Tasting Aphrodite’s Kiss

By Sandra Scott

Our last night in Cyprus my husband, John, and I stayed at the Sandy Beach Hotel near Larnaca. We spent the evening in the Village Bar reviewing our week on the island. Located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean, the culture of Cyprus was influenced by many other civilizations. Cyprus is truly one of the main crossroads of the world.  We saw influences of Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and European cultures.

From prehistoric ruins to the Tomb of the Kings to medieval forts to five-star resorts, Cyprus was one wonderful discovery after another. The last night we made another great discovery. We discovered two new cocktails. After looking at the cocktail menu, John made a quick decision and ordered an Aphrodite’s Kiss, a romantic mix of brandy, lime cordial, peppermint liqueur, Sprite, and grenadine. 

 I was about to order one, too, but Chris, the bartender commented, “The Aphrodite’s Kiss is for the men!  You should try a Brandy Sour. It is the signature cocktail of Cyprus.” The Brandy Sour is a smooth mix of brandy, lemon squash, angostura bitters and soda water. I must admit I sipped my husband’s drink and preferred it.

Aphrodite played an important role in our travels. I always thought Aphrodite was a myth until we visited the Cyprus Museum and marveled at the beautiful statue of Aphrodite found on the island. Intrigued by the Cyprus connection to Aphrodite we drove along the south shore where we stopped to gaze at the rocks not too far from shore that is considered to be the spot where Aphrodite, known as Venus by the ancient Romans, arose from the sea.  She loved Cyprus and refused to leave the island.  We continued along the coast stopping at the House of Dionysus near Pafos, where the ruins of the massive house with amazing in situ mosaics conjured up visions of long forgotten civilizations. Did the beautiful Aphrodite walk upon these very intricate mosaic floors?

Wanting to learn more about Aphrodite we continued north to the Akamas Peninsula where we followed a scenic wooded trail to the Baths of Aphrodite.  At the bucolic cave shrouded with vegetation and a small interior waterfall it was easy to see why it was the secret place chosen by Aphrodite to meet with her lovers.

Our week in Cyprus was a wonderful combination of the mythical, ancient and modern. We marveled at the wall paintings in St. John’s Cathedral, explored the quaint towns in the Troodos Mountains, and enjoyed the good life at the seaside resort of Almyra. It was truly a trip of discovery. And part of the discover was learning about Aphrodite and discovering two great cocktails – The Aphrodite Kiss and the Brandy Sour. The Brandy Sour may be considered the signature drink of Cyprus, but for us it will always be the romantic Aphrodite’s Kiss.

For more information check www.visitcyprus.org.cy and www.sandybeachhotel.com.cy.

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Copley News Service and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.
Photos by J. J. Scott.

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