They say that the bar at Ruby Wong’s Godown is manned by a mysterious, tattooed woman.

Her name was Ruby Wong — that much we knew. But no one’s ever seen her face. The ink curled around her arms like lace, her nimble fingers pouring drinks, customer after customer.

She moves like smoke, swift yet lingering, settling into the crevices of the godown’s dimly lit walls like a secret. Mysterious as she is, she allows herself to be known. To be felt, through her cocktails, the ambiance, and the music.

And in a metropolis full of speakeasies, none feel quite as secretive as this.

So, when Hong Kong’s Quinary took over the bar for two nights, some wondered if she’d appear. Instead, something else arrived — a multisensorial experience that cast a spell on everyone who entered. And it felt like it came with Ruby’s permission.

The lights stayed low, and the smoke remained. And just behind the bar, Quinary’s Bar Manager Kai Ng and Head Mixologist Jackie Wong got to work, moving as if they were right at home.

Quinary Hong Kong Takes Over Ruby Wong’s Godown for Two Nights Only

The two-night affair wasn’t just a guest shift — it was an event where the senses played under the dim, intimate walls of Ruby Wong’s Godown.

Quinary Hong Kong, a pioneer in Multisensory Mixology, brought their flavorful creations for curious bargoers to taste last June 26 and 27, 2025. Crowned as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars (2013 to 2017 & 2021) and Asia’s 50 Best Bars (2016 to 2024), Quinary is renowned for finding harmony between aromas, textures, and taste, turning each drink into a sensorial journey.

For the guest shift at Ruby Wong’s, the teams of Quinary and Ruby Wong’s crafted an exclusive drink menu in partnership with Don Papa Rum, made with premium aged, single-island rum at the heart of every cocktail.

The Cocktail Creations

Crafted with intention, the drinks became a storied journey — a showcase of Quinary’s finesse and Don Papa Rum’s tropical warmth and depth. Each cocktail carried its own charm, perfectly mirroring the mysterious allure of Ruby Wong’s Godown.

From smoke to spice, with hints of citrus, every sip told a different story.

Here are the three cocktails we had the pleasure of sipping that night.

Oolong Tea Collin

Straightforward, light, and deceptively easy, this cocktail made the perfect opener for the night. The delicacy of the oolong tea cordial was lifted by the smooth, tropical lightness of Don Papa Rum, finished with soda for a clean, refreshing sparkle.

It was the kind of drink you’d reach out for a casual night out; a safe choice, only to realize halfway through that it had already wrapped you around its finger.

The Oolong Tea Cocktail wasn’t a loud greeting. It was like a simple hello, the kind that makes you nod your head and wonder if it was Ruby Wong herself, waving from a distance.

Quinary Sour

Playful and perplexing, the Quinary Sour is the kind of cocktail that makes you raise an eyebrow, and then take another sip, just to figure out its complexity.

Smoky licorice and bonito syrup blended around the earthy notes from the monk fruit and nori-infused Don Papa Rye Cask, creating a bold, flavor-packed concoction. The frothiness of the egg white and the sharp kick of lemon juice added a fresh dimension, leaving a lingering sour-bitter-umami finish that danced on the tongue, yet still left a questioning look on your face.

Every sip packed a punch, a curious, experimental mix for those feeling adventurous enough to follow the mystery of Ruby Wong. She herself might have served this to see what your face might look like after the first sip.

Wax

Rich, deep, and mysterious — this drink had Ruby written all over it.

A signature from Quinary, the Wax reimagined its base with a lush, local flavor. Brown butter fat-washed Don Papa Masskara and Don Papa 7 Years gave warmth and weight to the cocktail, while a blend of bee pollen and homemade cedarwood tincture wrapped around the palate like velvet.

Earthy and indulgent, and somewhat comforting, the drink lingered like a fervent prayer — one that Ruby might have heard with a small smile on her lips.

Final Thoughts

Quinary’s guest shift at Ruby Wong’s Godown was a celebration of flavor, artistry, and sensorial mixology. Playing along with the bar’s mysterious allure, the affair felt like Ruby herself was behind it, her essence tucked into every corner of the speakeasy.

A moody jazz vinyl set by Discollective, a live tattoo and piercing session by Malditattoo Studios, and a dedicated cigar section added layers to the vibe, tying the two-night event together with texture, sound, and skin. It wasn’t just a takeover, it was a homage to Ruby Wong’s Godown’s legacy as one of Manila’s hidden gems.

And wherever Ruby was, she was surely raising a glass in the dark.

Learn more about Ruby Wong's Godown by checking out their website and following them on Facebook and Instagram. To reserve a table at Ruby Wong's, book here or call them at 09178298434.

Location: Ruby Wong's Godown, Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection, 2138 Roxas Boulevard, Malate, City of Manila 1004

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 5 PM to 1 AM

Learn more about Quinary Hong Kong by checking out their website and following them on Facebook and Instagram. They only accept walk-ins.

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

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, from 5 PM to 1 AM; Sundays from 5 PM to 12 AM