Stanley Tucci Talks Cocktails and Tips for Hosting Parties This Holiday Season

He knows what he's talking about.

According to Stanley Tucci, everyday is a perfect day for a martini —  especially when they're made with Tanqueray.

"It was a natural fit because, obviously, I love making cocktails," Tucci told Travel + Leisure of his partnership with the beverage brand.

Though he's always had an affinity for crafting the perfect drink, it wasn't until the COVID-19 pandemic when Tucci shared a cocktail-making tutorial video on Instagram and fans learned of his skills. The video, originally meant for a small group of friends who were all staying home like the rest of the world, solidified the "Devil Wears Prada" actor as not only a bright spot in a dark time, but a go-to for all things cocktails — with a sophisticated flair, of course.

And when pressed on why martinis are his beverage of choice, Tucci gave an answer so compelling it could make you change your drink order forever.

"There's something celebratory about it," he said. "There's something elegant about it. It just heightens your social experience. That's what I always loved about martinis."

"When you see people drink them in old movies, when you see James Bond [drinking one], it's just so elegant and rarefied." He added, "It separates you from the mundane."

Speaking of experiences far from the mundane, along with being a martini-making extraordinaire, Tucci is also the ultimate host on TV — thanks to his CNN show, "Searching for Italy," — on social media, and in real life. 

"I learned from my parents. They were really great hosts," Tucci shared, adding that the two would put on fabulous events, big and small, where guests would come dressed in their best and toast over a good cocktail in honor of their time together.

"People loved coming to our house because my parents cooked so well," he added. "They presented things so well."

And thankfully, the actor is passing along some of this party-hosting tips — and his go-to martini recipe — just in time for the holidays:

Don't feel pressured to invite everyone you know

When asked if people should host small, intimate gatherings, or blowout bashes, Tucci said it's really up to you — as long as you don't feel like you're overexerting yourself. 

"It's a personal choice. I would say it depends on how tired you are from working every day," Tucci joked. "I think it really just depends on who you are. But sometimes, I think just those nice small dinner parties with people you love are great."

Stock your bar so guests can make their own drinks

While Tucci would love to make each and every guest a personalized drink, he simply doesn't have the time — and neither do you if you want to be a good host. Instead, he suggested having a well-curated selection of alcohol and mixers on hand so everyone can make a drink they love.

"Usually, people want something really simple," Tucci shared. "I don't usually pre-prepare cocktails. I usually leave it up to the individual."

Have a few key garnishes available for visual appeal

There is, however, one thing he does prep, and that's a great garnish that everyone can drop in their martini (or drink of choice). 

"Obviously, it has to be appropriate taste-wise for the drink," Tucci said. "And also to make it prettier." 

For example, he has traditional accouterments like olives and more flavor-forward selects like rosemary and grapefruit handy at his bar.  (The latter being his favorite garnish for a Tanqueray No. TEN martini, he noted.)

"With a martini, you can go with a whole bunch of different things to garnish," he added. 

Here's how to make a martini, just like Tucci.

Tanqueray Perfect 10 Stanley Tucci's Signature Martini 

RECIPE:

• 1.5 oz. Tanqueray No. TEN

• .25 oz. dry vermouth

• Grapefruit peel
  

PREPARATION:

• Pour 1.5 oz. Tanqueray No. TEN into a shaker with ice, and add .25 oz of dry vermouth.

• Stir until perfectly mixed using a bar or teaspoon.

• Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a twist of grapefruit peel.
  (Alcohol content: 0.6 fluid oz. per serve)

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