Cocktails with a view
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
A true leader of Santorini's night life for decades, Tango Bar has mostly been promoted as an idea, a destination, something more than just a place to simply have a drink. Tthis all- day hang-out truly comes to life just after the midday siesta. As the sun starts to go down, Tango Bar takes the lead as a popular sunset-watch spot, offering classic and fruity cocktails with a twist.
Suggested cocktail: The Bitter Cure
Ingredients: Cachaca, Marini Rosso, Martini Bitter, soda and fresh lime juice
Inspiration: Argentina is the birthplace of the tango dance and has a long history of aperitivo (bitter) drinking culture.
We chose this cocktail because of its Martini accents, as well as its cachaca base from neighbouring Brazil
Soundtrack: “Reflejo de Luna” by the Gotan Project
Lyrics:
“You are colour
You are warmth
You are sound in my heart
Hands of light
Reflection of the moon”
Self proclaimed “tempting” bar, Casablanca Soul is situated in one of the most frequented 'kalderimi' cross-roads in Fira. Known from the roaring '80s for its parties until the early morning hours, this spot at Ypapantis Street has been frequented by funky scene good times lovers throughout the decades, while constantly re-inventing itself. Its black-and- white-tile floor and picturesque balcony dress up each night, as the dance floor fills up with people swaying to the sounds of guest Djs and live soul bands.
Suggested cocktail: The Lemon Pie
Ingredients: Lemon infused vodka, vanilla liquer, lemon bitters, lemon mousse *optional: Graham cracker crumbs
Inspiration: “Casa blanca” means “white house” in spanish, but one of the first pictures that comes to one's mind at the sound of these words, is not the actual city, but the all-time classic film with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman sharing iconic on-screen moments in their bitter-sweet romance. When life gives you lemons...
Soundtrack: “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley
Lyrics:
“I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind
There was something so pleasant about that place.
Even your emotions had an echo
In so much space”
This unique all-day spot has been a true star for decades. Its fame as 'the' place to lounge and watch the Fira sunset, while relaxing on a comfortable chaiz-longue, sipping a delicious cocktail and listening to classical music, has long surpassed the Greek boarders and become an international Santorini legend. A visit just before the sunset rush hour will soon help you understand why. Just make sure you book your lounging spot in advance!
Suggested cocktail: The Maria Callas
Ingredients: Couldn't be anything else, but some true bubbly – this is a champagne based signature cocktail. Nuff said!
Inspiration: The incomperable diva, the 'voice of the angel' and a true legend herself, Maria Callas was once quoted saying about her rivarly with her contemporary soprano Renata Tebaldi, that comparing her with Tebaldi was like “comparing champagne with cognac. No, with coca cola...”.
Soundtrack: “Casta Diva” aria from the opera “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini
Lyrics:
“Pure Goddess, whose silver covers
These sacred ancient plants, we turn to your lovely face unclouded and without veil...”
With the initials PK standing for “Palia Kameni”, the name of the small island volcano peak in the heart of the Santorini complex, this 38-year-old bar boasts three beautiful terraces offering a unique view of the Caldera, at 380 metres from sea level. Their award-winning wine list and excuisite champagne catalogue are matched my magnificently crafted classic and signature cocktails, all with a side of breathtaking views of the three islets within the Santorini basin: Nea Kameni, Palia Kameni and Thirassia.
Suggested cocktail: The Frisky Aphrodite
Ingredients: Cassis, rusberry vodka, fresh pomegranate juice, in a large glass, topped with ice and a generous splash of house champagne
Inspiration: The terracota replica of the Aphrodite of Milos sculpture dominates the PK Coctail Bar's main terrace, with the ancient godess' demure naked beauty comparable only with the Santorini sunset. But, as the sun bows before Her, hues of red and pink and purple feel the sky and our glass, awaking memories and passions...
Soundtrack: “Hey Venus” by Frankie Avalon
Lyrics:
“Venus, make her fair
A lovely girl with sunlight in her hair
And take the brightest stars up in the skies
And place them in her eyes for me.”
Through the winding streets of Fira, classic and new age rock music will guide you to this funky dive. Hanging out on the Caldera, 250 metres above sea level, Tropical Bar invites all kinds of awesome, travel obsessed people to join in the fun and marvel at the view, while giving out a 'leave-your-worries-at-the-doorstep' relaxed vibe.
Suggested cocktail: The Margarita (only the best in town)
Ingredients: Tequila, orange liquer, (triple sec) and fresh lemon or lime juice, served in a glass with salt encrusted rim
Inspiration: There atr plenty of urban legends feuding over the true origin and inspiration behind the first ever Margarita cocktail, ranging from a restaurant owner in Tijuana, a Dallas socialite and Mr Jose Cuervo himself. The truth is, this is 'the' cocktail mainly associated with good times and a fun evening out and that's good enough for Nikos, the owner of Tropical Bar who serves a truly mean Margarita!
Soundtrack: “Tequilla” by Terrorvision
Lyrics:
“If there’s a lot on your mind it’s there to help you forget,
To relax and rewind and leave behind the regret,
First sip makes you well before you know it’s time,
And you’re saying to hell with the salt, lemon and lime”
