Quinary is a cocktail bar in Central, adding an inventive approach and a fun quirky attitude to the craft. They harness cutting edge molecular gastronomy techniques in order to create multi sensory experience and innovative cocktails which are both sophisticated and tasty.

Quinary is ranked #41 on the 2016 50 World’s Best Bars list and has won other awards such as Bar Awards’ Most Creative Cocktail Bar. The bar is operated by the talented mixologist Antonio Lai, one of the biggest names in the HK bar scene, and a team of skilled bartenders.

Sitting at the bar was the right decision since it gave us a glimpse into the tools, equipment and techniques used to prepare their concoctions. It was a real pleasure to witness all the magic going on behind the counter.

We arrived at 18:00 for early drinks and were the only people on the bar, and in the place in general, other than two other tables. The decor, lighting and mood music set a sleek, stylish vibe. Even though the staff on the bar were very professional (refilling snacks and cleaning constantly), the service didn’t feel very personal. This despite the fact that it wasn’t peak hour and the bar was empty.  By 19:30 though the place was packed full.

I really wish I could try each and every drink on their hefty menu, since everything looked so special and unique. Unfortunately the prices are not as cheap (100HKD-160HKD) and my alcohol capacity is rather limited. Besides the Signatures you can find many other cocktails categorized by the mixologist behind the drinks.

Opher started with one of the evening’s specials – a Bourbon based cocktail with blueberry syrup and apple cider (140HKD). We received a bottle with an orange liquid, a glass full of ice slush and a striped straw. The presentation is original and reflects the refreshing qualities of the drinks, which is surprising for a bourbon based cocktail.

I opted for the Marshmallow Duo (110HKD) – 2 sets of Absolut Vanilla, marshmallow milkshake, cream, egg white, grilled marshmallow and aged Manhattan.
I just LOVED this cocktail, even though there wasn’t much of it. I will point out that I was warned by the bartender that it consisted of only two small shots. Not only they were teeny-tiny in size but the fact that the drink was very fluffy and airy means there was even less liquid in the small bottle. I think it would have been amazing if they had it in full size. With all my love for this cocktail I don’t think it justifies the price.

After we were done with our “starters” we continues to the main course:

Cocoa Nut Island (120HKD) – “introducing a revolutionary cocktail in Quinary’s history – let us go bananas over cocoa butter fat-washed El Dorado 3 years rum, caramel coconut cream, banana milk and liqueur, topped with a sea salt foam and shavings of salted egg yolk”.

Bananas had definitely went. It was simply amazing! It’s as if a banana milk and white Russian had a baby drink. It had a creamy texture, mostly sweet with touches of salt from the foam. Presentation-wise it was also cute.

Earl Grey Caviar Martini (130HKD) – Cointreau, Absolut Citron vodka, elderflower syrup topped with earl grey caviar and air.
There’s definitely a wow factor in this cocktail – no wonder it is a best seller. Tastewise it didn’t disappoint as well – if you’re a fan of more bitter cocktails this one’s for you. Surprisingly the foam, created by two hand-held pumps connected to the foam bucket, was very flavorful. The sweet and sour earl grey caviar waiting at the bottom adds to the surprise factor.

We haven’t had a chance to taste their bites but read they are as good as their cocktails. 10% service was added to the bill totalling at 550HKD. Quite pricey for three and a half cocktails – if you’re into fancy cocktails and don’t mind paying through your teeth, Quinary is worth checking out. After all, there are only 40 other better bars in the world.

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