Our story

1525

The warm, sophisticated taste of Disaronno has a lineage dating back to one of the most romantic and creative periods in Italian history – the Renaissance. In 1525, the artist Bernardino Luini, a brilliant pupil of Leonardo da Vinci – was commissioned to paint a Fresco of the Madonna of the Miracles in Saronno (Madonna dei Miracoli in Saronno, where the Fresco is still displayed today).

To portray the Madonna, he chose a beautiful local innkeeper as his muse. As a mark of her gratitude, she prepared a special gift for the artist, namely, a flask full of an amber liqueur, fragrant and delicate. That is how the legend of Disaronno arose: from a simple gesture of kindness and the unique handmade combination of secret ingredients.

1600/1900

In 1600, many families would distill their own liqueurs and digestives. The Reina’s were just one of those families and Giovanni Reina rediscovered the innkeeper’s old recipe. The Reina family has closely guarded the secret formula, passing it from one generation to the next.

In the first years of the 20th century, Domenico Reina decided to open a store and workshop near the terminus of the steam tram line from Milan, which took the name of “Domenico Reina Coloniali”, situated in the heart of Saronno. It was here that the Disaronno Originale was produced and marketed. In 1947, ILLVA Saronno was founded, continuing the artisanal tradition. Today, Disaronno is enjoyed in over 160 countries worldwide, a true ambassador of Italian taste, craftsmanship and style.

1940/2000

In the 1940s, Disaronno entered the world of advertising with a clear vision: presenting the liqueur as a refined gift, wrapped in beauty and Italian elegance. The ribbon on the bottle became a symbol of sharing — and of style.
As other amaretti emerged, the brand claimed its identity: Disaronno is the original. A unique taste, a design born in Murano, and a message focused on authenticity and distinction.

With international growth came a celebration of its roots. Campaigns embraced the Renaissance spirit, turning Disaronno into a global ambassador of Italian creativity.
As the new millennium approached, Disaronno embraced a more dynamic and contemporary identity. A new visual and emotional language emerged — one of spontaneity, colour, and moments of carefree enjoyment.

2025

500 YEARS LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION

With five centuries of Legend, Disaronno celebrates a legacy that bridges past and present — a spirit born from art, nurtured by tradition, and propelled by vision. From Renaissance ateliers to today’s most vibrant bars and cultural scenes, the brand continues to evolve without losing its soul. The Limited Edition Collection is a tribute to this extraordinary journey: five exclusive bottles, each echoing a milestone of beauty, passion, and taste. A toast not only to where we’ve been — but to where we’re going next.