Summer Wine & Cheese Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Wine & Cheese Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Cheese, Pairings, Wine
Before we get started, the most important thing to remember for any pairing situation is to go with what you like. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says, if you enjoy it go for it!That being said, we’ve put together some general guidelines you’re totally free to ignore. If you don’t know much about cheese or wine, just remember to pair by flavor intensity – and keep in mind that age and intensity are directly related.Young fresh cheeses have a high water content and a milky and d... Read More
Beach Cocktails Recipes - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Beach Cocktails – Prep Now, Party Later

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
If you’re not properly prepared, the perfect beach trip is, well, it’s no day at the beach. Not to worry though, Spec’s is here to help you get the most out of the coast with these simple tips and convenient recipes!Beach Prep TipsNo matter what you’re drinking, you don’t want sand in it. So, bring cupcake liners and place them over the top of your drinks. If you’re using a larger sized cup, aluminum foil makes a quick lid you can punch a straw through, and its reflective surface hel... Read More
Boozy Popsicles - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Stop, Pop & Roll – Adult Popsicle Recipes

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
It’s hot. This is Texas; it’s going to get hotter. But that’s no excuse to stay inside hiding from the beautiful outdoors! Especially when you can combine two summer favorites into one deliciously ice-cold concoction – boozesicles. You can buy boozesicles at Spec’s, of course, but if you want to get creative and make your own, we’ve got some awesome recipes that’ll have you fighting off brain-freeze all summer long.Peach Bourbon Lemonade PopsIngredients2 cups lemonade1 cup peac... Read More
Hard Seltzer Cocktails - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Hard Seltzer Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
When it comes to summer cocktails by the pool, convenience is king. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste, especially with these hard seltzer cocktails! Ready to drink hard sparkling beverages are a quick and easy way to add some carbonation and a variety of flavors to any cocktail without having to drag your entire bar down by the pool.The best thing about hard seltzer is you can simply replace club soda in a recipe with it and have a delightful new cocktail.Check out some of our ... Read More
Chardonnay Wines at Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Chardonnay Wines

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
Chardonnay is the number one white wine in the world. There are several reasons for this including the fact that the Chardonnay is a relatively low-maintenance vine that adapts to a wide variety of climates which results in high yields around the world. So, you can choose from the millions of bottles produced annually and get good one for $15 while also spending ten times as much for an elegant one. It’s the 5th most planted grape varietal in the world with over 30 different clones of Chardonn... Read More
Summer Vodka Cocktails - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Sunshine & Vodka – Refreshing Vodka Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
Nothing says summer like having a refreshing cocktail in hand while enjoying the great outdoors. And while we have nothing but praise for beer and the more flavor-forward spirits like gin, whiskey and tequila; vodka’s neutral flavor profile makes it the perfect base for a refreshing cocktail.So, if you’re looking for new ways to keep your summer fresh, we’ve put together some great vodka cocktails you can whip up anywhere!Great GatsbyIngredients1 oz. vodka1 oz. Lillet Blanc2 1/2 oz. freshl... Read More
Summer Wine Storage - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Summer Wine Storage

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
Whether you’ve got 5 bottles or 5 cases, knowing some wine storage basics will help keep your wines in good health during the hot summer months. Assuming you don’t have a personal wine cellar under your home, there are some easy tips to keep your wine fresh until you’re ready to indulge.First of all, we’re not talking about long-term wine storage as only a small percentage of fine wines on the market benefit from long-term aging. We’re more interested in keeping them drinkable for a fe... Read More
Summer Beers - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Suds of Summer

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
There’s nothing better than hot summer days and long summer nights, especially when you have the perfect summer beer keeping you refreshed while you sweat from dawn to dark!You could spend precious time searching for a new summer favorite, but we went ahead and put together a list of ours to ensure you don’t have to miss a moment of summer fun!Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPALow-carb beer can be satisfying too! This refreshing 4%’er offers the aromatics of your favorite IPA wrapped up in a... Read More
Boozie Milkshake Recipes - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Adult Milkshakes

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
Why should kids have all the fun? We certainly don’t grow out of enjoying milkshakes! Popsicles have gotten the adult treatment and milkshakes are right there with them, and they’re the perfect summer sipper! Cold, delicious, and boozy – what’s not to love?Check out some of our favorite boozy milkshakes and get that porch ready for a good old-fashioned sit & sip!Cake & Ice CreamIngredients4 scoops of vanilla ice cream1/2 cup milk1/2 cup crushed ice3 oz. cake-flavored vodka1 t... Read More
Rosé Day - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Rosé for the Day

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
Hooray, National Rosé Day! National Rosé Day is on June 13th this year and June is the perfect time to sip and celebrate this refreshing wine.Some facts about rosé:The pink shade of rosé wine depends on the amount of time the grape skins were in contact with the juice, also known as maceration. Rosé may be the oldest known type of wine, believed to have been created around 7000 BC with red and white wines coming a few thousand years later.Rosé is best consumed within 2-3 years of its ... Read More
Hard Iced Teas - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Iced Tea Cocktails: Party Hard Tea

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
There’s not much better than a cold glass of iced tea on a hot summer day, unless, of course you have hard tea on hand!On June 13th we celebrate National Iced Tea Day. Though you may be inclined to celebrate more traditional iced teas, like sweetened and unsweetened, make sure you don’t overlook the equally refreshing hard iced tea at your summer soirée.Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy beverage you can whip up in seconds or something with a little more pizzazz, we’ve got you ... Read More
Pride Month Cocktails - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Prideful Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Entertain, Spirits
Throughout June, people all over the globe will be celebrating World Pride Month in honor of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. With the rainbow flag being one of the symbols of Pride, we’re supporting the LGBTQ community with a collection of colorful cocktails you can make at home to celebrate Pride!The CheeverIngredients1 oz. vodka½ oz. cream½ oz. cream of coconut½ oz. blue curaçao3 oz. pineapple juiceDirectionsPour pineapple juice, vodka, cream and cream of coconut with ice into... Read More