Our Story

The story of Lillo is the story of life itself, one-part design, one-part serendipity.

More than two decades ago, while young Calogero “Charlie” Manno was serving as the executive director of a Cleveland-based housing corporation, he was requested by the president of the organization to make a sojourn to Chicago, Illinois.

Father Marino Frascati presented Charlie with two goals: attend a housing conference in the windy city and escort two Italian priests of the Mercedarian Order to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of their ordination.

Following an endless weekend of sightseeing, dining and entertaining of the best Chicago has to offer, the priests were moved to present Charlie with a gift of their own: a generation’s old recipe from their shared homeland of Italy of a spirited beverage infused with alcohol and tree-ripened lemons… along with a few other natural ingredients.

Over the course of the next 20 years, Charlie perfected the recipe and process, and exclusively shared this most delightful beverage with his family and his dearest friends. Accolades and appreciation from those around him have now prompted him to share this treasured drink with the rest of the world.

Introducing Lillo Lemon Liqueur and Lillo Coffee Liqueur. One sip and you’ll say, “I love Lillo.”