Sin City: 6 Chic bars in Hong Kong for cocktails

rachelzheng 10 Aug 2017

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Quinary
In 7th place on this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, Quinary is the highest ranked Hong Kong bar. Quinary, which means five, is a reference to the five senses that we use, and aims to create a multisensory experience for its customers with its experimental food-science approach. At the helm of renowned mixologist Antonio Lai, who was the Hong Kong champion of the Diageo World Class 2015, the bar itself is the laboratory, with equipment like a rotary evaporator and centrifuge, distillers, and pipettes to prepare the cocktail ingredients. The cocktails experiment boldly with aroma and texture combinations, pairing unusual ingredients in unexpected ways to challenge preconceptions about cocktails. One of the most famous creations is the Earl Grey Caviar Martini, which is a sweet and sour mixture or Cointreau, Ketel One vodka, and elderflower syrup topped with earl grey caviar and “air”. The bar also keeps things interesting with a special of the month.

Quinary, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Photo: Quinary
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Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour
Feeling stressed? We know a good doctor. Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour presents a wickedly fun concept – an apothecary-inspired gin bar opened by a fictional Dr. Fern where he treats patients’ ailments with none other than gin prescriptions. The speakeasy bar is hidden behind the realistic façade of a doctor’s door like those seen at clinics, but is hardly fluff. Dr. Fern boasts 250 types of gin – the largest collection in Hong Kong. In addition, it also has a focus on botanical ingredients, and sources local and organic herbs and fruits from farms in the New Territories for its cocktail garnishes. Cheese and charcuterie are available as snacks, and those who do not like gin can choose from a small selection of wine and other spirits. With Dr. Fern, you’ll likely not only keep your appointments, but be there for frequent checkups. Despite having only opened this year, Dr. Fern’s placed 48th on this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.

Dr. Fern's Gin Parlour, Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong

Photo: Dr. Fern's Gin Parlour
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Stockton
Ranked 8th on this year's list of Asia's 50 Best Bars is Stockton, a speakeasy that channels the gentlemen’s clubs of 1890’s London. Located at the end of a narrow alley, the hidden bar is decorated elaborately in dark wooden panels and antique furniture sourced from Parisian flea markets to lend the interior an authentic feel. However, the cocktails are the star of the show here and are largely inspired by the era, with a focus on the three spirits that were the mainstay of the day – rum, whisky, and gin. Stockton is serious about its libations, which are original, inventive, and well-researched. The bar's latest menu, called Minds Undone, is based on 13 famous literary figures including Hunter S. Thompson, Earnest Hemingway, and William Faulkner. It's an ingenious idea, given the relationship the most famous of authors have had with alcohol. One of the cocktails, the Forty Four (pictured), is made from Plantation Barbados rum, Koko Kanu rum, and Fino Sherry, and topped with marshmallow, lactart, aromatic bitters, egg white, and a coconut oil fat-wash, in tribute to the inimitable Raymond Chandler. Apart from cocktails, the bar has an extensive whisky collection and a menu of luxe bar snacks – sea urchin and big eye tuna toast, rock cod and chips, and salmon rillette with chives, peppercorns, trout roe, and rye crackers all come recommended.

Stockton, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

Photo: Stockton
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SEVVA
You’ll want to be dressed to the nines for a trip to SEVVA, a place to see and be seen. Perched on the penthouse of Prince’s Building in the prime heart of Central, one can argue that the restaurant and bar offers some of the most stunning 360 degree views of Hong Kong’s city skyline. Luxurious interior aside, SEVVA also boasts a refined food menu and a decadent sweets corner, but for those headed there for drinks will not be disappointed – the experience of enjoying one or two signature cocktails in this sophisticated yet relaxed venue is one not to be missed when in Hong Kong.

SEVVA, Prince’s Building 25th Floor, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong

Photo: SEVVA
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Zuma
Zuma is part of a bigger global restaurant group with origins in London. However, the bold Hong Kong outpost makes itself distinct with contemporary Japanese-inspired cuisine using quality ingredients in a glamorous setting. The Zuma bar itself is a social hotspot. In line with the restaurant concept, the bar offers a large selection of sake and Japanese whisky, as well as a list of exotic Asian-influenced cocktails crafted with a Japanese approach. Try Satoimo, made with a mix of taro-distilled Ketel One vodka, roasted rice sake, and Lychee, or Nekuta and The Venus Fly Trap, which is made from coconut rum, clarified Japanese mango, and yuzu, and served in a real fly trap plant. Live DJs are also often invited to grace the stunning space, transitioning it to a more clubby atmosphere. Zuma placed 24th on this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.

Zuma, Landmark, Level 5 & 6, 15 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong

Photo: Zuma
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Ping Pong 129
Nestled in the Wong Kar Wai-esque streets of Sai Ying Pun lies Ping Pong 129, a Spanish gintoneria hidden behind a nondescript red door. The basement bar used to be a ping pong hall, hence the name, and has since been repurposed into a stylish space where the artsy crowd in Hong Kong socialises. The interior, with its glaring red neon sign, bare concrete pillars, mismatched furniture, and art pieces hanging on the wall, blends the industrial with retro in a way that works. There are over 40 artisanal gins on the menu, which are served in balloon glasses with accompanying garnishes to suit the taste of each gin. Those feeling peckish can order some of their Spanish tapas to share.

Ping Pong 129, 129 Second Street, L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Photo: Ping Pong 129

Look no further than these 6 watering holes for the best alcoholic libations in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations in Asia, and while we’ve previously covered the best restaurants it has to offer, the city is also known for its vibrant nightlife. It’s not hard to see why Hong Kong is nicknamed Asia’s city that never sleeps. After a satisfying dinner, take in the sights and sounds aboard a night cruise, or continue with some after-dark shopping at the lively night markets. Other entertainment choices to keep you occupied until dawn include the glitzy clubs and of course, the proliferating cocktail bars.

The cocktail scene in Hong Kong is certainly on the rise, with eight bars in Hong Kong making it to this year’s list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Variety is perhaps where it dominates. Be it bars perched on rooftops or hidden in basements, set in apothecaries or gentlemen’s clubs of yesteryear, Hong Kong has it all. Pick your choice of poison – gin fanatic or a whisky enthusiast, there’s a bar for everyone.

Itching for a drink now? Head up to the gallery above to see our pick of six bars in Hong Kong you should visit!

Rachel Zheng

Photo: Stockton

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Sin City: 6 Chic bars in Hong Kong for cocktails

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