Creative multi-sensory cocktails from Hong Kong’s leading exponents of molecular mixology
April 10th, 2013
Quinary opened in the mega-popular SOHO district of Hong Kong in mid 2012, aiming to take the traditional bartender’s art of cocktail creation firmly into the 21st Century by taking inspiration from the cutting-edge trend of molecular mixology to create an exciting new drinking experience for an increasingly discerning and knowledgeable local clientele. Evoking considerable buzz within the Hong Kong bar scene, Quinary has garnered a successful niche in the ultra-competitive bar industry, and attracts a steady crowd of appreciative customers. The result of a collaboration between the owner of the nearby Tastings Wine Bar– Charlene Dawes, and celebrated local mixologist- Antonio Lai, Quinary enjoys a winning combination of truly extraordinary inventive cocktails- served in a bar environment of sophisticated industrial-chic decor and subdued lighting that reference elements of a “speakeasy” style establishment.
Acknowledged as being at the forefront of the evolving molecular mixology trend, Antonio Lai has developed his own “multi-sensory” approach to the crafting of cocktails- creating a process that engages all five of the customer’s senses- taste, aroma, texture, visual and sound (the bar takes its name from the numeral system based on five). Utilising the food-science 
techniques first employed at the famous El Bulli restaurant to deconstruct the elements of a dish to create a new style of cuisine, the cocktails at Quinary also undergo an innovative process of both deconstruction and re-interpretation- with the addition of carefully selected new ingredients to harmoniously blend with the original cocktail recipe to create the multi-sensory experience. At the front corner section of the bar, the modern laboratory equipment is showcased behind a black mesh industrial-style screen. Impressive equipment includes the digitally controlled rotary evaporator that infuses and redistills the base spirits, and a centrifuge for combining ingredients and flavor combinations. Standout signature cocktails on the Quinary drinks list include- OOLONG TEA COLLINS– slow cooked home made Oolong tea cordial with Absolut Vodka and soda on rocks; EARL GREY CAVIAR MARTINI- mixture of sweet & sour, Cointreau, Absolut vodka, elderflower syrup topped with earl grey caviar and air; and QUINARY BLOODY MARY- re-distilled Absolut wasabi vodka using the rotary evaporator, home-made bloody mary mix, tomato juice, spicy with a kick.
For the more adventurous cocktail enthusiast looking for something beyond the classic tastes of a martini or mojito, the inventive creations at Quinary will certainly push the boundaries of their drinking experiences- and entice with well-balanced, flavorsome drinks. And the prices are pleasantly approachable- most drinks are in the range of HK$100 – 140. For those looking for something other than a cocktail, Quinary also has a well-stocked bar of premium spirits and whiskys, plus a good selection of premium champagnes and wines. Table bookings are recommended- especially for weekend nights.
Inside Quinary
Lounge section at the front of Quinary- luxurious leather sofas and armchairs combine with unpolished concrete floors to create a sophisticated style of industrial-chic.
The bar counter spans one side of the room- with raised leather banquette and high table settings extending along the facing wall.
The front lounge section of Quinary- viewed from the bar.
Antique cocktail-related paraphernalia and reference books locked inside steel mesh fronted cabinets.
Quinary Bartenders Choice- selected molecular cocktails
Earl Grey Caviar Martini- Old school Multi-sensory mixology method, Earl Grey Tea caviar and Air, fresh cucumber, lemon, lime, apple juice, Absolut Citron, Elderflower syrup and Cointreau.
The Cure– Beefeater 24, Yellow Chartreuse, Elderflower syrup, lemon juice, egg white. Finished with a star anise and seasoned orange peel, adding a touch of Asian spice.
The Black Pearl– Scotch Whisky with a fruity blend of Italian vermouth and Chambord Black Raspberry liqueur, drops of historic Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters, and infused with a sweet/sour umami smoke.
Quinary- innovative cocktail bar in Hong Kong
Address: G/F, 56 -58 Hollywood Road, Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central station – Exit D1 – 10 minutes walk.
Enquiries: + 852. 2851 3223
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/QUINARY
Website: www.quinary.hk/
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 5:00 pm ~ 01:00 am
Sundays Closed
