Kristel Jones

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Eggnog recipes

Eggnog Recipes

What’s the holiday season without eggnog? It’s like a snowman without his eyes of coal—Rudolf without his red nose—National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation without Chevy Chase. But sipping on nog wasn’t always an integral American Christmas pastime. In fact, this rich and creamy festive drink was first enjoyed exclusively by British aristocracy when toasting to prosperity and good health. Cheerio, good chap! It wasn’t adopted by the US until the 1700’s. After that, the eggnog craze ... Read More
How to infuse your own bourbon

Infuse Your Own Holiday Bourbons

When Jack Frost nips at your nose, there’s nothing like a great bourbon infused with festive holiday flavors. Warm your holiday guests this winter season with an easy-to-make infused bourbon. Infusing your own bourbon isn’t hard at all; it just requires a handful of very common ingredients and a little bit of patience. But the result is an incredible tasting winter liquor that will go great in a variety of cocktails. Try one in a winter hot toddy, a Manhattan, an old-fashioned, or just enj... Read More
Christmas Cocktails

Christmas Cocktail Recipes

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
Cocktails and Christmas tend to go hand in hand. Whether it’s a decadent twist on hot cocoa or a sweet and spiced cider cocktail, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to sip a few fancy drinks during the most wonderful time of the year. Perhaps you need to get through an awkward work mixer, or maybe it’s the only way to tolerate a certain in-law. Regardless of your reason this season, these festive Christmas cocktails are sure to keep your spirits high and your Grinch low. Candy Ca... Read More
Holiday party tray from Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Party Trays For The Holidays

Spec’sology Blog, Catering, Entertain, Holidays
The holidays are here and that means family, friends, parties, and, unfortunately, lots of time in the kitchen. For those who aren’t confident in their cooking skills, are unsure what to bring to the office party, or just don’t want to spend the holidays in the kitchen trying to keep everybody fed – a Spec’s party tray may be just the answer you’re looking for. With platters featuring artisanal cheeses, savory tenderloin, charcuterie, sliders, sandwiches and so much more, Spec’s will... Read More
National Cocoa Day

National Cocoa Day – December 13

Drink Recipes, Spec’sology Blog
Today marks the celebration of #NationalCocoaDay! Hot cocoa is the warm, and velvety holiday drink that you’re never too old for. If you’re craving your winter cocoa fix, we have some perfect hot cocoa cocktail recipes to satiate your sweet tooth. Mix up one of these confectionary concoctions or mix up your own cup of hot cocoa and tag it with #NationalCocoaDay on social media. If you want to experiment with a boozy cocoa cocktail of your own, here are some other delicious hot cocoa brands a... Read More

December 2017 Connoisseur

HIGHWAYMAN PROPRIETARY RED This founder of the Highwayman lineup is a compelling blend of the five Bordeaux varietals, showing the strength of their Sonoma Vineyard sources. Aged for 18 months in French oak, the blend is dominated by Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. This wine transports you to a dark, brooding, yet strangely desirable place. Helpful Highlights Origin California Region Sonoma Grapes Bordeaux Blend Red Aroma Raisins and prunes, cocoa, spiced nuts and leather Taste Hints of... Read More
Dec 2017

December 2017 Enthusiast

Enthusiast, Wine Club
KWV CLASSIC SHIRAZ The wines of the Western Cape range from sturdy Rhone-style red wines to aromatic Sauvignon blancs in vineyards cooled by breezes off the Atlantic. This classic Collection Shiraz is a delight for seasoned Shiraz-lovers and newcomers alike. It was created to offer something for every taste and occasion. Helpful Highlights Origin South Africa Region Western Cape Aroma Cherry, raspberry and dried herbs Taste Undertones of cedar and dark chocolate are accompanied by a juic... Read More
wine and holiday cookie pairings

Wines To Pair With Holiday Cookies

The holiday season just isn’t the same without cookies. But if you think holiday cookies are only for kids (and Santa)—think again! The right wine pairing makes any holiday cookie a delicacy. Yes, any! With so many types of holiday cookies, it’s important to know just which varietal to pair with it. So before you reach for the cookie jar this holiday season, read up on these holiday cookie and wine pairings. Sugar Cookies & Prosecco The simplicity of a sugar cookie, spritz cookie, ... Read More
Gifting with Taste Spec's gift baskets

Gifting With Taste

Finding the perfect gift ranks as one the more challenging tasks of the holiday season. Success is cause for celebration: People love it when you show them how well you know them. Instead of searching for the one perfect gift, why not go for a cornucopia of cheer, a mountain of marvel, a pile of pleasure…you get the idea. This may sound more complicated than just finding one single gift, but it’s actually as simple as heading to Spec’s for a gourmet gift basket! Our experts at Spec’s use... Read More
Thanksgiving Pairings

Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Tips

Spec’sology Blog, Holidays, Pairings, Wine
Thanksgiving is almost here and that means the holiday stress is just starting to peak. We’re going to take care of that with some wine pairing tips you and your guests will be grateful for! Here are a few ways to go about this. One White, One Red A good and simple strategy for Thanksgiving wine is to select a very good white and a very good red, offering your guests their choice. For reds, look for soft tannins that will yield to and blend with your dishes, like Pinot Noir, Syrah, a fruity Z... Read More
National Beaujoliais Day

Beaujolais Nouveau Day – November 16, 2017

Beaujolais Nouveau Day is marked in France on the third Thursday in November with fireworks, music, and festivals. Beaujolais is a French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) wine generally made of the Gamay grape which has a thin skin and is low in tannins. The early history of Beaujolais Nouveau can trace its roots to 19th century when the first wines of the vintage were sent down the Saône to the early bistros of Lyon. Upon their arrival signs would be put out proclaiming “Le... Read More
try our homemade crown royal maple pecan pies

Keep Your Eyes on the Pies

Spec’sology Blog, Finer Foods
After spending an hour or so devouring plate after plate of Thanksgiving dinner, there’s no physiological reason you should have room for dessert, but let’s be real – most of our stomachs contain a magical wormhole that leads to another stomach dimension where we apparently have plenty of room for dessert. And it’s no wonder this secret portal exists, as no Thanksgiving meal is complete until we’ve dug into our second (or third) slice of pie. Pie is the universal Thanksgiving Day desse... Read More