by Liz Locke

For those lucky enough to be on spring break this week, I have one thing to say - I’m jealous!! The rest of us have to live vicariously through the movies. If I could pick any cinematic destination to jet off to, I’d definitely choose Rome. More specifically, the Rome of Roman Holiday.

Starring Gregory Peck as reporter Joe Bradley and Audrey Hepburn as the wayward Princess Ann, the two meet cute in the Roman Forum after she escapes the palace in a Cinzano truck. He thinks she’s just a drunk on the streets of Rome, but being such a chivalrous, upstanding man (this is Gregory Peck after all), he takes the tired Princess back to his apartment and lets her crash on his couch. The next day, Joe discovers the Princess’s true identity, but decides to play along with her charade to get a juicy scoop. They spend the day touring Rome, drinking champagne, getting into bar fights, and crashing a Vespa. This lady knows how to vacation! Watching Princess Ann and Joe fall in love with Rome and with each other is pure fun, and Audrey Hepburn is absolutely radiant in her Oscar-winning role.

One of my favorite things to do on vacation is sample the local spirits. Italy has almost too many to choose from, but I’ll give it my best shot. While watching Roman Holiday, I recommend drinking an Aperol Spritz.

Aperol Spritz

3 parts Italian Prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 part soda water
Orange Slice

Combine ingredients over ice in a wine glass, and stir gently to combine. Garnish with an orange slice.

I was lucky enough to walk some of the same streets that Audrey and Gregory did on my honeymoon nearly a decade ago, and Roman Holiday never fails to bring back memories of gelato dripping down my hand, the warmth of the sun on the Spanish Steps, and the romance of the Italian lifestyle. Like Princess Ann, I will cherish my visit in memory as long as I live. Cheers!

For more movie and cocktail duos, head over to cinemasips.com.