A Toast to Summer on the Central Coast
There’s nothing quite like a cocktail crafted with intention, enjoyed on a warm evening in downtown Monterey. At Montrio, we take pride in letting our coastal surroundings and garden-fresh ingredients guide what’s poured behind the bar.
This summer, in celebration of National Martini Day on June 19, we’re highlighting drinks that channel the best of the season—bright, balanced, and bursting with local flavor.
A Commitment to Seasonal & Sustainable Sipping
Locally Sourced Inspiration
Our cocktail program reflects the same values that define our kitchen:
- Fresh herbs from our in-house garden
- Citrus and fruit sourced from regional farms
- Creative use of every ingredient to minimize waste
This farm-to-bar philosophy keeps each cocktail rooted in the flavors of the Central Coast—vibrant, intentional, and undeniably refreshing.
Herbs That Transform
Fresh herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme don’t just garnish our drinks—they infuse them with garden brightness and complexity. Whether muddled into a citrus cocktail or steeped into a syrup, these ingredients help every sip tell a story.
Signature Summer Cocktails to Try
Montrio Classics
Almost Paloma
Tequila, lime juice, house-made grapefruit shrub
Zesty, refreshing, and subtly bitter—this is summer in a glass.
Clarified Colada
House spiced infused Rum, coconut, pineapple, lime juice
A smooth, clarified take on a tropical classic—cool, clean, and creamy.
Browned Butter Old Fashioned
Brown butter washed Rittenhouse Rye, house-toasted almond syrup
Nutty warmth and velvety texture make this a standout, even on summer nights.
Signature Series
Smoke & Mirrors
Bahnez Mezcal, Chartreuse, Amaro Nonino, lime
Presented tableside for a dramatic flair—smoky, herbal, and unforgettable.
Vieux Poire
Pear Brandy, Rittenhouse Rye, Oso de Oro
Fruit and spice combine in this refined, spirit-forward favorite.
Ocean Strike
Clarified Gin, Blue Spirulina, Italicus, lemon, citric acid, rosemary
Inspired by the union of land and sea, this cocktail is as visually stunning as it is refreshing.
Sunset in Oaxaca
Bahnez Mezcal, House-made Tepaché, honey, lemon, Fee Brothers Tobacco Bitters
A tropical, smoky blend with just the right hint of funk and spice.
Thyme Traveler
St. George Terroir Gin, lemon, Big Sur Huckleberry & Thyme Cordial, Ginger Beer
Bursting with wild flavors, this cocktail brings Big Sur botanicals to your glass.
Zero-Waste Practices Meet Mixology
At Montrio, sustainability extends beyond the kitchen:
- Citrus peels are transformed into house-made shrubs
- Herb trimmings become infused syrups
- Garnishes are compostable or edible
- Glass straws replace plastic ones
Our bar is a space where creativity and conscious crafting go hand in hand.
Perfect Pairings for Summer Dining
Let your cocktail complement what’s on your plate. Here are a few inspired pairings to explore:
Almost Paloma + Fish Sticks
Crisp grapefruit notes highlight the freshness of local rock cod with Montrio tartar sauce.
Clarified Colada + California Spot Prawns
Pineapple and coconut tones blend perfectly with squid ink linguine and uni cream.
Browned Butter Old Fashioned + Olo Ranch Braised Short Ribs
Rich, savory short ribs meet their match in this nutty, barrel-aged cocktail.
Thyme Traveler + Heirloom Tomato Salad
Huckleberry, thyme, and lemon bring out the basil and burrata in this bright seasonal starter.
Smoke & Mirrors + Fried Oyster Tacos
The smokiness of mezcal plays beautifully with béarnaise, watermelon radish, and micro arugula.
Not Drinking? We’ve Got You
Our mocktail menu offers the same level of care and flavor without the spirits:
Montrio Spritz
Lyre’s Italian Orange, tonic, mint
Passionate Life
Passionfruit, lime, mint
Blood Orange Shrub
House-made blood orange sherbet, soda, lime
Grapefruit Shrub
House-made grapefruit shrub, soda
These non-alcoholic sips are refreshing, thoughtfully made, and just as seasonal as our cocktails.
Raise a Glass on National Martini Day
Whether you’re planning a dinner with friends, a romantic date night, or a casual visit to the bar, June 19 is the perfect occasion to toast to summer with us. From spirit-forward classics to herbaceous, garden-inspired cocktails, there’s something on our list to delight every palate.
📍 Monterey, CA
📞 831.648.8880
At Montrio, every cocktail is more than a drink—it’s an experience, crafted with purpose, inspired by place, and perfect for the season. Come sip with us.
