At M’tucci’s we serve traditional Italian cuisine, sometimes with a contemporary twist. Our cocktail program is no different. You can order all of the classic cocktails, some with a M’tucci’s twist, or a cocktail that has been created by our talented bartenders.

Italy has a somewhat different cocktail tradition than the U.S., tending to rely upon herbal liquors and Amari, such as Campari, Aperol and Vermouths. Well-known Italian cocktails include the Negroni, (Gin, Campari & Sweet Vermouth), the Bellini (Prosecco & Peach) and the Americano (Sweet Vermouth, Campari & Club Soda). There are also variations on these, such as the Negroni Sbagliato, which is based on the Americano, replacing the Club Soda with Prosecco, or the Boulevardier, a variation on the Negroni which replaces the Gin with Bourbon.

“In the beginning of M'tucci’s bar program, the influence of Italian sprits were only represented with modern cocktails with a twist. As we have progressed, the use of Amaro has become more prominent while also including the Italian staples such as the Aperol Spritz, Negroni, and Bellini. We continue to find new ways to incorporate the use of Italian sprits, vermouth, and liqueurs into our handcrafted cocktails,” said Partner Austin Leard.

Aperol Spritz

Negroni

Choosing the right spirit for a cocktail is important, but so is the technique. If you don’t care for straight spirits you have probably wondered why people like a Martini or a Manhattan? One of the secrets to great cocktails that are primarily spirit-based (in addition to using quality ingredients) is the stirring technique, which creates dilution. Underdiluted is deadly to a good cocktail. Proper dilution means stirring with ice until the ingredients are fully integrated, the drink is very cold, and enough dilution has occurred to soften the intensity of the whiskey or gin.

Watch these videos as Arcy, Bar Manager at M’tucci’s Italian, demonstrates both techniques at the 1st Annual M’tucci’s Cocktail Contest at M’tucci’s Twenty-Five this week.

Every bartender who cares about the craft has their own style of shaking a cocktail. Despite what James Bond orders, cocktails with spirits and aromatics are usually stirred and cocktails that contain juices are shaken.

Creativity comes from experience, experimentation and, not least, developing your palate for different ingredients and how they blend together. You can ask any of the bartenders at the three M’tucci’s location to create something for you. Joe Romero and Arcy Law (shown in the videos) at M’tucci’s Italian are particularly good at this. They will ask you which spirit you like, what flavors you like and then wow you with the results. Get creative on your next visit.

Technique and creativity were on full display at the 1st Annual M’tucci’s Cocktail Contest, held earlier this week. Nine local bartenders, including two from M’tucci’s, competed in three rounds, facing different challenges. Arcy Law, made it to the final round and narrowly lost out to Zee Echo Eskeets from Hollow Spirits and Vintage 423. Proceeds from the evening and a percentage of the sales for that day (more than $2,000) were donated to Cuidando Los Niños. A big thanks to the event’s sponsor Suntory Jim Beam, who provided the great spirits: Effen Vodka, Maker’s Mark, Hornitos & El Tesoro Tequila to name a few.

Enjoy the short video and a few photos from the evening.

M'tucci's Partner Austin Leard

Megan Lees, Bourbon & Boots

Victor Acoya, Isleta/Embers

Arcy Law, M'tucci's Italian

Zee Echo Eskeets, Hollow Spirits

Daniel Malott, M'tucci's Moderno

Shrub of the Month

In addition to our regular flavors, we are going to introduce a new seasonal flavor that will be available for that month. You will be able to buy a bottle or get a special cocktail at all three locations. This month we are featuring the Roasted Apple Spice Shrub. If you would like to buy a bottle and make a cocktail at home, here is the recipe:

1/2 oz Lemon

1/2 oz Simple Syrup

1/2 oz Apple Liqueur

1 oz Roasted Apple Spice Shrub

1.5 oz Aged Apple Brandy

Weekend Specials

M’tucci’s Italian

Hand Cut 24oz Porterhouse - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Lemon, Balsamic Reduction $37

Pan-Seared Alaskan Halibut - Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Artichokes, Sautéed Arugula, Lemon Cream Sauce $29

Braise - Osso Buco (Sackett Farms Pork Shank) Creamy Risotto with Haricot Vert, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Arugula, Roasted Butternut Squash $29

Gelato: Dark Chocolate

Sorbetto: Strawberry, Pineapple

Sunday Only: Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs, Salt Water Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach and House BBQ Sauce for $27

M’tucci’s Moderno

24 oz Hand Cut T-Bone - Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Italian Salsa Verde $32

Pan-Seared Swordfish - Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Artichokes, Sautéed Arugula, Lemon Cream Sauce, Capers, Prosciutto Powder $25

Shrimp Diavolo - Wild Caught Shrimp, Spicy Marinara, Capers, Green Chile, Caramelized Onions and Spaghettini Pasta $21

Gelato: Pumpkin Pie

Sorbetto: Raspberry Lemon

Dessert Special: Butterscotch Tart with Meringue, Orange Chocolate Sauce & Cookie Crumble

Sunday Only: House Made Lasagna with Herbed Ricotta, Five Pork Bolognese and Roasted Tomato Marinara. $16 (it’s large)

M’tucci’s Twenty-Five

Pan-Seared Yellowfin Tuna - Grilled Escarole, Prosciutto Powder, Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Seared Artichokes, Topped with Prosciutto Powder, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $26

24 oz Hand Cut T-Bone - Grilled Asparagus, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Smoked Blackberry Bone Marrow Butter $32

Gelatos: Coffee, Stracciatella

Sorbetto: Strawberry & Blood Orange, Mango

Dessert Special: Pumpkin Pie with Vanilla Chantilly & Pumpkin Seed Brittle