What (and Where) to Drink

The dramatic landscape of the Amalfi Coast is seductive and mystical — cloud-peaked mountains plunge into the impossibly clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea while vibrant architecture stacks along the foliage. The sights and smells linger in a memory like a dream for years as a place that is almost too perfect to be real. The sleepy and luxurious towns that make up the Amalfi Coastline the south-western boot of Italy just above the toe (not far from Naples). The coast includes Sorrento, Positano, Praiano, Maiori, and the town of Amalfi.

The Amalfi Coast’s freshly caught, boat to table seafood and pizza are just as enticing for travelers as the stunning landscape and warm weather. Around each stone-lined street is a new casual café or restaurant to find one of the best meals of your life — no matter where you decide to eat, it won’t be a disappointment. These sleepy villages casually boast close to 25 Michelin-starred restaurants and pour enough local prosecco to impress any sommelier.

Ready to start planning a visit? Here’s where and what to drink on the Amalfi Coast.

What to Drink:

Prosecco 

Imagine sitting in a beach chaise hearing the waves crashing on a smooth black pebbled beach. Now imagine the same scene with a flute of bubbly in hand. Better, right? Prosecco is Italy’s sparkling wine that traces back to the days of the Romans. It’s a crisp, refreshing, and versatile drink that can (and should) be enjoyed before, during, and after dinner.

Limoncello

The Amalfi region of Italy is known as sfusato amalfitano, or cultivator of lemons. They are grown in terraced gardens along the entire coast each February to October adding a subtle fragrance to the region. Since there are so many lemons, limoncello (a lemon liqueur) has become a staple for an after dinner digestivo. Limoncello is served chilled and its sweetness combined with a little vodka and a splash of soda creates the perfect cool down after a long day at the beach.

 Negroni

 The Negroni is a fortified aperitivo cocktail sipped before dinner.  It’s comprised of equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth and garnished with a twist of orange peel. The rumored origin is that Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender friend, Forsco Scarselli, to strengthen his favorite cocktail the Americano, an Italian favorite, by replacing the soda water with gin. This cocktail is perfect for sipping while admiring the sun setting over the small fishing boats and yachts.

Bellini

 Most Americans like a Mimosa for their morning drink of choice. When exploring the Amalfi coast, opt for a Bellini — a Champagne flute of prosecco and peach juice. It’s the perfect accompaniment to strong Italian espresso and a cornetto, a croissant. There’s nothing better than a lazy morning sipping a delightful Bellini in good company while feeling the warm Mediterranean sun on your face.

 Aperol Spritz

 It’s impossible to go to Italy and not notice the after-work crowd piling into the nearest café and transition from work to play one Aperol Spritz at a time. The popular aperitivo cocktail is simply made in a large wine glass filled with crushed ice, Aperol (an Italian amaro), prosecco, and club soda. It’s nearly impossible to mess up an Aperol Spritz, so just stroll up to any beachside shack and order the refreshing and beloved drink of Italians.