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Quinary

Amy Russell

56-58 Hollywood Road, Central.
Tel: 2851 3223

The vibe: the name 'quinary' refers to using all five senses to appreciate your drink but if you're not sure what molecular cocktails are, the staff will explain it all to you as they shake, stir, pump and inject drinks using contraptions behind the bar. The decor was tasteful, with chic nuances in door handles and light fittings. The venue draws a fairly hip crowd, but is unpretentious and fun. It was a busy Saturday night, but we never felt neglected.

The drinks: there's one obvious reason to come here - the cocktails. But the well-stocked bar has a variety of interesting spirits, so you can pretty much ask for anything you want. The cocktail menu provided is about quality, not quantity. The selection includes a special of the month (HK$140) - in this case, a rhubarb-based drink, with fresh lemon rind and a large chunk of ice. It was delicious and more syrupy than standard drinks. My friend's six-month barrel-aged Manhattan (Chivas 12 years, Martini Rosso, bitters; HK$140) packed a punch right away, leaving you with strong notes of its garnishes - cherry and orange. Our second round included a Crystal 24 (B24 gin, grapefruit juice, Perlini; HK$100), with a strong but fresh grapefruit flavour. The winner was the Earl Grey caviar martini (Absolut vodka, elderflower syrup, apple juice, Cointreau, lemon and lime; HK$120) - with bursting Earl Grey 'caviar' balls and a foamy top.

The verdict: it's entertaining to watch the professionals behind the bar; although busy, they always seemed to be having fun. The buzzing atmosphere coupled with the potent but palatable drinks will leave you on a high. A unique experience, worth the visit.

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