A Glamorous Evening…
As the founder of Luxama Travel, I’ve had the opportunity to attend some truly memorable events, but the 1st Annual Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week was something else entirely. The opening party was hosted on September 22nd, 2022, at the stunning Giardini del Fuenti, an incredible event garden space perfect for weddings and elegant celebrations. This was an unforgettable evening celebrating the art of cocktails and the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in the charming town of Vietri sul Mare. Let me tell you—it was nothing short of spectacular!
Me with my Friend, Timea
Meeting the Masters of Mixology
One of the highlights of the evening was chatting with Lorenzo from Altamura Distilleries, the spokesperson behind some of the finest vodka I’ve tasted. Afterward, I had the pleasure of speaking with Antonio Ferrara, a spectacular barman from the Aman Venice—someone I was thrilled to reconnect with, as he had served my clients during a private dinner at the iconic Aman. His passion for mixology was evident as he shared his experiences and knowledge of high-end cocktails.
Aman in Venice
Lorenzo
The night was filled with standout drinks, but a few truly stole the show:
“Secret of the Sea” from the Majestic Palace Hotel was the first to blow me away. With a unique blend of ingredients like Altamura Distilleries Vodka, Aloe Vera, Fermented Uva Isabella, Lychee, and a mix of green apple, lemon juice, and chili syrup, it was a bold and elegant cocktail that perfectly captured the essence of the Amalfi Coast.
Another favorite came from Misture Cocktail Bar: a delicious alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz called Garibaldi. It featured Cordusio, Colesel Prato Scuro DOCG Brut, and Cordiale di Arancia—a refreshing and slightly bitter cocktail that was a delightful twist on a classic.
The final standout drink came from Habitat Drink Room. Their Verde Messicano, a potent mix of Mezcal, Tequila, Monin Sciroppo Agave, Monin PURE Green Apple, and lime, was a stronger, zestier version of a Margarita. It was the perfect way to end the night, leaving a lasting impression with its smoky yet refreshing flavor.
A Special Invitation and Lovely Encounters
I owe a special thanks to my lovely follower Sharla Ault, who kindly invited me to this event. Known for her influence in the cocktail scene, I was “Sharlafied” during the evening—a delightful experience as she shared her insights into the world of mixology.
I was also fortunate to meet Paola Mencarelli, the magic behind the event. Paola, who has worked for Gambero Rosso and organizes other cocktail weeks in Florence, Venice, and Cortina, brought her visionary expertise to the Amalfi Coast for this incredible gathering. Her passion for curating top-tier cocktail experiences shone through every detail of the evening.
And to top it off, I had the pleasure of meeting Forest Collins, an American author living in Paris and an academy chair at The World’s 50 Best Bars. She shared some fantastic recommendations for my upcoming trip to Paris, which I’ll definitely be exploring soon!
Looking Forward to the Future
As I reflect on the night, the 1st Annual Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week was a perfect blend of luxury, creativity, and community. Vietri sul Mare, with its stunning views and intimate setting, made this event one for the books. For those of you interested in the ultimate luxury experiences along the Amalfi Coast, you can always reach out to Luxama Travel—and stay tuned for my next adventure in Paris!
For those interested in experiencing this incredible celebration of mixology firsthand, Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week is open to the public! You can reserve your spot online in advance and explore the full calendar of events, running from September 22 to September 29, 2024. Take a look at the event schedule here and don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in the finest cocktails along the Amalfi Coast!
Cheers to many more cocktail-filled evenings along the Amalfi Coast!
Sarah L. Thompson is the CEO and Founder of Luxama Travel, a luxury travel agency specializing in bespoke vacations across Italy and Europe. As a US expat living on the Amalfi Coast, Sarah shares her experiences as a content creator, offering insider insights into the best of Italian luxury, travel, and lifestyle. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok for more on living la dolce vita.
