Shaking history with Lucio Tucci
Oh for the good old days. This guy loves to dig up tidbits from the past left by bartenders from a different era. And share it with the world. Meet Lucio Tucci.
Lucio, introduce yourself for us.
I am Lucio Tucci and I was born in Milan in 1978. For over 25 years I have been in the province of Bergamo in a town called Treviglio. My training or in any case my passion came from my family. They passed on their interest in hospitality to me. Since I was just 5, my family has been dedicated to the world of catering, opening a business in Milan and then moving to Treviglio; where until 4 years ago I had my own bar.
In recent years I have been dedicated and interested in different aspects of the bar world. I attended many courses such as those dedicated to coffee and to wine, and I also attended a hotel institute in Milan.
But, over the years I have found the world related to mixed drinks is my greatest interest.
Have you ever been a bartender?
Yes, in my own bar and I still practice the profession.
What sparked the passion that gave birth to your Instagram pages @archiviodelbar and @drinksmixworld?
Archivio del Bar (The Bar Archive) one of the pages I have together with Mauro Mahjoub and my Drinks Mix World were as born from the idea of sharing historical information and curious facts from the world of the bar; in view of a new project that will be linked to this page. I also have a blog called Archivio del Bar.
A selection of historical images from @archiviodelbar
Why do you think people like to see documents and films from many years ago?
Initially, I never asked myself whether they might like it or not; I personally find them fascinating and interesting; in a certain sense they tell what the world of the bar was like in the past years; but the exciting thing is to see that I'm not the only one who is interested in historical aspects.
Where do you find the photos and films you post on the site?
There are many online channels I use for research. More than anything else, I start to get interested in a topic where I get on the trail and start the research.
What is the oldest or rarest document in your collection?
There are several historical documents that I have and several rare pieces that I have in my collection. One of these is an English magazine from 1846 entitled "The Pictorial Times'' where there is an interesting illustration of the "throwing" technique. Another rare piece of history that I am lucky enough to have found is for example Ferruccio Mazzon's recipe book “Barman's Guide - Mixer”; one of the first Italian cocktail manuals. In 2014 I spent 3 months of continuous research to find a copy; between phone calls to libraries and publishing houses, asking for information on this text. Once I found it, I shared the manual on the Bargiornale website (Italian) in the books section.
Two documents I found were included in the book I recently published with Mauro Mahjoub, "L'ora dell’Americano" published by Hoepli.
Are you going to write a book from your collection?
There are many topics that I would like to write about. We will see.
Have you ever thought about creating a museum?
That is the new project I was hinting at! It is one of the goals that both Mauro Mahjoub and have set for ourselves in Italy. Unfortunately, with the onset of the pandemic we had to stop the project. I hope this particular period will come to an end as soon as possible so we can achieve our goal.
You can be sure it will be packed with historical pieces ranging from old manuals to bar tools.
Do you also have a collection of old bottles?
Unfortunately no; but for about 12 years I have been interested in old cocktail recipe books. For the moment I have reached 500 physical pieces; ranging from the Jerry Thomas manual of 1862 to manuals published in 1960. In digital format there should be more than 2000; I lost count.
What is one thing that has remained the same in bartending from the old days?
I would like to quote some sentences taken from the 1922 book “Ice creams, Cold Sweets and Refreshments. American Drinks ”by Giuseppe Ciocca; to make it clear how times have not changed that much towards the Bartenders.
“The Barman carries out, while playing, a job as a pharmacist.
He surrounds himself with reverence.
The most discerning consumers sit in the high chairs facing the counter and contemplate his meticulous work with true admiration. "
What is one aspect that is missing from the old days of bartending?
I have not lived through the past times of the art of bartending; however, looking at old photographs and old videos. I am absolutely dazzled by the elegance and charisma of the bartenders of the time.
What are your projects for the future?
The museum, without a doubt.
Video by Shaker Beat on Youtube.
Five questions for Lucio
If you could go back to any decade of the past, what would it be?
The roaring 1920s. Nightclubs, flappers, Jazz, Harry Craddock….
Your favorite spirit?
Gin.
In the world of bartending, do you prefer New York or London?
Can’t choose. Both.
The book or document that you don't have that you are looking for?
Jerry Thomas's business card named "Jerry Thomas's Dream" printed in 1864; I am still unable to buy it.
The world is about to end, what will your last drink be?
An Americano.
Where you can find Lucio
Instagram:
Archivio del Bar: @archiviodelbar
Drink Mix World: @drinksmixworld
Lucio Tucci: @lucio1978
Mauro Mahjoub: @mauro_kingofnegroni
L’Ora dell’Americano book: @loradellamericano
Buy the book on Amazon (at the moment in Italian only, watch this space)