This historic Algarve liqueur honours its family roots whilst seeking to strengthen its position in the market
For decades, Brandymel held a special place in the Algarve. Found in cafés, restaurants and specialty shops across the region, the liqueur created in Portimão passed through generations and became one of Portugal’s best-known drinks.
More than 60 years after its creation, the iconic liqueur now trades under the name Dom Cristina, without losing its essence: a deep connection to the region, the family behind it and, of course, honey.
The story begins in 1955 with Oliveiros Cristina, an entrepreneur from Loulé who eventually settled in Portimão. Long before the term existed, he was what would now be described as a “serial entrepreneur”.
From canning factories and bakeries to soft drinks, he invested in a wide range of businesses throughout the Algarve, earning a reputation for his business savvy and industrial drive.
It was that determination to innovate that led to the creation of Brandymel, a liqueur that steadily built a strong reputation over the decades, competing alongside historic names such as Licor Beirão and Amarguinha to become a familiar presence in homes across Portugal.
After decades of success, the family faced a significant setback when it lost the legal rights to the Brandymel name.
“We lost the trademark permanently,” says Rodrigo Cristina, grandson of the founder and now partnerships manager at Dom Cristina. The issue arose after Oliveiros Cristina’s death, when a trademark renewal notice was never received.
“Without anyone realising, the registration expired and was later acquired by a third party,” he explains.
Despite losing the name, the Cristina family ensured that the essence of their liqueur survived. Since the original recipe, production methods and Algarve identity that defined it all stayed in their hands, Dom Cristina emerged in 2016 – a new chapter intended to honour the past whilst looking firmly towards the future.
The launch also provided an opportunity to refresh the brand’s image and strengthen its presence in both domestic and international markets.
“We have a unique product, as it’s the only honey liqueur in the world aged in oak barrels previously used for Port wine,” says Rodrigo Cristina.
That distinctiveness begins with the raw material itself, as Algarve honey remains at the heart of the recipe.
“Honey is truly the star,” he adds. “Unlike many spirits, where the base alcohol tends to dominate the flavour profile, here it’s the honey that stands out.” The recipe has evolved over time to ensure that balance.
Originally made with medronho (Algarve firewater) and honey, the liqueur now uses a more neutral grain alcohol, allowing the honey’s character to take centre stage. “It’s an explosion of honey,” he says.
That focus on quality has helped Dom Cristina gain recognition beyond Portugal. The liqueur has received numerous distinctions in international competitions, including several gold medals.
Among them are awards from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London, one of the industry’s most respected competitions. For Rodrigo Cristina, the brand’s success remains “a source of pride”, not least because “it’s a local product and a regional reference that carried the name of the Algarve beyond our borders for many years”.
Today, Dom Cristina is entering a new phase. Production is currently based in Castelo Branco, following the need to modernise facilities and adapt to changing market demands.
Even so, the family is keen to strengthen its physical presence in the Algarve through a new space in Portimão overlooking the river. The aim is to create “a unique consumer experience”, where residents and visitors can enjoy tastings and engage directly with the brand.
Part of that ambition is also to bring the product closer to younger generations and the tourism sector, increasing awareness among those visiting the region.
According to Rodrigo Cristina, the Algarve currently accounts for around 60% of sales, with Lisbon representing 30% and the remaining 10% spread across the rest of the country.
Dom Cristina is available through retailers including Garrafeiras Soares, Intermarché, Auchan, Apolónia and Recheio, as well as specialty shops and independent supermarkets.
“We use honey, we’re from the Algarve and we believe in a product rooted in this region,” says Rodrigo Cristina. At a time when regional identity is increasingly valued, Dom Cristina stands as an example of resilience and reinvention – deeply rooted in the Algarve’s history but determined to carve out a new place for itself without ever losing sight of its origins.
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