Now, get wowed by perfumed mixology at KMC* Mumbai
A Whiff of Innovation: Introducing KMC* – A Unique Concept in Mumbai
Creativity fills the air with a hint of excitement. Follow your nose up the grand wooden staircase of the blue-and-white colonial building of Kitab Mahal, located near Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and you’ll step inside KMC*, a versatile space.
KMC* isn’t just a café, a bar, a co-working hub, or a place for dreamy creatives to muse on their inspirations. It embodies all these aspects, aligning with the intentions of its owners, Chef Niyati Rao and Sagar Neve, the same minds behind the highly-acclaimed Ekaa next door.
Creative Visionaries: The Minds Behind KMC* – Chef Niyati Rao and Sagar Neve
Jishnu AJ, the Head Mixologist at Ekaa Mumbai and KMC*, who joined the team when Ekaa opened in 2021, explains that their vision of creating an experimental community space is represented in the logo: an asterisk with arrows converging symbolically at a single point.
Jishnu AJ, Head, Mixology, Ekaa and KMC*, explains the concept of perfumed mixology. Image: Priya Pathiyan.
While KMC* has hosted numerous bar takeovers and private parties, along with a wildly popular Sunday brunch, they’re once again pushing boundaries for their first anniversary this month. They’re introducing a new bar menu called “Mehfil,” which features a distinct concept called “Perfumed Mixology.”
Ready to take a risk with the asterisk? Each edible perfume spray has a unique olfactory profile. Image: Priya Pathiyan.
Scented Elixirs: Delving into the World of Perfumed Mixology
Opt for the Rs 875-plus-taxes-a-pop option, and the waitstaff will bring a large wooden asterisk to your table. You’ll be able to select from a variety of fragrances based on your preferences, much like choosing perfumes in a perfumery. Spray these fragrances on a strip, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in olfactory bliss. For those trying all the fragrances, coffee beans are provided at the center of the table to cleanse nasal passages, enhancing the appreciation of each aroma. After choosing your perfume, you then get to select the spirit and the manner in which it’s served.
Jishnu describes this highly customizable experience: “We offer a choice of 10 perfumes that can be paired with various spirits such as gin, tequila, whiskey, rum, and vodka. A typical cocktail consists of 60 ml of the chosen spirit, 30 ml of fragrant cordial, with perhaps a dash of tonic and soda based on desired strength or sweetness.”
The Mehfil menu allows you to fill in the blanks with your tastes. Image: Priya Pathiyan.
He further explains that you can also choose the style of the drink: “For instance, if you prefer your drink without ice, we’ll stir it and serve it in a coupe glass. If you enjoy plenty of ice, we can serve it in an old-fashioned glass. If a refreshing highball is your preference, we can accommodate that too. This level of choice is uncommon in many bars. Initially, we started with prebatch cocktails where specific aromas were matched with particular spirits, but I decided to change that. I wanted guests to have the freedom to choose,” Jishnu says with a smile.
The welcomingly eclectic multiverse that is KMC*. Image: Courtesy KMC*.
Reviving Tradition: Hydrosol – A Traditional Technique with Modern Application
The in-house perfumes are crafted using a traditional Indian perfume-making approach inspired by the water-distilling technique known as “Hydrosol,” used in Gujarat. The same ingredients are employed in crafting a cordial, which is then combined with a spirit and spritzed with an aromatic spray. This ensures that the drink carries the same fragrance as the perfume, intensifying the sensory experience as you savor your cocktail.
A special spritz in our glass? Yes, please. Image: Courtesy KMC*.
“Both at Ekaa and KMC*, we emphasize an ingredient-focused approach. Even these completely safe and edible perfumes are all about quality ingredients,” explains Jishnu, who has been using this technique for five years. “The distilling process extracts much richer flavors compared to stirring or muddling,” he confides. They’re currently selling 25 of these perfumed cocktails daily, with that number doubling on weekends.
Cosy interiors with windows overlooking the leafy bylanes at Fort. Image: Courtesy KMC*.
A Month of Perfume: The Rotating Perfume Menu – Innovation and Limited Lifespan
The plan involves changing the potent perfume menu every month. Currently, the enterprise is rooted in the present, as each fragrance remains vibrant for around 10 days, with aromas being gradually released. However, they’ve begun with crowd-pleasing options to gauge reactions before moving on to more intricate blends.
The Cardamom Vetiver mixed with gin that we sample is as refreshing as a Spring day, with the sweetness of the former seamlessly complementing the cooling, cleansing persistence of khus-khus. Aniseed Lavender provides both soothing and intriguing elements. Jatamansi Rose infuses dried rose petals from Gujarat and the Himalayan herb, boasting earthy and floral notes that induce a calming effect.
Conversely, the zesty Curry Leaf Cumin is invigorating and a popular choice due to its familiar flavors. The Mixed Spice blend resembles a non-alcoholic, spicy-floral version of gin, combining hints of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise with rose, jasmine, and lavender. The sharp and sweet Rosemary Sandalwood carries an air of sublime pursuits.
Our smooth and sensational Cardamom Vetiver with gin. Image: Priya Pathiyan.
There’s the polarizing Cinnamon Coriander and the more exotic Truffle Basil, constructed around truffle fat-washed Jose Cuervo tequila, reminiscent of a delightful pesto. Jishnu’s personal favorite, however, is the unassuming Pure Mace, with its unique dried floral notes. The one he worked diligently to perfect is the Chocolate Orange, which incorporates 85 percent chocolate from Coorg, paired with the zestiness of orange. Various techniques, from milk washing to sous-viding to deep freezing, are employed before the drink arrives in your glass, delighting all your senses.
While this isn’t the first time in the country that cocktails can be sniffed and sipped simultaneously (a few innovative pop-ups have explored this before), the India-inspired Perfumed Mixology by KMC* is undoubtedly an experience we relished and hope to encounter more often. The team’s expansion plans could very well make this a reality.
By Priya Pathiyan
