Nothing says summer quite like a cocktail and now that we’re on our official, a -little-over-two month countdown to summer, let’s take a look at the 5 Best Cocktail Bars in Salento.

Throughout the Salento area in the Southern part of Puglia, you will find a range of cocktail bars to meet your wildest expectations: from beach bars to an old pharmacy-turned-cocktail-bar, to historic, experimental and to New York-meets Salento poolside cocktails.

Puglia is making waves on the drink scene and we’re here to help you ride the wave. We’ve scoured the area from the Baroque city of Lecce, to the hidden gem of Tricase, looking for the coolest bars. So keep reading to find out our top picks for where to grab a drink in Salento, Puglia.

Cocktails are never enough: Quanto Basta

Nestled in the historical center of Lecce between small winding pedestrian streets lies the cocktail bar, Quanto Basta, which in English roughly translates to “just enough.” Featuring drinks contrived by Puglia’s best mixologists, you will find classics such as a whisky sour and a Mexican favorite, the Paloma (tequila, grapefruit and lime). Gin lovers, however, will not be able to settle on just one of their signature Gin cocktails. The John cocktail features Gin, wild pepper from Madagascar, lime, rose syrup, passion fruit and a vanilla spray; whereas, the Wild Julep is comprised of London Dry Gin, wild fennel liquor, sugar and mint. The Wild Julep, on the other hand, is anything but your average Mint Julep. Those looking for some local flavors should definitely order the Margarotto, Quanto Basta’s take on the Margarita. The Margarotto is made of tequila, grapefruit juice and bergamot liquor. I don’t know about you, but that’s got our tastebuds singing.

Laurus Bar Lecce

Those looking to bar hop in Lecce’s historical center, will definitely want to make their next stop the Laurus Cocktail Bar. The scenery is sophisticated, decorated with vintage furniture and inside, jazz music plays in the background transporting you to another era. The cocktail menu has 14 drinks that rotate constantly, allowing you to never get bored. You can taste Puglia in their drinks, thanks to their use of ingredients that are reminiscent of the region’s rich landscape. The King of Blues, features Olive Oil Grappa and Primitivo wine syrup screams Puglia almost as much as panzerotti do. This bar shows up consistently on the best bars lists, so make sure to check it out.

Farmacia Balboa - not your Everyday Pharmacy

Farmacia Balboa located in the main square of the whimsical town of Tricase, should not be missed. The bar was born several years ago when three friends decided to transform the old city’s pharmacy into a cocktail bar. Here painkillers take the form of their signature cocktails and a superb wine list. The hipster meets retro vibe, including outdoor patio seating, which is perfect for a balmy summer night. You will find Italian classics like the Americano, a Negroni and of course, a Spritz, as well as International musts like Mojitos, Moscow Mules and Caipirinha. Their artisan cocktail menu has a range of inspired drinks such as the Balboa, which is made of Rum, passion fruit and pineapple pulp, fresh lime and bitters. Don’t leave Farmacia Balboa without trying the Winespear Tonic with Gin, tonic and cardamom-flavored bitters.

Camilluccia Wine & Cocktail Bar

Nothing says Italy quite like sitting next to a castle while enjoying some cocktails from the hip cocktail and wine bar, Camilluccia. Located in the picturesque town of Specchia perched up on a hill, this cocktail and wine bar promises an excellent selection of house wines from their very own cellars and some classic cocktails. They may be known more for their wines but the ambiance and small plates offered make stopping here a no-brainer. The cozy bar has both indoor and outdoor seating but we recommend sitting outdoors in the plaza, it’s great for people watching and the full Southern Italian experience.

At the Aia Poolside Dining

This summer At the Aia is spicing up their offerings this summer with poolside dining. The Aia’s owner wanted to bring some New York flavor to Salento by offering up some classic Brunch cocktails such as a Bloody Mary and a Peach Bellini. There will be an array of the Aia signature cocktails as well, such as a Rosemary Gin Fizz with rosemary direct from the garden, Watermelon Elderflower and a Pim’s cocktail. The best part is you can enjoy a cocktail or one of the excellent wines while sitting by the pool. If you’re hungry indulge in one of the New York-Puglia-inspired brunch or lunch items such as Frise, salads and of course, Eggs Benedict and florentine can’t be missing.