From the Bellini to the Spritz – how these Venice classics became the drinks of summer

A city of art and beauty – it’s hard not to get swept up in it, a perfect reason for a cocktail - (Getty/iStock)

I blame my parents. How could they not fall, and fall hard? Venice makes it all so easy, but then, it has had 1,600 years to rehearse. I think I can even go as far as to say that the city has been in the hospitality industry from the beginning of its believed founding back in AD421. One glimpse of it and you will most likely also be seduced, as my parents were on their first trip more than 60 years ago and on every return trip since then.

Granted, getting to Venice can be a bit involved. In addition to planes, trains and automobiles, there is the added burden of arranging some mode of water transport. Though once you’re here, it’s smooth sailing.