Named after the concept of "five", Quinary expresses a multi-sensory mixture. Quinary, Hong Kong's first molecular cocktail bar, has been nominated for the World's 50 Best Bars three times and ranked 15th in Asia's Best Bars 2018.
Molecular cocktails are different from traditional hand-made cocktails in that physical and chemical methods are used to change the shape or characteristics of the drink during the bartending process, including foam materials, aerosols, liquid curing, etc. Molecular cocktails are very demanding and take a long time from the moment they are born, with each wine on the wine list going through one to three months of fine-tuning and 90 seconds to complete, and its own Earl Grey Caviar Martinis sells more than 800 glasses a month.
Quinary's founder, Antonio Lai, was born and raised in Hong Kong, and his bartending journey took him to Singapore, Malaysia, Beijing, Japan, Germany and other places before moving to London to become an apprentice at Tony Conigliaro at the Drink Factory. The Earl Grey Caviar Martinis is Lai's masterpiece in the world of cocktails. Using a molecular cocktail, Earl Grey tea is frothy, topped with orange liquor, elderflower syrup and yuzu vodka, and served with caviar for a refreshing taste that is a must-have at Quinary. Quinary's other bartenders also have a wealth of experience, with Samuel Kwok being named the best bartender in the World Class.
The Quinary is always packed, with high chairs at the bar and leather armchairs in the lobby filled with drinkers from Sheung Wan. For a glimpse of the bartenders creating cocktails, or to catch up with the bartenders, the bar seats are the most sought-after. If you don't have a seat, there is an ashtray in the waiting area at the entrance of the Quinary, and there is also a mobile phone charging station for use. Although Quinary is located on Hollywood Road, the storefront logo is not prominent.