In the sunny heel of Italy’s boot lies Salento, a stretch of land suspended between sea and stone; famous for its turquoise water, white beaches, and beautifully rugged coastline, this part of southern Puglia has earned the nickname the Caribbean of Italy, and it’s easy to understand why. But beyond its natural beauty, Salento has its own culinary identity and, among its local specialties, one drink stands out in summer: caffè salentino, also known as caffè leccese.

Made with strong espresso and sweet almond syrup, poured over ice, caffè salentino is tradition, a symbol of hospitality, and a cooling ritual that speaks of land, taste, and life’s rhythm. And while you can now find it in various corners of Italy, its roots – just  as its heart – remain firmly in Salento.