Updated December 2022 to make sure all accommodations, distilleries, and restaurants were still open and accurate. For the last decade, I’ve been a huge fan of Islay scotch. Like, the “I’m not an alcoholic, but if you look at my whiskey shelf at home you’d think I was” kind of fan. And ever since I first […]
Best Cocktail Smoker: Smoke Boards is My New Favorite Drink Smoker
If you’ve spent any time perusing some of the recipes here at Slightly Pretentious, you’ve probably figured out that I like smoky things. Islay Scotch. Mezcal. You name it, if it’s smoky, I’m all about it (funny considering I don’t smoke). So a few years ago when it became en vogue to actually smoke your […]
How to Make a Rum Negroni: The Artsy Bird is a Funky Rum Cocktail
I like spirit forward drinks. And when I’m at home and just looking for a fun night cap on a Thursday night, I don’t want to spend hours trying to craft something crazy. Three ingredients, four max. Easy. That’s just one of the many reasons why I love the negroni. It’s got a fantastic bitter, […]
Bees Knees Cocktail: A Fantastic Introduction to Gin Cocktails
A lot of times I make drinks for people who say they don’t like a particular spirit. But there are always gateway drinks you can make, that more often than not make them change their mind. For instance, my wife typically doesn’t like whiskey. All it took was one whiskey sour and she was sold. […]
Great Cocktails: 25+ Ridiculously Good Drinks to Make at Home
The entire reason this website exists is to shine a light on the great cocktails of the world. This could be classic cocktails that have stood the test of time. Modern drinks made by some of the best bartenders in the world. Or simply libations I’ve come up with on my own that I feel […]