Limoncello 24

Lolita Sarkar, from filmmaker to Unusual Spirits founder, blends creativity, resilience, and innovation to craft unique beverages, redefining the drinking experience while inspiring future entrepreneurs with her bold vision.

Lolita Sarkar’s career is a story of creativity, perseverance, and endless curiosity. Her journey from the world of filmmaking and advertising to becoming an entrepreneur in the beverage industry is nothing short of inspiring. A true multi-hyphenate, Lolita has worn many hats over the years—film producer, restaurateur, and, now, the founder of Unusual Spirits, a brand that redefines the alcohol experience with a touch of innovation.

Early Days: A Journey Marked by Curiosity and Experimentation

Lolita’s career path has always been one of selfemployment and entrepreneurship. From her early days as a filmmaker and producer to stepping into the world of food and drinks, her passion for creativity has been the driving force behind her career choices. "I’ve always pursued the path of an entrepreneur," Lolita shares, highlighting that her career has never been about working under someone else’s guidance, but about exploring her own ideas and projects.

Her interest in the culinary world started long before the idea for Unusual Spirits came into being. Having always been fascinated by food and drinks from around the globe, Lolita found herself experimenting with different concoctions during the COVID-19 lockdown. This period, marked by social isolation and uncertainty, became a phase of intense creativity for her. "During Covid, I found myself experimenting with the making of different alcobevs, and Limoncello 24 was one of them," she recalls with a smile.

As she explored new recipes, her friends and family were subjected to an array of experimental drinks. While some trials were successful, others were not so much. "The early days were full of the small joys of getting some things right and heartbreak over binning entire batches of trials!" Despite the setbacks, Lolita's enthusiasm never wavered, and each failure brought her one step closer to realizing her dream.

The Birth of Unusual Spirits: A Bold Vision

Unusual Spirits was born from Lolita's passion for experimentation and love for bold flavors. "I go out of my way to experiment with new ideas," she says, leading to a brand that redefines alcoholic beverages. Limoncello 24, a standout product, emerged after extensive trial and error.

The goal wasn’t just to create another drink but to craft something truly unique. "We are introducing a product with a completely new taste profile," Lolita explains. This distinct flavor, combined with an artisanal process, sets Unusual Spirits apart. However, launching a new product came with challenges—from sourcing the right ingredients to ensuring consistency. “Maintaining quality batch after batch requires immense care,” she shares.

Another challenge was catering to a niche market. "Our target group is niche right now, and they are quality and taste-conscious," Lolita points out. To meet their expectations, the brand had to ensure that it remained aligned with its core values of innovation, quality, and craftsmanship. By consistently engaging with her customers and listening to their feedback, she was able to overcome many of the obstacles that arose.