Hong Kong's cocktail bar scene

A recent survey of Asia’s top 50 cocktail bars included six Hong Kong establishments.  Only Bangkok had more bars in Asia’s top 50.  So, while in Hong Kong on a teaching assignment, I decided to embark on a tour of some of the award-winning cocktail lounges.

Quinary is a cozy bar on Hollywood Road near the mid-levels escalator in Central.  This trendy street is one of the oldest in Hong Kong and has been recognized by Time Out magazine as one of the coolest streets in the world.  So, Quinary, with its hip cocktail menu fits right in with the neighborhood.

the Cool Lagoon was crisp and spicy

I had a hard time choosing just one menu item, so settled in for a tasting flight of my own design, beginning with Cool Lagoon, comprising Italicus (a bergamot liqueur), lemongrass Tanqueray gin, grape liqueur, jalapeno syrup and adorned with basil leaves and frozen grapes.  The menu described the drink as “a deceptively potent cocktail” – no kidding!

Big Spice in Little China was spicy and oaky

I followed that up with Big Spice in Little China, a bourbon-based cocktail spiced with hot sauce and balanced by a shot of Ovaltine.  It was this last ingredient that intrigued me enough to try the drink, despite not being a fan of bourbon.  The odd addition of rice crackers on the side was lost on me.

a different take on the dirty martini

Also in the Soho district of Central is The Savory Project, a speakeasy style cocktail bar.  The hexagonal bar is the feature and invites cocktail sippers to be entertained by the bartenders as they mix drinks and chatter with the patrons.  I tried the bar’s version of a dirty martini, which combined gin with green chilis and an aromatic wine, accompanied by plump olives.  It was a pleasantly convivial atmosphere.

While not on the list of top bars in Asia, the Aquaspirit cocktail bar adjoining the Aqua restaurant is worth a visit for the spectacular view of the Hong Kong harbor front. Located on the 17^th floor of a commercial tower in Tsim Sha Tsui, the rooftop bar has both an enclosed area and outdoor patio, directly overlooking the dramatic skyline.

the Negroni stands out on a cocktail list that is overly fruity

Overall, the signature cocktail list was a bit too fruity for my liking, but I did find a good match in their version of a Negroni, comprising Don Julio blanco tequila, Campari, sweet vermouth and umami bitters.  My companion had a cocktail representing a twist on a pisco sour, called a Matcha Point, with matcha pisco, yuzu (an Asian citrus fruit), umeshu (Japanese plum wine) and ginger syrup.

Cheers!