Siesta

The Siesta is a modern classic that brilliantly combines tequila with Italian aperitivo culture, creating a unique Mexican-Italian fusion cocktail. Created in 2006 by Katie Stipe at Flatiron Lounge in New York City, the Siesta was inspired by the classic Hemingway Daiquiri but substitutes tequila for rum and adds Campari for bitter complexity. The cocktail combines blanco tequila, Campari, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice, and simple syrup, shaken and served up in a coupe glass. The result is a beautifully balanced drink that showcases tequila's agave character, Campari's herbal bitterness, and the bright acidity of dual citrus. The name "Siesta" perfectly captures the drink's essence—it's refreshing and revitalizing like an afternoon rest, with the bitter-sweet-tart balance that awakens the palate. The Siesta represents the mid-2000s craft cocktail movement's creativity and willingness to combine ingredients from different cocktail traditions. The drink demonstrates that Campari works beautifully beyond Italian classics like Negronis and Americanos. The grapefruit-Campari combination creates synergy—grapefruit's natural bitterness complements Campari while its sweetness balances the bitter notes. The Siesta has become a modern classic staple, appearing on cocktail menus globally and inspiring variations. The drink appeals to Margarita lovers seeking something more complex and Negroni enthusiasts wanting citrus-forward refreshment. The Siesta embodies contemporary cocktail culture's fusion approach, tequila's versatility in craft cocktails, and the successful marriage of Mexican agave spirits with Italian bitter liqueurs. It showcases how modern bartenders create new classics by thoughtfully combining established ingredients in innovative ways while maintaining proper balance and drinkability.