First Impressions
O'ndina Gin is inspired by the effortless glamour and carefree spirit of the Italian Riviera in the 1960s — a time when Portofino and Cinque Terre defined European sophistication. The gin uses 19 Italian botanicals, with fresh Grande Verde di Genova basil from Liguria as its signature ingredient. Juniper from the Apennine Mountains, orris root from Tuscany, liquorice from Calabria, and sage, marjoram, thyme, and fennel from Piemonte complete an authentically Italian botanical bill.
The Distillery
Produced by the Campari Group, O'ndina uses 19 Italian-sourced botanicals, giving it a genuine terroir that spans the peninsula. The fresh basil is the most distinctive — a botanical that is quintessentially Italian and that few gins outside Italy attempt. At 45% ABV, the gin has the strength to carry the complex botanical bill.
Tasting
The nose shows smoothly alcoholic juniper balanced with lively green notes typical of fresh basil and Mediterranean maquis-herbs. Subtle citrus blossoms add elegance. It smells like an Italian herb garden.
On the palate, piney, black pepper-spiced juniper meets fresh basil, fennel, and zesty citrus. Juniper, basil, and fresh green notes mingle with spicy, citrusy, and peppery hints. The Mediterranean herbs create a savoury, gastronomic quality that makes this gin feel like a culinary ingredient as much as a spirit.
The finish presents black pepper spice, aniseed fennel, liquorice, citrus, and piney juniper. It is dry with lingering Mediterranean herb warmth.
How to Drink It
The basil makes this a natural for a Gin Basil Smash — the most Italian of gin cocktails. In a G&T, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a lemon twist.
The Bottom Line
O'ndina earns a 7.5 for bottling the Italian Riviera with 19 authentically sourced botanicals. The fresh Ligurian basil is the star — green, aromatic, and unmistakably Mediterranean. At around £28, the value is excellent for a gin of this botanical ambition and Italian provenance. La dolce vita in a bottle.
