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A Little Liquor In Your Espresso Is The Italian Way In Ischia

Where: Ischia, Italy
July 22, 2009 at 4:44 PM | by | Comment (1)

Last we left off with our Summer SIgnature Cocktails Map, we were divulging our secret Venice watering hole. Well, from the north of Italy to the sunny southern coasts, this time we travel in search of good drink on the island of Ischia, a far better alternative to visiting tourist-infested Capri.

Here is a huge tip for summer Italy travel: if you're in the cities and noticing that many business are completely closed and tourist sites have more restricted hours than normal, it's because most of the month of August and some of early September is the Ferragosto, a nearly month-long vacation which causes Italians to skip town for their islands and beaches. And if it's Ferragosto, then they're indulging in the usual morning coffee, but with a special little addition of a shot of the strong liquor Grappa.

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A Cafe Corretto, as this espresso drink spiked with grappa is called, is as ubiquitous at casual breakfast joints as it is at more formal cocktail hour bars. Nonetheless, Ischia's Bar Calise is the place to down one as they've been serving them since 1925; 1960 at their present location. It's a typical Italian bar, meaning they serve food throughout the day as well as drinks, and it's situated at a primo spot for people watching on the Piazza degli Eroi.

If a ferry to Ischia from the Amalfi Coast isn't in your immediate future, it is possible to easily begin your day with a Cafe Corretto anyhow. Here's the way:

· Brew up 2 shots of espresso (or buy some from your local coffeeshop)
· Add one shot of grappa, or substitute brandy if you're not feeling fancy
· If you want it freddo or cold, then pour it over ice into a glass and serve

Related Stories:
· Bar Calise Ischia[Official Site]
· Summer Cocktails Map [Jaunted]

[Photo: Bar Calise]



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Veneto is king of the corretto

If you think Ischia likes a caffè corretto, you need to visit the Veneto countryside more. There you literally have to ask for a "caffè lisco" -- or straight coffee -- to get a regular espresso. Otherwise, local custom presumes it's a corretto by default.
swag on July 23, 2009 at 1:53 AM #Permalink
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