I was allowed the unique opportunity to celebrate Disaronno‘s 500th anniversary at rooftop Mr. Purple, try some craft cocktails made from this ancient elixir, as well as learn a little about the brand’s role in history and how it continues to uphold many of its original values today.
Disaronno, the world’s most iconic Italian liqueur, is marking an extraordinary milestone—500 years of heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural significance—through a celebration steeped in historical authenticity. Born during the Italian Renaissance in 1525, Disaronno has journeyed from legend to legacy, evolving into a global ambassador of the Italian Dolcevita lifestyle, a movement centered around enjoying life’s pleasures, savoring simple joys, and appreciating beauty. With distribution in over 160 countries and a flavor profile that remains unmistakably its own, Disaronno continues to earn its place behind the world’s best bars and inside the glasses of discerning drinkers.
The bar serving up craft Disaronno-powered cocktails, courtesy of Disaronno
In the United States, this half-millennium tribute is taking shape through a series of immersive brand activations that exemplify Disaronno’s dedication to elegance and innovation. The journey began at Bar Convent Brooklyn (BCB), a premier event for bar and spirits professionals, where Disaronno International LLC debuted a 500th-anniversary-themed experience. Beyond showcasing its broader portfolio—including Tia Maria and The Busker Irish Whiskey—the booth invited guests to savor Disaronno Spritz cocktails served from a vintage gelato cart, anchoring the liqueur’s centuries-old roots in a setting that felt both current and celebratory. The event was less spectacle, more substance—an effort to engage bartenders, mixologists, and industry veterans in the story of an Italian icon.
This past week, the celebration ascended—literally—to the rooftop of Mr. Purple in New York City, where Disaronno hosted an invitation-only evening of elevated Italian charm. Having received an invite to this elusive gathering, I stepped into the wide-open sun-glazed area, and really understood what dolcevita meant for the first time: a step towards lighthearted enjoyment and away from trivial encumbrances. I basked in the music and traditional Italian finger foods (such as a simply delectable caprese skewer and ricotta toast) as I perched high above Manhattan, remarking at the pure avant-garde of this panoramic stage for tastemakers, cocktail creators, and cultural curators.
A guest at the 500th event poses with a bottle of Disaronno amaretto, courtesy of Disaronno
One of my highlights was the debut of the “Dolcevita,” a limited-edition cocktail developed in collaboration with Drink Kong, one of Rome’s most lauded modern bars. This creation was not just a drink, but a distillation of Disaronno’s stylistic versatility—anchored in tradition, yet unafraid to experiment. Also willing to try the golden liquid at its source, I sipped at a tiny bottle containing only the amaretto. While great in a cocktail, its smooth, unadulterated flavor was like a blessing to my lips; I could taste the passion and history with every sip.
Later in the month, Disaronno will continue its U.S. activation at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, one of the world’s most respected spirits industry gatherings. Today, on July 21, the brand will take over the Four Seasons’ Chandelier Bar for a VIP happy hour featuring live jazz by Aurora Nealand, bespoke cocktails, and Italian-meets-Creole culinary pairings. Here again, Disaronno proves its capacity to transcend borders while preserving its intrinsic character—a rare feat in an industry often shaped by fleeting trends rather than enduring quality.
While Disaronno’s design-forward bottle and iconic almond-forward flavor have long made it recognizable on shelves, it’s the liqueur’s history and consistency that set it apart. I relish at the thought of a company that strives to uphold its original values, and maintain both its initial allure and precision of character. At 500 years, I believe Disaronno isn’t asking to be discovered—it’s inviting those with an appreciation for authenticity, elegance, and innovation to reengage with a classic. In an era where tradition is often diluted in favor of novelty, Disaronno stands out as both artifact and evolution. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a modern sour, this is a spirit worth experiencing—and one worth toasting. #Disaronno500Cheers
