Inside Smoke Lab Vodka and Mohulo Gin’s Guided Tasting Experience At Le Cirque, The Leela Palace, New Delhi

On April 18, 2025, Esquire India attended a leisurely afternoon at Le Cirque, where Smoke Lab Vodka and Mohulo Gin came together for a guided tasting luncheon. Hosted by founders Varun and Sanya Jain, the lunch saw a table of XIV gathered around the idea of giving the experience of spirit tasting the same intention and thoughtfulness of a well-composed dish.

The gathering brought together a mix of renowned personalities from the worlds of fashion, media, hospitality, and culture. Among those in attendance were designer duo Shivan Bhatia and Narresh Kukreja, Managing Director and Pro-Chancellor of GD Goenka Group Nipun Goenka, Sasha Grewal, founder of Outhouse Jewellery, Orhan Awatramani and podcast host, Priyanka Raina.

The luncheon commenced with an assortment of cocktails, all seasonal classics, before moving onto a multiple course menu, each accompanied with a corresponding Smoke Lab expression. The Smooth Classic was crisp and easygoing, while the Aniseed carried an aromatic warmth that lingered beautifully between bites. The Saffron was richer and more indulgent, wrapping the palate in spice and silk, before the Green Chilli Mango shifted the mood with a playful heat that instantly became a talking point around the table. Last but not the least, Liquid Gold rounded out the progression with a savoury depth that suited the lingering rhythm of the afternoon perfectly.

The main course was taken over by Mohulo Gin, India’s first art-forward sipping gin inspired by the traditional spirit distilled from Mahua flowers. Served alongside Le Cirque’s Franco-Italian menu, the gin felt deeply rooted in its Indian identity while still finding a comfortable place for itself amidst the European sensibilities of the menu. 

This cultural harmony was the defining mood of the luncheon. In an afternoon bringing together the biggest tastemakers of the country, such a celebration of Smoke Lab Vodka and Mohulo Gin was a toast to the prowess pf Indian craft spirits. Inside the warm interiors of Le Cirque, the afternoon turned into a reminder that contemporary Indian luxury has found its own voice, and it speaks beautifully over a long table, a well-paired meal, and a perfectly poured drink.