Q&A with Lead Mixolgist at Atticus
The area surrounding Denver University is seeing new growth and with that came the opening of Atticus, a restaurant and cafe serving comfort food with a focus on local. For more on the concept check out my review here. We caught up with Tony, the lead mixologist, to learn how they are making this drink menu new and exciting while keeping classic cocktails in check.
Q: How do you come up with ideas for these creative cocktails?
The menu this go round was a collaborative effort by myself Anthony Giovanni, Sean Kenyon of Spring 44 Distilling, and our General Manager Chris Fitzpatrick. Of course credit has to go to the bartenders of past that created the wonderful classic cocktails that stand as the foundation for our menu
Q: Is there a cocktail you are most proud of?
I would have to say that El Guapo is my favorite. It’s a wonderful blend of Mezcal, Port, citrus, and a house made French almond syrup.
Q:Why is partnering with local distilleries important?
It’s very important to keep bars in Denver as local as possible. Here at Atticus we want to showcase Colorado distillers and all the great spirits the make. Such as DownSlope Distilling, and Spring 44.
Q: Tell us more about your background? How did you find yourself on this path?
I’ve had a passion for bar-tending for as long as I could remember. My grandfather was the owner of a number of bars here in Colorado as well as in Italy. When I was a kid I would stand behind his home bar and make juice cocktails for myself and my cousins. So naturally when I became old enough to work behind a bar I did so. From that point I worked the nightclub seen. Then fell in love with the creativity and freedom in cocktail bar-tending. I’ve hand my hand in a number cocktail programs for the past few years and now I find myself in a great place with Atticus and Table to tavern.
I don’t imagine I’ll be going anywhere any time soon. Brain and Rob have really given me an opportunity to do what I love and grow with their family and I’m so grateful for that. Outside of my roll with Table to tavern I’m also Brand Ambassador for Down Slope Distillery, and I teach a spirits and bar tending class for a privet investor
** Atticus is located at 1115 East Evans Avenue in Denver. The restaurant’s phone number is (720) 459-8273.
