Hong Kong’s best mixologists rival Michelin-starred chefs
From bold to bespoke, mixologists at Quinary, Stockton, J Boroski, and The Old Man impress globally
Classic drinks are giving way to complex and innovatively made cocktails by bartenders who are fast becoming as well known internationally as Michelin-starred chefs. Classic cocktails are usually made with three ingredients, but these new innovations need prep time and often feature up to 10 items. We checked out four of Hong Kong’s outstanding bars and cocktails recommended by their mixologists.
Quinary
Quinary has been in the top 10 of Asia’s 50 Best Bars for the past two years – this year it ranks 7th, and in the world’s best ranking, between 39 and 42 over the past four years. Known for its modernist approach to cocktails that stimulate the senses, founder Antonio Lai says: “Five years ago, we were already focusing on gastronomy techniques for our cocktails to give the customer a good experience.”
We tried the Earl Grey Caviar Martini which is a signature and bestseller, selling 800 glasses per month at Quinary, an ideal example of multisensory mixology.
The cocktail is made with Earl Grey tea “caviar” at the bottom and topped with Earl Grey tea “air”, using molecular techniques and ingredients such as algin and lecithin. This drink surprises and engages all your five senses, and hence it is “multisensory”. It is also available as non-alcoholic . The Lavender Meringue Pie is a ridiculously indulgent sweet treat, one of the bestselling cocktails too, made of lavender redistilled Tanqueray gin and zesty limoncello, topped with sweet marshmallow foam and with a sprinkle of ground lavender sugar that is torched to become extra fragrant.
Stockton
Also featuring in Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Stockton is hidden away off Wyndham Street – another best kept secret. Its dark interior is much like a gentleman’s club with leather seating and dark wood booths. According to Maximal Concepts mixologist Suraj Gurung, every cocktail tells a story. The bar’s cocktail list is inspired by 20th century authors, who enjoyed their tipple. We tried The Macabre, named for author Edgar Allan Poe – best known for his tales of mystery.
