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Italian Gin Brand Quattro Gatti Becomes Official Sponsor of 2026 Venice Biennale with Signature Cocktail

festival-fair · 2026-04-01

The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale Arte 2026 has announced an official partnership with Quattro Gatti, an Italian gin brand from Umbria, marking the first time a spirits company has sponsored the prestigious global art event. The collaboration centers on a specially crafted cocktail named The Reflection, designed to serve as a sensory extension of the Venetian experience, reflecting the city's shifting light and multifaceted identity. The drink was previewed on March 31 at The St. Regis Rome as part of the 'Road to La Biennale Arte' series, with further stops in Milan before international and Venetian events. During the Biennale, which runs from May to November 2026, The Reflection will be available at bars in the Giardini and Arsenale venues, as well as at official functions, signaling a broader integration of mixology into contemporary art and culture. The cocktail was developed by Mattia Cilia, Brand Ambassador for Quattro Gatti, in collaboration with the team at The St. Regis Venice, led by Ludwig Negri and Facundo Gallegos, who have backgrounds in esteemed European cocktail bars like the Connaught Bar. The recipe features Quattro Gatti's Olive Grove Gin, which imparts a savory olive note combined with citrus, hibiscus, and grapefruit for a dynamic flavor profile. Quattro Gatti was founded by the Mordant family—Simon, Catriona, their son Angus, and his wife Brielle—who have long-standing ties to Umbria and the arts. Simon Mordant, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, has held leadership roles at institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, MoMA PS1, and the Tate International Council, and previously served as Australia's Commissioner for the Venice Biennale. Catriona Mordant has supported performing and visual arts organizations like the Sydney Dance Company and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Brielle Mordant, with experience in visual storytelling and agencies like Droga5, shaped the brand's visual identity, while Angus Mordant, a photojournalist published in outlets including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, contributes a narrative focus and appreciation for craft spirits. This partnership highlights a trend of blending art with lifestyle and entrepreneurial ventures, emphasizing the cultural significance of artisanal products in global art contexts.

Key facts

  • Quattro Gatti gin is the official sponsor of La Biennale Arte 2026
  • The signature cocktail The Reflection was previewed on March 31 at The St. Regis Rome
  • The cocktail will be served at the Biennale from May to November 2026 in Venice
  • Mattia Cilia developed the recipe with The St. Regis Venice team Ludwig Negri and Facundo Gallegos
  • The drink features Quattro Gatti's Olive Grove Gin with citrus, hibiscus, and grapefruit
  • Quattro Gatti was founded by the Mordant family, who have deep connections to Umbria and the arts
  • Simon Mordant has served as Australia's Commissioner for the Venice Biennale and on boards of major art institutions
  • The collaboration represents a fusion of mixology with contemporary art and cultural storytelling

Entities

Artists

  • Mattia Cilia

Institutions

Locations

  • Venice
  • Umbria
  • Rome
  • Milan
  • Australia
  • Italy
  • Giardini della Biennale
  • Arsenale
  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Europe
  • United States

Sources