Siesta Cocktail Recipe

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.