How to add scents to your cocktails
Zack Lee of Luni in Singapore welcomes us to the world of mixology and aromatherapy
Why settle for the usual cocktail when you can have a scented one?
Find it at Luni – Scent, Bar & Kitchen in Singapore: a café and retail space by day, and a scented cocktail bar by night. It’s the first scented cocktail bar in Southeast Asia.
What does that mean? You get creative, colourful drinks that taste just as good as they, well, smell. You can choose something floral, herbaceous, citrusy, spicy, musky or woody.
Take for example the citrusy Kiyomi: It has Mermaid Salt Vodka, ginger ale, lime, salted yuzu and lemongrass, and is garnished with an edible flower and mint.
Or what about the herbaceous Blossom? It has Tentaka Junmai-shu, Eldoria (elderflower liqueur), Dilma Elderflower & Grape tea, dill and clary sage, and is garnished with a chrysanthemum flower and a maple leaf.
Sounds intriguing? (Or should we say “smells intriguing”?) If you still don’t know what to make of it, Zack Lee, Luni’s founder, paints us a picture.
“A scented cocktail bar is a space where scent initiates a sensory journey,” he begins.
“It transcends conventional mixology by incorporating scent as a fundamental element that enhances flavours, evokes memories, and stirs emotions with every sip. It’s where taste meets aroma, where wellness, flavour and atmosphere unite in a truly immersive experience.”
Enter Luni and it becomes apparent. “When you first walk into Luni, you get a whiff of lavender, peppermint and frankincense. We diffuse a blend of these essential oils to induce a feeling of tranquillity, anxiety relief and comfort.”
See how else it wakes up your other senses too. “For sight and touch/feel: (We have) a cosy and inviting ambience characterised by muted neutral colours, dim and warm lighting, and blinds for a sense of intimacy,” he continues.
“For hearing: Upbeat music plays through our speakers, with our resident DJ spinning every Saturday night, giving Luni a touch of authenticity. For taste: Our cuisine combines East Asian and European elements, carefully designed for a taste of comfort with a refined twist.”
But don’t just take our word for it. “As scent is something that can’t be transmitted over words,” Zack stresses, it’s better to head to Luni and experience it right away – or create a scented cocktail at home yourself. He provides us with some inspiration.
Top scented cocktail tips from Zack Lee of Luni
How to enjoy our scented cocktails
Zack: “Close your eyes to heighten your senses, take a deep sniff of the cocktail to register its aroma, inhale again to appreciate its ‘true scent’, then sip slowly and notice how the scent evolves with time and temperature.”
Your favourite scents in your own drinks
“Rose geranium, which belongs to the floral aroma family, with sweet vanilla and rose notes that pair beautifully with spirit-forward cocktails.”
Scents that we can never go wrong with
“Peppermint! Classic cocktails such as mojitos and mint juleps have long embraced peppermint’s refreshing notes.”
How to choose scented ingredients for drinks
“Scent is highly personal – always select aromas you naturally enjoy before incorporating them into your cocktail.”
Tips to elevate our drinks (aside from using scents)
“Understand your ingredients and experiment with texture, temperature contrasts, and premium-quality ice.”
Scented drinks you'd recommend for beginners
“Our signature Ember cocktail, inspired by a classic Negroni, combines mezcal, rose geranium flowers, banana-fortified wine and Campari – bringing a bold twist to the classic, with a feminine touch.”
How to experiment with scents in drinks
“Try infusions or aromatic mists to layer complexity into your cocktails.”
Best types of food to pair with our scented drinks
“Light, complementary flavours such as our miso sea bass or fresh seafood enhance the natural aromas in our drinks.”
Tips to create cocktails at home
“Start with classic recipes and enhance them with scented elements like fresh herbs or infused syrups.”
How to navigate the scented cocktail menu at Luni
“There are eight different volcanic rocks scented with eight different essential oils for guests to take a whiff, letting their senses (‘scent-ses’, really) guide them to the cocktail of their choice. Each scent is paired with a detailed taste profile, allowing their natural aromas to shape the beverage journey.”
Your cocktail dos and don’ts
“Always ensure essential oils are food-grade and safe for consumption. Don’t overpower the drink with too many competing aromas – balance is key!”
Lastly…
What difference does a scented cocktail make?
“Scented cocktails have revolutionised my perception of mixology,” Zack answers.
“They enrich the drinking experience, making it more personal. Scents can evoke nostalgia, shift flavour perceptions, and heighten enjoyment in various unique ways.
“I think it’s also the connection between mixology and aromatherapy,” he adds.
“Mixology is the art of mixed drinks, characterised by the deep knowledge of the chemistry of drinks, combining different drinks together to come up with the best concoction suited for its drinker.
“Similarly, aromatherapy is about finding that perfect blend of aromatic compounds (usually essential oils) that delivers the ‘therapy’, improving psychological well-being.
“A scented cocktail combines these two concepts to deliver the best of both worlds.”
Happy sipping!
Luni is at 161 Lavender Street, #01-12, Singapore 338750. Find them here and on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.