If there were 25 hours in a day, how would you spend it? Hidden within a Central building, the bar 25:00 (Twenty Fifth Hour) has launched “The Journey to 25:00” wine tasting menu (HK$588) available only from Monday to Wednesday.
Designed by Chief Mixologist Kenzo Lee, who has previously worked at W Hotel Woobar and Sugar at EAST, the menu is creatively structured around a timeline, incorporating elements of Hong Kong’s food and drink culture. Each cocktail tells a story as the mixologist guides guests through a unique tasting experience.
The bar is located in the building of Luk Yu Tea House, so the first cocktail starts at 08:00 with “Yum Cha”, made with Black Label whiskey, cold-brewed fragrant tea, elderflower, grapefruit, and green apple, accompanied by a chrysanthemum jelly, like a refreshing breakfast!
The second cocktail is called “Nothing” for a light drink at noon, a common affordable drink in bars in the 90s. However, Kenzo has upgraded the ingredients and preparation by adding flavors like pineapple, coconut, and melon, turning it into a cocktail resembling a soup, especially refreshing when paired with fresh melon. The third drink arrives at 19:00 with “Drunken Snail,” using Bourbon whiskey as the base, mixed with preserved plums and Chinese spices, accompanied by marinated sea snails in wine and fish sauce for 3 days, bringing a slightly salty and fresh taste, reminiscent of seafood in Cantonese cuisine.
The fourth course is “Bo Jai Fan” at 20:00, which is “Claypot Rice”! Slow-cooked mushrooms with Amaro Montenegro infused Chinese sausage fat, served with a crispy rice cracker, the texture and flavor resemble claypot rice. At 22:00, the dessert “Ice Cream” features homemade Hong Kong-style milk tea ice cream with whiskey, smooth texture, topped with “caviar” made from truffles.
Finally, at 25:00, there is “Soup”, where Kenzo often provides late-night stew for bar guests after midnight, nourishing the body and mind like a hangover soup, becoming the last inspiration. Interesting wine tasting sets are only available from Monday to Wednesday, limited to 8 people per night, and can be pre-booked via WhatsApp!
