siesta is a citrusy, tangy tequila creation that’s “here to raise you from the dead of winter,” says former drinks editor Alex Delaney: “To shout through a bullhorn made of fruit, sunshine, and booze that it’s time to wake the hell up.” Often overlooked next to heavy hitters like the margarita and paloma, the Siesta cocktail boasts a vivid coral color thanks to fresh lime and grapefruit juices, all acid and bright, plus Campari, which provides just a hint of herbal bitterness to keep things interesting.
Tequila blanco, which has a cooling, vegetal quality, is the base here (Alex recommends Pueblo Viejo or Cabeza). You will also need simple syrup, which is easy to make at home.
The Siesta is traditionally served in a coupe glass, but you needn’t be bound by convention. Strain your drink into any cocktail glass you like. Top it off with a lime wheel garnish for a juicier beverage with an extra zhuzh of tang; or if you prefer a hint more bitterness and aroma, go for a strip of grapefruit peel instead.
Recipe information
Total Time
3 minutes
Yield
Makes 1
Ingredients
2
¾
¾
½
½
Preparation
Step 1
Combine 2 oz. tequila blanco, ¾ oz. fresh lime juice, ¾ oz. simple syrup, ½ oz. Campari, and ½ oz. fresh grapefruit juice in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds.
Step 2
Strain cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer or a slotted spoon into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with lime wheel or grapefruit twist.
Editor’s note: This Siesta cocktail recipe was first printed in our May 2016 issue. Head this way for more of our favorite tequila cocktails →
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Reviews (14)
Back to TopI heard the podcast and knew I had to make this. It is so tasty! I threw a dinner party last night and was behind on making tortillas. Luckily I had prepped all ingredients on a tray and a guest mixed them up 3 at a time for me. Glad to have another awesome tequila cocktail alternative to a Margarita or Paloma.
Anonymous
Maine
9/7/2019
Crisp, balanced, and brightly refreshing. Tried experimenting with mezcal, 1/4 of Campari, and 1/4 saline (2:1 water to kosher salt)
jessewithane
Ottawa Canada
4/13/2020
So good! I didn't have grapefruit juice so I subbed orange juice and it was lovely. Such a great use for Campari.
Anna Marum
Portland, Oregon
5/17/2020
Squeezed a bunch of limes and was setting up to make a margarita then-- oh no! Out of Grand Marnier and Cointreau! Spotted the bottle of Campari in the back of the liquor shelf, did a quick search on the internet, found this recipe, and voila! Here's to the Siesta, my new new go-to home cocktail.
Anonymous
Los Angeles
9/25/2020
This was great-don't know why I saved it since I am not a tequila fan and my husband is not a campari fan-BUT we both loved it.
Anonymous
Belmont, NC
4/18/2021