Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach’s beloved beachfront lounge, Gadda Da Vida, unveiled a celebration in January this year to mark the beginning of an extraordinary mixological voyage – an entire month dedicated to the mastery and allure of smoke-infused cocktails!

Winter’s nippy air set the perfect stage for these smoke-infused creations. They are not mere drinks but a three-dimensional sensory escapade. Guests sipped a story – a liquid narrative where the smoke’s warmth intertwined with the soul, where traditional cocktails assumed new and complex avatars.

It was a theatrical spectacle in a glass, a visual drama coupled with tantalising aromas and soul-warming flavours. Each cocktail on the menu related a unique story, crafted like a chapter from an epicurean diary.

The ‘Smoked Bloody Mary’ was a creative take on the classic, combining vodka-infused cucumber, tangy Bloody Mary mix, and wood chips for a subtle smoky essence, garnished with crisp celery.

The ‘Smoked Whiskey Garden’ was a harmonious mix of apple-infused whiskey, rosemary syrup, honey and apple cider, garnished with apple slices, reminiscent of a fresh garden.

‘Smoked and Spiced’ was a delightful blend of white rum infused with orange, cinnamon and vanilla syrups, aromatic and almond bitters, finished with an orange peel garnish.

‘Fire on Ice’ masterfully balanced warmth and refreshment, featuring whiskey infused with orange, apple juice, hazelnut syrup and lime juice, adorned with an orange slice.

The bold ‘Smoked Spiced Rum’ showcased Old Monk infused with ginger, honey and lime juice, topped with ginger ale and garnished with a lime wheel, paying homage to the classic spiced rum.

Completing the menu, the ‘Lips Smacking’ cocktail was an elegant fusion of gin infused with cucumber and rosemary, grapefruit syrup, lime juice and sugar syrup, crowned with ginger ale and a sprig of rosemary, creating a garden-fresh sensation with each sip.