In 2018, Lolita Sarkar, the visionary founder and chief alchemist behind Unusual Spirits in Goa, embarked on a new chapter in the beach capital of India. She began by hosting intimate suppers for friends and crafting homemade jams. It was during the unexpected quiet of the pandemic that her creative experiments with spirited concoctions led her serendipitously into the world of liqueurs.
(Image: Limoncello 24, India’s first locally produced limoncello)
Five years later, Lolita reflects on the remarkable journey of Limoncello 24 – India’s very first locally produced limoncello. Traditionally, this vibrant lemon-based liqueur is made in small batches across southern Italy using Italian lemons. Her inspiration struck in 2020: “Why don’t we have liqueurs made from our abundant local fruits?” she pondered, while making pickles and squashes at home. As an avid traveler with a special affection for Italy, she fondly remembered the small shots of limoncello enjoyed after meals in quaint establishments.
(Image: Lolita Sarkar, founder of Unusual Spirits)
Between 2020 and 2021, Lolita diligently created over 12 batches of limoncello, experimenting with Assam limes, imported Italian lemons, and various other citrus varieties. However, it was the batch made with *gondhoraj lebu* that truly captured her heart. The distinct flavor and aromatic oils from its zest gave this limoncello an unparalleled character.
(Image: A bottle of Limoncello 24, a golden yellow liqueur)
With its tart and refreshing profile, Limoncello 24 effortlessly transports you to a coastal escape – not the Amalfi Coast, but the shores of the Bay of Bengal and Goa. Its name pays homage to 24 Parganas, once the largest district of West Bengal, where the *gondhoraj lebu* (a unique hybrid citrus, neither a true lemon nor lime) flourishes. This intriguing fruit is larger than most lemons, featuring crumpled skin, a thick pith, a green hue, and surprisingly little juice.
(Image: Lolita Sarkar expertly pouring a Limoncello 24 cocktail)
The entire production process, from harvest to bottle, takes a mere three days. Lolita explains, “We process around 200 kilograms of produce per batch.” Upon arrival in Goa, a dedicated team of women meticulously zests the limes by hand. This precious zest is then combined with a grain-based ENA (extra neutral spirit) and minimal added sugar. While Italian limoncello typically uses grappa as a base, sourcing it locally in India proved impractical.
(Image: Women hand-zesting the *gondhoraj lebu*)
Despite being crafted in small batches, this exquisite liqueur is available year-round. Unusual Spirits has partnered with small farms in Bengal to ensure a consistent supply of *gondhoraj lebu*. From the pickers in 24 Parganas to the all-women peeling team in Goa, Limoncello 24 is truly handcrafted, preserving the natural freshness of the lemon zest with zero additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors or colors. Unlike many cloyingly sweet liqueurs, Limoncello 24 contains only 200 grams of sugar per liter, significantly less than the usual 250 grams found in most markets. “We conduct lab tests for consistency,” Lolita notes, “but you’ll notice subtle variations in the spirit’s shade due to the natural produce, and that’s the beauty of it.”
(Image: A bottle of Fragoncello ‘412 with fresh Mahabaleshwar strawberries)
Looking ahead, Lolita is thrilled to introduce Fragoncello ‘412, a celebration of Mahabaleshwar’s succulent strawberries. *Fragola* is the Italian word for strawberry, and ‘412 refers to the first three digits of Mahabaleshwar’s PIN code. This delicate liqueur boasts a rich aroma, a deep scarlet hue, and a delightful tart-sweet flavor, with just 150 grams of sugar per liter. “It’s distilled in small batches and is exclusively available from November to February, aligning with the seasonality of the fruit,” Lolita shares. Fragoncello ‘412 is remarkably versatile, perfect for sipping on ice, mixing into cocktails, or enhancing desserts like cakes and sorbets.
(Image: A close-up of the Fragoncello ‘412 bottle)
Unusual Spirits has three more liqueurs in development for 2025-2026, with a planned launch in Goa in late September. Lolita keeps the details under wraps, revealing only that “one is herbaceous and layered with Indian spices, another is an annual release made from Indian fruit, and the third is especially exciting, as it will be a first of its kind in the country.”
Lolita is optimistic about the future of locally produced liqueurs. “Using Indian fruit not only adds deeper flavors to cocktails but also benefits bars by making Indian-made liqueurs more cost-effective,” she asserts.
Both spirits, featuring 25% ABV, are currently available in Goa. Limoncello 24 is priced at ₹1,320 for a 550ml bottle, while the same quantity of Fragoncello ‘412 costs ₹1,540.