M'tucci's Bartenders @ Home
/A few weeks ago, I asked our chefs what they like to cook for friends and family. This week, our bartenders weigh in on what they like to serve to guests at their homes. If you haven’t set up your home bar yet, there are some good suggestions that follow. However, to set up the bar, let’s start with the basic tools that you’ll need to dive into the world of cocktails.
To build a basic bar you will need jiggers for measuring, a strainer, a stirring spoon and one or two types of mixing vessels. Shown in the photo is a cobbler shaker that I use for margaritas. It’s a three-piece shaker with a strainer in the top. The two stainless steel shakers called the 18-28 set (since they are 18 and 28 ounces, respectively) can be used together for shaking, or the large one can be used for cocktails that are stirred (not shaken Mr. Bond). The larger jigger is used for measuring freshly squeezed juices.
If you need a guide, look no further than one of two cocktail books published by Death & Co, which has very popular bars in NYC, Denver, LA and DC. The old standby, Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide, has been published since 1935. The latest edition features recipes for the classics and tips from popular mixologists.
I asked three questions: What cocktail do you like to make for guests, what spirits or mixers are always on hand and what is your playlist. Let’s go!
Austin, Company VP and M’tucci’s Cocktail Guru: “My favorite drink to make at home for friends and family is the Margarita, because it's always so fresh and everyone loves a well made Marg. I have just about everything you need for any cocktail, but a hand juicer and Boston shaker (a pint glass and a 28 ounce stainless steel shaker) are necessities. My play list will have guests singing along and the next minute may be offended.”
Mario from M’tucci’s Twenty-Five: “I like to make margaritas and carajillos. I always have on hand Licor 43, Aperol, tequila and bourbon. I like to have electronic music like house and lounge.”
Bernadette from M’tucci’s Twenty-Five: “I like making Margaritas and Aperol Spritzes. I always have beer, tequila and Aperol. The playlist depends on the group, but definitely Pitbull.”
Cole from M’tucci’s Twenty-Five: “My favorite cocktails to make are an aperol spritz or a negroni, although the most requested is often a margarita. I always have a bottle of London dry gin, angostura bitters, Dolin Blanc vermouth, fresh citrus, a bottle of Sauvignon blanc and of course, my shaker tin and beaker. My favorite thing to put on at home is Khruangbin’s tiny desk concert or some 90’s throwbacks.”
Ashley, manager at M’tucci’s Italian: “This is a hard one as I do make a variety of drinks for friends & family as it depends what they like but I probably make a Rob Roy or an Amaro Spritz the most. A Rob Roy is essentially a Manhattan but with Scotch; Sometimes I'll use some amaro instead of the sweet vermouth. An Amaro Spritz is just a pour of amaro topped with sparkling mineral water, ice & a lemon twist. Super refreshing & a great apéritif! I always have Amaro, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters, Tequila & Craft Beer. My playlist depends on the occasion. Thanksgiving time, when its majority family, it would be 60's-70's rock/soft rock. If it's friends, then it's hip hop or there's usually some type of sports event on the tv as background.
Robert from M’tucci’s Italian: “My favorite cocktail to make people would be a Mojito. It's super refreshing and no one doesn't ever not like a Mojito. (: I have a variety of mixers, Vodka on hand always and bar tools of course. Music playing is always R&B and Hip Hop.
Justin, bar manager at M’tucci’s Italian: “Beer - hahah - The majority of what I drink is beer and so do all of my friends. I have a wine key/bottle opener. To open the beer! I hate picking the music so I always make someone else do it, but it's usually hip hop.
Selena from M’tucci’s Italian: “1. Margaritas! Who doesn't love a margarita? I always have tequila, limes, ice and club soda. My music is definitely 70's classic rock.”
Zeus from M’tucci’s Italian: “Whiskey Sours are my favorite drink to make for people because I love them! I always have my jiggers. They stay on my side like my pistols, always ready to measure up a shot. Besides hip hop, probably a lot of 70's disco. The Bee Gees and Earth Wind and Fire is music made for sipping cocktails.”
Bobbi, Bar Manager @ M’tucci’s Moderno: “I’ll make Pink Starburst Shots. I always have tequila and fresh oranges and I’ll play trap music or house music.”
Kristina from M’tucci’s Moderno: “I like making Old Fashioneds for friends and family. I have been enjoying balancing the drink with different whiskeys. I have a purple and rainbow cocktail kit with all the bar tools and big rocks (Ice cubes) in my freezer! It depends on the vibe, but I usually end up playing my like song list on Spotify.”
Matt from M’tucci’s Moderno: “ I make for Old Fashioneds or fruity vodka drinks for company/friends. I always have a bar spoon, shaker, ice molds, bitters, variety of fruit, sprite, whiskey & vodka. I’ll play 90’s-Todays Country, Queen Radio, 90’s Pop.”
Andre from M’tucci’s Moderno: “I’ll make the Last Word (London Dry Gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur, Lime Juice), I always have Grey Whale Gin, Luxardo, Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Tito’s Vodka. I’ll play Scary Pockets.”
Savanna from M’tucci’s Moderno: “I usually make gin and tonics, margaritas and mules. I always have Tito’s Vodka and Hornitos Tequila and I’ll play Lofi Hipster track.”
