Im so happy you decided to visit The Unpretentious Wine Enthusiast! I decided to start this blog because of my love for everything wine, spirits, beer, and food. Before we get in to that, I would like to share a story with you. It’s a story of an everyday girl trapped in an everyday world….
Holiday Negroni
It’s day 2 of 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails! Today is a holiday twist on the Negroni. To come Christmas and the holidays always means rich delicious food and olive oil is always a part of that. I decided to fat wash the gin with olive oil to give it that added flavor and creamy…
Olive Oil Fat Washed Gin
Ingredients -4oz Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil -750ml Gin In a large jar combine gin and olive oil. Seel with a lid and shake vigorously. Let sit for 24hrs in a dark room temp spot. Shake every so often. Place in the freezer after the 24hrs to solidify the olive oil. Remove from the freezer,…
Espresso Simple Syrup
Ingredients -1 cup water -1 cup white sugar -1 Table Spoon Instant Espresso Powder Throw everything in a sauce pot and simmer on medium heat until sugar is melted. Stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, let cool, and store in a closed container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Holiday Spice Soft Cream
Ingredients -1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream -1 Tablespoon Light Brown -1 Teaspoon Vanilla -1 pinch each: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove, Allspice, and Cardamom. Technique One: Place in a large bowl and whisk by hand until thickened and soft peaks form. Technique Two: Place in stand mixer and using a whisk attachment whisk on medium until soft…
Christmas in NOLA
Happy holidays! I’m so happy to do another year of 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails! This year we are starting with a variation of a White Russian but using St. George’s NOLA Coffe Liqueur, which is made with chicory, and Hanson Distillery’s Meyer Lemon Vodka. I’m sure the Meyer lemon part must be confusing but…
Potato, Bacon, and Caramelized Onion & Fennel Vareniki
It’s winter time here in Sonoma and the rain is pouring! Thank god for that! I know there are probably people new to California or have been living here for less than 10 years that are confused, but YES! It does rain here and it is supposed to rain in winter lol! Cold weather makes…
Key Lime Pots De Creme
I can’t say enough how Key Lime Pie is one of my favorite deserts! It’s tart but a little sweet. Creamy but a little crunch. Perfect right!? Well I wanted something for a party that would look a little more impressive, but was still fairly easy to make. This recipe is easy, but the tricky…
Camomile Sour
I love a good cup of tea! It can be so comforting and I have always loved the slight bitterness. Camomile is one of my favorites and it adds so much to this bright refreshing summer cocktail! The key is to make concentrated tea ahead of time so it stands up to the rest of…
Ultimate Lamb Burger
I grew up eating some of the best home cooked dinners by my mom who is basically the Martha Stewart of San Jose. Minus the prison time and insider trading. She made my siblings and I halloween costumes, pillow cases for the couch, wreaths, and the best freaken spaghetti you’ve ever had in your life!…
Too Early to be Spring
The temperature in Sonoma is all over the place! First it’s mid 60s, then drastically 80s for a week, and finally in the 50s! That 80 degree weather was frightening because it’s too early for spring let alone summer weather. This drink is my ode to the end of winter and my love of Middle…
The Unpretentious Wine Enthusiast 