A restaurateur has celebrated the launch of his gin and tonic drink at a party.

Max Romano, 45, unveiled his “fresh and unique” Max’s Balsamic Gin and Tonic - finally in a bottle after ten years of serving it in his restaurant.

His Italian restaurant Max’s Brasserie on Commercial Road played host to the launch event on Monday night.

He and business partner Mag Lepkowska have teamed up to create the ready-to-drink cocktail.

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Speaking to the Echo, Max said: “It all started with my grandad, I offered him a gin and tonic and he would put balsamic vinegar on everything into the gin and I thought ‘what is he doing?’

“Then I brought it into the UK while I worked in hotels - and when I opened my first restaurant 10 years ago it really developed to what it is today.

“The journey has been great it has been hard work but finally we have made our dream come true, it wasn’t easy to develop this fantastic drink but the hard work has paid off.”

The premium cocktail is made with 14 botanicals gin by Tack Room Distillery in the New Forest tonic. A 10-year-old balsamic syrup - inspired by Max’s family legacy - is also added.

Hospitality sector veteran Max arrived in the UK 24 years ago and started working as a bartender at Lainston House Hotel in Winchester in 1998.

It was while at the Lainston he met the late US President George W. Bush senior, who was staying at the luxury hotel in 2003.

Daily Echo: Max Romano, 45, and Mag Lepwoska, 28

His business partner Mag said she is “very excited” for the future of the company and is hopeful for the success of the drink.

The 28-year-old marketing industry professional has worked with Max for seven years.

She said: “I’m excited for the company to launch and excited for the future of this company.

“It has been a lot of hard work. The idea came about at the end of March and then we got the right contacts and then by June we had the product ready. It was very fast-paced.”

The cocktail is available at Max's restaurant.