Kevin from M’tucci’s Moderno: “I make vodka & soda and Strawberry Gin slings. I always have Tito’s Vodka, Bushmills Irish Whisky and Hendrix Gin. I’ll play EDM music.
Stuart from M’tucci’s Bar Roma: “I usually make Cosmos, French 75 and Old Fashioneds. I have lots of different bitters in addition to bourbon, gin, vodka, Cointreau, fresh lemon and lime juices and simple syrup. My playlist for a small gathering would probably be Elton John radio.”
Arcy, Partner, Manager from Teddy Roe’s: “I like to make Old Fashioneds and or a large punch for my guests when they come over. I always have Evan Williams Bottled In Bond. I’ll put on Matchbox 20 radio.”
Since margaritas were mentioned often, here is my margarita recipe, inspired by Death & Co.
2 oz. Cimmaron Blanco Tequila, 3/4 oz. Drillaud Tripe Sec, 3/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice, shake in a cobbler shaker and strain into a glass with fresh ice. Salt on the rim is optional.
Saturday at M’tucci’s Bar Roma
Reservations are required for this event. We’ll have wine, appetizers, painting materials and supplies and expert painting instruction. Of course, there will be kittens to adopt!
Space is limited and spots are filling up.
Pairing Dinner at M’tucci’s Italian
Vote in ABQ the Magazine’s Best of the City
Vote in the Following Best Categories:
Appetizer Menu, Brunch, Business Lunch Spot, Cookie, Dessert, Italian, Patio, Pizza, Waitstaff, Bartender, Bloody Mary, Happy Hour, Old Fashioned, Business (owners), Chef (Shawn Cronin is our pick).
Weekend Specials
M’tucci’s Italian
Ravioli - Lemon Ricotta Filling - Mushroom Ragù, Local Chestnut Mushrooms, Wild Mushrooms, Portabella Mushrooms, Pecorino-Sautéed Blue Oyster Mushrooms $25
12 oz. Veal Chop - Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Lemon, Balsamic Reduction $36
Pan-Seared Ruby Red Trout - Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Grilled Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $29
Pineapple-Rosemary Shrub Braised Sackett Farms Pork Belly - Morel Mushrooms, Brussel Sprouts, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Creamy Risotto, Roasted Red Pepper Pineapple Relish $25
Weekend Cocktail
Mango Tango Mojito - Bacardi Mango Chile Rum, Fresh Lime Juiice, Simple Syrup, Muddled Mint & Jalapeño, Tajin Rim
M’tucci’s Moderno
14 oz. Ribeye - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Italian Salsa Verde $39
Pan-Seared Rockfish - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce, Prosciutto Powder $27
Gnocchi - Sliced Mushrooms, Cacio Alfredo Sauce with Walnut Gremolata $23
Weekend Cocktail
On a Beach Somewhere - Bumbu Rum, Lazzaroni Amaretto, Fresh Orange and Lemon Juices, Simple Syrup, Egg White, Angostura Bitters
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five
Coffee-Rubbed Red Chile Sackett Farms Pork Tenderloin - Grilled Zucchini/Red Bell Pepper/Corn Has, Red Chile $23
Pan-Seared Ocean Trout - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Braised Greens, Artichoke Hearts, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $29
24 oz. T-Bone - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Charred Broccolini, Creamy Horseradish Remoulade $42
Weekend Cocktail
Just Peachin’ Around - Absolut Peach Vodka, Meletti Amaro, Fresh Lemon Juice, Peach Simple Syrup garnished with a Peach Gummy
M’tucci’s Bar Roma
Linguine allo Scoglio - Sautéed Shrimp, White Clams, Calabrian Chile Marinated Grouper, Roasted Tomatoes, Smoked Saffron & Lemon Cream Sauce, White Wine, Fresh Herbs, Toasted Bread Crumbs with Fresh Basil & Cracked Pepper $27
Pan-Seared Grouper - Garlic Whipped Mashed Potatoes, Braised Arugula with Garlic, Seared Stem-on Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $31
Weekend Cocktail
X Marks the Spot - Bacardi Mango Chile Rum, Fresh Orange, Lemon & Mint Muddled, Calabrian Chile Simple Syrup
Live Music for May & June
M’tucci’s Bar Roma - 6:30pm Wednesday & Noon Sunday
6/2 Robb Janov
6/5 Cali Shaw
6/9 Justin Nuñez
6/12 RJ Perez
6/16 Gilbert Uribe
6/19 Javier Ortega
6/23 Myles Chavez
6/26 Shane Wallin
6/30 RJ Perez
M’tucci’s Moderno - 6:30 Thursday & 7:30 Friday
5/31 Matt Jones
6/6 Justin Nuñez
6/7 Michael Rascon
6/13 Matt Jones
6/14 Shane Wallin
6/20 Maiya Dominguez
6/21 Jacob Chavez
6/27 Gilbert Uribe
6/28 RJ Perez
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five - 6:30 Thursday & 7:30 Friday
5/31 Marty York
6/6 RJ Perez
6/7 Cali Shaw
6/13 Gilbert Uribe
6/14 Matt Jones
6/20 Michael Rascon
6/21 Robb Janov
6/27 Shane Wallin
6/28 Myles Chavez
Thanks for reading. See you next Friday. Ciao!
