In 2025, Disaronno – the world’s favourite Italian liqueur – celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 500 years of heritage, style, quality, and innovation, honouring the timeless essence of ‘Italian Dolcevita’. To mark the incredible milestone, the brand has partnered with one of Rome’s leading bars to create a bespoke celebratory cocktail and will be expanding its presence across outdoor terraces in key UK cities.
Disaronno’s origins trace back to 1525, during the Italian Renaissance, when artist Bernardino Luini, a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci, painted the Madonna using a local innkeeper as his model. As a thank-you, she gifted him a flask of a fragrant, delicate amber-coloured liqueur, marking the beginning of Disaronno’s legend. This is how the legend of Disaronno was born, from a simple gesture of kindness and a special mix of secret ingredients.
In the 1600s, the Reina family rediscovered the recipe, passing it down through generations. Then in the early 1900s, Domenico Reina decided to open a workshop called “Domenico Reina Coloniali”, situated in the heart of Saronno. Soon the shop became a crossroads where people stopped in to taste and buy his products. In 1947, ILLVA SARONNO: Industria, Lombarda, Liquori, Vini & Affini, was founded in the wake of this artisanal activity and, today, Disaronno is distributed in more than 160 countries worldwide.
Speaking about the anniversary, Peter Dries, Regional Trade Marketing Director – Northwest Europe at Disaronno International said: “This year marks a truly special milestone for Disaronno as we celebrate 500 years of rich heritage and tradition. From a simple act of gratitude to becoming a global iconic drink, our journey has been shaped by creativity, craftsmanship, and passion. We invite everyone to join us in commemorating this remarkable legacy, and raising a glass to 500 more years of unforgettable moments!”
Dolcevita – the signature cocktail dedicated to Disaronno’s 500th anniversary
Created by mixologist Patrick Pistolesi and his team at Drink Kong Bar in Rome —ranked among the 50 Best Bars— the signature “Dolcevita” cocktail is a modern and refreshing twist on a classic sour. The deep notes of bitter and whiskey blend harmoniously with the unmistakable taste of Disaronno, complemented by the fresh and tropical flavors of pineapple and lemon.
Ingredients:
40ML Disaronno
20ML Rabarbaro Zucca
15ML The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth
20ML Fresh Lemon Juice
10ML Pineapple Juice
5ML Agave Syrup
A year of global celebrations
To honour half a millennium of tradition and innovation, Disaronno will bring its endless Dolcevita style to every corner of the world, from the traditional neighborhood bars to the prestigious 50 Best Bars and over 700 cocktail bars across Asia.
The celebration will involve influencers from around the globe and will be enriched by numerous activations in several retail, including a special contest offering the chance to win an exclusive trip to Rome in authentic Dolcevita style. Additionally, everyone will have the opportunity to join the worldwide celebration by posting their toast on social media using the hashtag #disaronno500cheers.
The celebrations will span across more than 160 countries where the brand is distributed, reaching people from all cultures and creating a bridge between the past and the future, tradition and modernity, thanks to the timeless allure of Disaronno.
