Excerpted from Cocktail Italiano The Definitive Guide to Aperitivo: Drinks, Nibbles, and Tales of the Italian Riviera by Annette Joseph. Copyright 2018 by Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
“Aperitivo” or “apero” is an integral part of Italian lifestyle―it is the daily ritual of meeting late afternoon or early evening for a cocktail and a few nibbles. Renowned food styling and entertaining expert, and one of The Salonniere’s 100 Best Party Hosts, Annette Joseph is an experienced, authentic guide to la dolce vita of Italy. In her book Cocktail Italiano, Annette shares chapters on twelve major cities along the Riviera, each featuring unique cocktail recipes and regional appetizers traditionally served together. Summery, beachy, and filled with beautiful photographs, Cocktail Italiano will excite readers who are drawn to the beauty and style of Italy, travel aficionados, cocktail lovers, photographers, and will offer the perfect inspiration to enjoy a bit of Italy at home (or, toss it in your bag and head to Milano!).
Imperia
I discovered this town through my friend Forrest. He asked me along to meet some artist friends for drinks here one day, and the charm of the industrial setting was not lost on me. It’s become a regular cocktail destination. Near the working marina, the pink portico and retro bars captivated me immediately. Imperia is a little rough around the edges, but the lack of polish makes it authentically Italian, and gives it a very working-class feel, which endears it to me.
Imperia is the capital of the Provence of Imperia. Mussolini created the city in 1923 to be the capital of Liguria, hence the autocratic name. In truth, although the town was founded to be the seat of Liguria, it never became that. Instead, it remains a pretty little Riviera town with quaint narrow streets, a rather industrial boardwalk, and a pink portico on the old marina at the edge of town, named Portici della banchina di Oneglia.
The old marina mainly docks fishing boats and, every once in a while, a yacht or two. The setting provides a very hip urban backdrop to the city. Just steps from the marina, one can have an aperitivo or two under a striking pink portico. Sitting here is decidedly pleasant, enjoying the vintage shop and restaurant signs—very post WWII, very old school. There’s one retro bar I cannot get enough of: Bar La Conchiglia. The art deco shell décor is spectacular, and the swoon-worthy, stripey chairs make me want to move right in.
The Museum of Olive Oil is located there and like San Remo, Imperia also has a huge flower industry. Imperia is very Italian in the sense that a large population lives there all year-round and in the summer, and it is an Italian tourist destination.
Imperia is a great stop on your way down the coast—the seafood is sublime and you will feel like you’re in an undiscovered gem. I like to visit just to see what’s new, and to lunch at old favorites like Braceria Matama. I suggest you make a stop midday for coffee or an aperitif at Canna Ramella. It is a super shop that sells kitchen wares and gifts, with a magical little bar and a lovely bartendress. Aperitivo crowds are smaller here, with many locals in attendance, and the overall feel is more casual.
There’s something really groovy about Imperia that makes me want to come back again and again.
Recipe: Aperol Spritz
Serves 1
2 ounces Aperol
3 ounces prosecco
1 ounce soda
1 orange slice
Fill a large wine glass with ice and add the Aperol, Prosecco, and finish off with the soda.
Garnish with a slice of orange.
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