Disaronno Originale has spent centuries building a legacy that extends far beyond its birthplace in Italy. Today, Nathanel Salerno carries that heritage across Asia as the APAC Group Brand Ambassador, introducing one of the world’s most recognisable amber liqueurs to a new generation of bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts.
Every renowned spirit has a story rooted in tradition, and Disaronno Originale is no exception. Its origins date back to 1525 in Saronno, a town in Italy’s Lombardy region. According to the brand’s history, artist Bernardino Luini was commissioned to paint a fresco of a Madonna, and a local innkeeper created a distinctive liqueur as a gesture of gratitude for his work. Over time, the recipe was preserved by generations of the Reina family, while the iconic square decanter, designed by a Murano glassmaker, became one of the most recognisable bottles in the spirits world.
For Nathanel Salerno, representing Disaronno is also deeply personal. Having grown up near Saronno, she was surrounded by the brand’s heritage long before joining the company. Today, she serves as the bridge between that centuries-old legacy and the rapidly evolving cocktail culture across the Asia-Pacific region.
Her career began in MICHELIN-starred restaurants, where precision, consistency, and hospitality shaped her approach to food and beverage. After gaining experience in Europe and Australia, she transitioned into the international bar industry, focusing on supporting bartenders through education, training, and brand advocacy. Rather than simply promoting products, her role centres on helping professionals understand the history, versatility, and craftsmanship behind every bottle they pour.
Throughout her travels, Nathanel has observed Asia’s increasingly connected cocktail community. Every market brings its own traditions, flavours, and techniques, yet bartenders across the region share the same passion for hospitality and creativity. That openness has encouraged the exchange of ideas while allowing local identities to flourish.
Disaronno Originale continues to find its place within this changing landscape. Bottled at 28% ABV, the liqueur is known for its distinctive sweet almond character despite containing no nuts. Its signature flavour comes from apricot kernel oil infused in alcohol, balanced with burnt sugar and a closely guarded blend of 17 herbs and selected fruits.
Its versatility has made it a favourite among bartenders experimenting with contemporary serves. From clarified milk punches and elegant sours to refreshing highballs, Disaronno adds gentle floral aromas and a rounded sweetness without overpowering other ingredients. It is equally approachable when enjoyed neat or simply mixed with ginger ale.
As cocktail culture continues to evolve across Asia, Disaronno Originale remains anchored by nearly five centuries of tradition. Through Nathanel Salerno’s work with the region’s bartending community, that enduring legacy continues to inspire fresh interpretations while staying true to the spirit that first emerged in Saronno centuries ago.
TASTING NOTES
ABV: 28%
Colour: Luminous amber with rich golden copper reflections
Aroma: Sweet marzipan, layered with toasted almond and fragrant vanilla bean, and lifted by a delicate touch of ripe cherry
Palate: Smooth and velvety, revealing notes of apricot kernel, soft caramel, and bitter almond, and gentle baking spices for added warmth and complexity
Finish: Long and lingering, with the sweetness gradually giving way to elegant notes of toasted vanilla and bitter almond
Recipe
Disaronno Sour
Ingredients:
- 50ml Disaronno
- 25ml Fresh lemon juice
- 5ml Sugar syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
Method:
- Shake with ice until well chilled, then garnish with a slice of lemon.
Exquisite Taste Volume 52
Disaronno
W: disaronno.com
IG: @disaronno_official
PT Pelita Makmur Perkasa
W: ptpelita.com
IG: @pelita.makmur
