There are spirits that quench thirst, and there are spirits that tell stories. Portofino Dry Gin belongs to the latter, an homage to the Ligurian Riviera and its timeless allure. At first glance, the gin’s turquoise bottle transports you to Portofino’s harbor, where fishing boats rest against the backdrop of pastel-colored villas and the sea glitters under the Mediterranean sun. But it is in the flavors—where rosemary, lavender, lemon, and other local botanicals sing—that one truly tastes the soul of this iconic coast.
Liguria, home to the colorful, cliff-hugging Cinque Terre fishing towns-turned-vacation gems, paints beauty in every detail. Wild herbs fragrance the region’s seafront cliffs, terraces overlook winding vineyards high in the hills, and royal blue waves lap against waterfront eateries. It is this world that Portofino Dry Gin distills, pouring not just spirits, but connections to the Ligurian way of life.
Portofino Dry Gin’s story begins the way many do in Liguria: with love. In 2018, three friends, Ruggero Raymo, Christopher Egger, and Alessandro Briola, decided the spirit of their home could be captured in a bottle that reflects its heritage, botanicals, and landscape. It wasn’t just a business idea; it was a declaration of love for the Liguria that had shaped their lives.
For Raymo, the bond to Portofino was personal. His grandfather, Klaus Pudel, was a beloved figure in Portofino’s golden era of the 1950s and ‘60s, when the small fishing village blossomed into a jet-setting hub that saw regulars the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and Clark Gable.
“I grew up with tales from my mother about the many legendary events that my grandfather was hosting in Portofino,” Ruggero recalled. “To this day, you can still find the ‘Klaus’ cocktail on local menus. Drinks have always been part of my family’s story. I just decided to embark on a different spirit journey.”
Ruggero grew up on stories of those nights, of clinking glasses, sea breezes, and endless laughter echoing against the colorful façades of the piazzetta. To him, drinks were an integral part of his family heritage. Known for hosting legendary parties and being at the heart of Portofino’s jet-set circle, Pudel became synonymous with Ligurian la dolce vita. Pudel’s legacy merges with the gin’s ingredients that reflect Liguria’s unique coastal terroir.
Produced in a historic Italian distillery, Portofino Dry Gin draws on artisanal methods and a meticulous selection of 21 botanicals that grow in Liguria. Rosemary, lavender, marjoram, sage, lemon peel, and other natural ingredients evoke the wild gardens that cascade down the Riviera cliffs. Each distillation is designed to capture the balance of fresh, intricate elegance that defines the Mediterranean palate.
The bottle itself reflects this artistry. Inspired by vintage perfume flacons, its turquoise glass is a glimpse into Portofino. Painted across the bottle’s surface is Portofino’s iconic harbor of pastel buildings, rocking sailboats, and towering green hills. From the inside out, Portofino Dry Gin reflects Liguria’s story and looks as good accenting a bar shelf as it does poured into a glass on aperitivi trays.
“We wanted to offer consumers an authentic experience,” said Co-founder Christopher Egger, “a trip to Portofino to discover the Ligurian flavors, with a light spirit and the feeling of living the golden age of the Italian dolce vita.”
Luxury means responsibility, as reflected by Portofino Dry Gin’s commitment to honoring the Ligurian community and environment from which its spirit is sourced. By preserving traditional distilling practices and supporting local sourcing, the brand ensures that every sip reflects not only Portofino’s beauty but also a commitment to safeguarding it for the future.
What began as a local tribute now stocks international shelves. In just a few years, Portofino Dry Gin has reached over 50 markets worldwide, celebrated as one of the most distinctive premium gins on the global stage. Despite its global reach, the spirit remains rooted in Portofino, with a quiet luxury that elevates the simple resources of its homeland.
Portofino Dry Gin is at its most evocative when shared in cocktails that reflect the Riviera’s effortless sophistication. Signature serves include:
Portofino & Tonic (The Classic): In a large glass filled with ice, pour 5 cl of Portofino Dry Gin, top with about 10–12 cl of tonic, stir gently with a spoon, and garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of rosemary.
Basilico Smash: The cocktail that captures the essence of the Ligurian region: In a shaker filled with ice, pour all the ingredients: 4 cl of Portofino Dry Gin, 3 cl of fresh lemon juice, 2 cl of agave nectar, and 5–6 fresh basil leaves. Shake vigorously, strain into an Old Fashioned glass, and garnish with basil leaves.
Negroni La Vela: A Riviera twist on the Italian classic: In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour 4 cl of Portofino Dry Gin, 3 cl of Campari, 1.5 cl of white vermouth, and 1.5 cl of local amaro. Stir for about 15 seconds, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes. Garnish with an orange peel.
Ultimately, Portofino Dry Gin is not just about drinking…it is about dreaming. Every sip transports you to the Ligurian Riviera, Klaus Pudel’s golden soirées, and the glamor of Portofino in the '60s.
Portofino Dry Gin stands as a bridge between past and present, tradition and innovation, local devotion and global admiration.
For those who cannot always be in Portofino, Portofino Dry Gin ensures the Riviera is never more than a glass away.
