Karla Jones

Pull Into Port! Fortified Wine Facts

In wintertime, it’s always good to stay fortified, and Spec’s suggests that fortified wine in port form is a delicious way to meet that requirement! We stock plenty of ports in all styles, but the two most popular ports are ruby and tawny ports. These ports range in flavor and texture from light and sweet to heavier and nutty, so there’s a port for many palates. Here’s a few facts about these flavorful fortifications. All ports are considered “fortified wines,” since an additional sp... Read More

Local Beer, Global Impact!

Beer
Spec’s is proud to stock a huge selection of beers from from local breweries such as Live Oak, Austin Beer Works, and Real Ale! Whether you’re building your beer collection or picking up a keg for your football bash, locally brewed beers can bring new flavors to your table and add an extra level of planet-saving sustainability to your toast. How does Spec’s selection of local brews add green power to your pint? Locally brewed beer is a more environmentally friendly product from a transport... Read More

The Stealthy Strength of Specialty Sodas

Spec’s stocks everything delicious, including a dizzying array of specialty sodas for mixing and merriment! We carry everything fine and fizzy – from regional cult products to award-winning international sodas designed for mixologists. For the regional soda aficionado, Cheerwine, an extra-bubbly cherry-based cola sweetened with cane sugar, has been produced in South Carolina since 1917. Texas’ Dublin Bottling Works (the former bottler of Dublin Dr. Pepper) makes many delicious flavors like... Read More

The Spec’s-tacular Weekly Cocktail: Espresso Martini

Try this deliciously caffeinated concoction with your favorite vodka and espresso beans from Spec’s selection! 2 oz vodka                          1 oz espresso 1/2 oz cream                      3 drops almond extract Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain into a martini glass. Float three coffee beans on top for good fortune!

Regal Rice: Special-Designation Sake

Spirits, Wine
Spec’s stocks some spectacular sake – and shows that there’s much more to this Japan-based beverage than an unusual bottle. We previously provided an intro to sake, but for further facts, here’s more on this delicious rice-based beverage. The process of sake production is simple. The rice is washed and steamed, then mixed with yeast and a mold known as “koji.” (See our introductory sake post for more on koji.)This mix is allowed to ferment while adding more rice, water, yeast, and ko... Read More

For Peat’s Sake! Smoky Flavors in Scotch Whisky

Scotch, scotch, scotch. From discerning drinkers of diverse drinks, to those who’d never stray from the single malt glass, people love scotch – and so does Spec’s. One of the most desirable aspects of scotch is its distinctive smoky flavor. This flavor may range from barely-there to where’s-the-fire? But like all great loves, scotch lovers want to know where that amazing flavor comes from. Here’s Spec’s step-by-step timeline to this alluring aspect of scotch whisky. 1. The malted bar... Read More

The British are Coming! Awesome English Fare

Between the Olympics, the Royal Diamond Jubilee, the popularity of BBC programming like Dr. Who and Sherlock, and the good-looking, high-flying Prince Harry flashing the crown jewels, Spec’s is in the midst of another British Invasion. With our wide selection of English beers and gins, it’s easy to pair up a full UK-themed party spread. In addition to many classic standards like HP Sauce, Dundee Marmalade and Ty-Phoo Teas, we’ve even got crumpets!  Pair these toasty treats with gr... Read More

Pack a Punch! Perfect Punches for New Year’s Cheers!

Drink Recipes, Holidays, Spirits
New Year’s Night is nigh, and Spec’s is stoked to help you host! We’re fully stocked with all manner of merriment, from party trays to barware, and our experts are eager to assist you in perfecting your party plan. One low-key way to keep glasses raised is to make a punch your celebratory centerpiece. These historical bowlfuls may have a bad rep for soggy fruit and melted sherbet, but the recent interest in craft cocktails has led to the delicious rediscovery of punches for all occasions. ... Read More

Champagne Cheers From Now to New Year’s!

The holiday season is in full swing, so it’s time to break out the bubbly! From holiday gatherings to New Year’s cheers, sparkling wine is a festive choice for every occasion, and there’s a bubbly for all price points and palates. Here are Spec’s picks for tantalizing toasts to last through the season! Bonnaire Brut Tradition NV $34.99 Cash A well-balanced wine with a charming, fruity nose and subtle spicy notes in the mouth. A very good aperitif in a classic style. Louis de Sacy Brut Ro... Read More

Winter Warmer

Ingredients 4 cups apple cider 750ml red wine 1/4 cup honey 2 cinnamon sticks 1 orange, zested & juiced 4 whole cloves 3 whole star anise Orange peels for garnish Preparation Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and Continue reading Winter Warmer

Terrific Last-Minute Gifts

It’s the final week of before the festive seasonal frenzy, and Spec’s knows that sometimes picking presents gets down to the wire. Here’s Spec’s links to our gift guides for great last-minute picks all at lower prices – and our expert elves are ready in-store with super suggestions for any other aficionados on your list! Presents for the wine lovers: Give Great Gifts! Amazing Accessories for Wine Aficionados Beautiful baskets that anyone would love: Bring It! The Best Gift Baskets

Beyond the Bottle: Innovative Wine Containers

When it comes to entertaining with wine, Spec’s serves all sizes, and there are some interesting recent packaging pieces for your sipping selection. If you’re trying to test out some super sizing or unusual packaging for your wine, here’s a look at some outstanding options. Of course you’re familiar with the 750ml and 1.5L (Magnum) formats of the traditional glass bottles, but the pouring potential of a wonderful wine doesn’t stop there!  You can also find wine in half-bottles (375ml)... Read More