Siesta

The SIESTA is a Campari and tequila mix that presents a sweet citrusy tartness more likely to refresh than put you to sleep … even if the sleepy-guy picture above suggests otherwise. The name is more likely given as a nod to Mexico and the tequila. The standout flavors are lime and grapefruit juice with the hint of Campari bitter. This is an ingenious, complex and delicious tequila mix.

Requirements: silver tequila (blanco), Campari, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, lime wheel or grapefruit wedge for garnish

• 2 oz. silver tequila
• 1/2 oz. Campari
• 1/2 oz. grapefruit juice
• 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 1 lime wheel or grapefruit wedge

Combine liquid ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coup glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or grapefruit wedge.

History: NYC bartender Katie Stipe created this 2006 mix as a tequila answer to the Hemingway Daiquiri. Instead of rum it’s tequila, and instead of Maraschino liqueur it’s Campari. Both are very limey drinks. At the time when it was created, tequila was rarely used for anything more than the Margarita or Tequila Sunrise and tequila not given the respect to go further.

Comments: The lime juice and simple syrup can be adjusted to suit personal preference of sweet versus tart. Since Campari only comprises about 12% of the Siesta mix, it shouldn’t throw off people who have a problem with Campari. In fact the Campari provides balance and complexity without interfering.

Similar Cocktails:

Tequini — https://keetscocktails.com/tequini-2/

Margarita Bartaco — https://keetscocktails.com/margarita-bartaco-2/

Hemingway Daiquiri — https://keetscocktails.com/hemingway-daiquiri/