M'tucci's Cocktail Culture
/There have been so many food-related stories at M’tucci’s in the past few months, we have neglected to talk about our cocktail & beverage program, which complements our chef-driven kitchens and completes the culture that is M’tucci’s.
That culture was created by Partner Austin Leard when M’tucci’s Italian first opened eight years ago. Austin brought a commitment to quality, a dedication to consistency and the talent to innovate. Qualities that are as important to M’tucci’s identity as is our exceptional food. In addition, he has recruited and trained a group of bartenders who are given the freedom to create weekly cocktail specials, which often become permanent fixtures on the menus at all three locations. Let’s look at a few of the mainstays of our program: M’tucci’s Shrubs, M’tucci’s Private Label Wines, M’tucci’s Private Select Maker’s Mark, and our dedication to Italian aperitivi and digestivi.
But, first, a gallery of some of the creative cocktails created by our team at all three locations during the past few months:
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five
M’tucci’s Moderno
M’tucci’s Italian
Soon after joining M’tucci’s, Austin started one of our most successful projects: M’tucci’s Shrubs. Our guests are big fans of the cocktails made with M’tucci’s Shrubs. Shrubs are a sharp, tangy infusion of fruit, vinegar and sugar. They can be traced back to American colonial days, though regions across the globe, from the Middle East to Asia, have offered their own unique interpretations. The American version of the shrub dates back to 17th century England where vinegar was used as an alternative to citrus juices to preserve berries and other fruits.
M’tucci’s Private Select Makers Mark
In the summer of 2019, M’tucci’s partners Chris O’Sickey and Austin traveled to Kentucky to create M’tucci’s own special profile bourbon. At Maker’s Mark a 53-gallon barrel was filled with cask strength Maker’s Mark and select staves of different types of oak. It then aged for another 9 weeks in a cold limestone cave. After the aging was completed, our bourbon was bottled in unique Private Select bottles. M’tucci’s Private Select Maker’s Mark is the signature spirit for our unique Old Fashioned cocktail.
Great spirits and ingredients are important, but the people behind the bar are most important. Today, meet two of them.
Arcy Law, Bar Manager at M’tucci’s Italian
Arcy got his start in bartending right after turning 21. It was at M'tucci's Moderno where, “I found the passion for bartending thanks to Austin Leard,” he said.
“I think our cocktail program is one of the best in the city because we focus on balance and execution. We aren't here to sling drinks, instead we provide a mesmerizing experience that keeps our guests coming back.”
“It's very hard for me to narrow down what my favorite spirit is, but I drink more whisky than anything else. However, I'm always switching to new cocktails each month. If I had to put my finger on the one cocktail I love to make, it would be one we create, bringing new flavors that surprise our guests. One of those examples is the Sangria we are featuring this weekend. It is based on a recipe that a good friend of mine brought back from France that dates back to the early 1900's. We create a base by mixing citrus peels, white wine, fruit, honey, and other spices and marinate them overnight. The cocktail is made fresh to order by adding other spirits and red wine. It is truly a unique cocktail.”
Matt McMillian, Bar Manager at M’tucci’s Moderno
Matt has worked in restaurants since he was 16. He got excited about bartending/cocktail culture at a restaurant that is no longer open.
He said, “M’tucci’s cocktail program is successful because it’s guest focused. We’re here so our guests have the best experience possible. The freedom to create something special for the guest is pretty cool and keeps our jobs interesting.”
When he is not working, he loves bourbon, and tiki cocktails. “You just can’t beat a well made Mojito, Caipirinha or Mai Tai - perfect for a summer afternoon.”
Weekend Specials
M’tucci’s Italian
16 oz Hand-Cut NY Strip: Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Broccolini, Balsamic Reduction $32
Pan-Seared Swordfish - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Artichoke, Sautéed Arugula, Lemon Caper Sauce $29
Pesto Ricotta Ravioli: M’tucci’s Cotto Ham, Spring Peas, Caramelized Onion, Sun-Dried Tomato, Lemon Cream Sauce $23
Pasta Della Forma
House Made Spaghettini & Piave Vecchio Cheese, Minimum of two orders, Prepared Table side - $38, Chef’s Condiments Add $3
Appetizers
Beer-Battered Herbed Ricotta-Stuffed Squash Blossoms: Capers, Aioli Pickled Zucchini $10
Clam Toasts & Pancetta with Fennel, Sun-Dried Tomato, White Wine Butter Broth $12
Weekend Cocktail
Aperol Bergamot Spritz: Mionetto Prosecco, Aperol, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Liqueur
Sunday Only
Half Rack of Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Salt Water Potatoes, House Made Cole Slaw and House BBQ Sauce for $18
M’tucci’s Moderno
10 oz. Hand-Cut NY Strip: Crispy Saltwater Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Salsa Verde $32
Pan-Seared Alaskan Halibut: Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce, Prosciutto Powder $34
Sackett Farm Pork Piccata: Arugula, Tomatoes, Caper Lemon Butter Sauce $19
Weekend Cocktail
Aperol Bergamot Spritz: Mionetto Prosecco, Aperol, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Liqueur
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five
12 oz. Hand-Cut NY Strip: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Broccolini, Smoked Blackberry Bone Marrow Butter $26
Pan-Seared California Halibut: Seared Artichokes, Grilled Escarole, Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $23
Black Mussels, Spicy Nduja White Wine Brodo, M’tucci’s Bacon, Gigante Beans, Marinated Tomato, Roasted Red Onions, Garlic and Green Olive Tapenade $27
Gelato: Chocolate Hazelnut
Sorbetto: Blood Orange
Weekend Cocktail
Aperol Bergamot Spritz: Mionetto Prosecco, Aperol, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Liqueur
IT’S HERE!!
Now in Albertsons Markets in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos. Old World Artisanal Italian Sausage from M’tucci’s. It’s made with spices and red wine, and is sourced from a single family farm. ONLY $5.49 per pound. Better quality for a lower price than the large mass-produced brands.
Live Music at M’tucci’s
M’tucci’s Moderno and M’tucci’s Twenty-Five will resume live music on Thursday, June 17 with your favorite local musicians. See the Events listing on our Facebook pages. Thursday performances are 7:00-9:00 and Friday performances are 8:00 - 10:00.
M’tucci’s Moderno
6/25 Kirk Matthews
7/1 Kirk Matthews
7/2Lani Nash
7/8 Melissa Rios
7/9 RJ Perez
M’tucci’s Twenty Five
7/1Lani Nash
7/8 Kirk Matthews
Thanks for reading. See you next Friday. Ciao!
