The Siesta Cocktail: A Citrus-Lover’s Delight
When it comes to cocktails, we always gravitate toward something light and refreshing, especially with a citrusy punch. Our first encounter with The Siesta cocktail was on a sweltering summer evening at a charming little bar during our trip to California. My wife and I were looking for something different—something beyond the usual margarita. One sip of this beautifully pink drink, with its bright blend of grapefruit, lime, and a subtle bitter kick, had us hooked. Back home, we knew we had to recreate this vibrant cocktail that felt like a vacation in a glass.
Table of Contents
- About The Siesta Cocktail
- Why You’ll Enjoy The Siesta Cocktail
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make The Siesta Cocktail
- Have It Your Way
- Nutritional Facts
- Health Benefits
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- The Siesta Cocktail Recipe
About The Siesta Cocktail
The Siesta cocktail is a modern classic, credited to New York bartender Katie Stipe. It’s a riff on the classic Hemingway Daiquiri but adds a unique twist with Campari, a bitter Italian aperitif. The balance of tequila’s earthy warmth, the tartness of grapefruit and lime, and Campari’s bold edge make this drink a standout. Though it feels indulgent, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a perfect addition to any cocktail repertoire.
Why You’ll Enjoy The Siesta Cocktail
- Balanced Flavors: This cocktail is perfectly balanced between sweet, sour, and bitter.
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, it’s quick to mix up for an impromptu happy hour.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its bright color and sophisticated flavor profile make it an instant hit at gatherings.
- Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness, bitterness, or tartness to your liking.
Key Ingredients
- Tequila: The star of this cocktail! A good Blanco tequila works best for its clean and crisp flavor.
- Campari: Adds a bitter complexity that balances the sweetness of the fruit juices.
- Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best for that vibrant citrusy punch.
- Lime Juice: Adds brightness and an essential tart note.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the cocktail and brings all the flavors together.
- Ice: For shaking and serving, ensuring every sip is perfectly chilled.
How To Make The Siesta Cocktail
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice an shake until chilled.
- Pour into a chilled Martini Glass.
Have It Your Way
One of the joys of The Siesta cocktail is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can make it your own:
- Change the Base: Swap tequila for mezcal if you love a smoky twist.
- Amp Up the Sweetness: Add a splash of agave syrup instead of simple syrup for a richer sweetness.
- Experiment with Bitters: Substitute Aperol for Campari if you prefer a less bitter flavor.
- Make It a Mocktail: Skip the alcohol and use sparkling water, grapefruit juice, lime, and a dash of bitters for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown for one serving of The Siesta cocktail:
- Calories: 150-180
- Carbs: 10-12 grams
- Sugars: 8-10 grams
- Alcohol Content: Varies based on tequila quantity.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamin C: The grapefruit and lime juices provide a healthy dose of immune-boosting vitamin C.
- Low in Added Sugar: When made with fresh juices and a touch of simple syrup, this cocktail is relatively light.
- Digestive Benefits: Campari has been traditionally used as a digestive aid in Italy, making this drink perfect as an aperitif.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
The Siesta Cocktail Recipe
The Siesta Cocktail: A Citrus-Lover’s Delight
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Blanco Tequila
- 0.5 oz Campari
- 0.5 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 0.75 oz Lime Juice
- 0.75 oz Simple Syrup
- Pinch of Sea Salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice an shake until chilled.
- Pour into a chilled Martini Glass.
Notes
- Fresh Juice is Key: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice.
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes for an extra frosty experience.
- Garnish Matters: A slice of grapefruit or a twist of lime peel elevates the presentation.
Video
Nutrition
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