Robert Nist

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Taste More Texas! Keg-Only Texas Beers

Beer
Spec’s appreciates Texas brews, and strives to offer great beers in every possible form. In some cases, that means keg-only offerings. Although there’s been a recent, explosive growth of great Texas breweries, many of them do not have bottling equipment and a limited distribution radius. While individual bottles from these breweries may be missing from the Spec’s shelves, it’s easy to order them at the stores for special-occasion keg parties and kegerators. Draft-exclusive beers make an ... Read More

Spring Awakening! Tea-Based Cocktails

For a refreshing spin on spring sippers, how about a tea-based beverage? Spec’s carries a wide selection of fine teas, plus spirits and juices to combine into a bright drink that’ll pair perfectly with brisk spring days! Here’s Spec’s selection of a couple of cocktails made with tea and an experimental infusion to try. LemonEarl 2 oz  gin 2 oz chilled Earl Grey tea squeeze of lemon spoonful of sugar lime wheels for garnish Add all ingredients except the lime wheels into an ice-filled co... Read More

Get Into German Brews! Single-Serving Samplers at Spec’s

When you’re looking for new and different beer experiences, Spec’s selection of 16.9 oz single beers from Germany is one of the most cost-effective ways to try a wide variety of world-class beers. Live (unpasteurized) beer is something many drinkers of American craft beer have come to expect. As a general rule, the half-liter bottles from German breweries are unpasteurized even when six-pack formats of the same item are pasteurized. Some entire styles come primarily in this format – for ex... Read More

Paula’s Punch

Ingredients 750 ml Paula’s Texas Orange 24 oz mango nectar 6 oz pineapple juice 8 oz lime juice 2 L club soda Preparation Combine all ingredients in your favorite punch bowl and stir until Continue reading Paula’s Punch

Savvy Sangria

Ingredients 2 gallons red wine 1 cup orange liqueur 1 cup brandy 2 cups orange juice 2 cups lemon juice 1 cup sugar 2 qts club soda Preparation Add all liquid ingredients to large punch bowl, then slowly stir in sugar until Continue reading Savvy Sangria

Excellent Easter Pairings! Wines For Traditional Easter Meals

  Easter is coming, and Spec’s has great wines to pair with traditional tastes for your Sunday spread. For many of us, lamb and/or ham will have a central role in the Easter feast, so why not pair these tried-and-true traditional tastes with great wines? Here are a couple of classic combos for your Sunday table. For lamb dishes, many experts agree that wines from Bordeaux tops the list, especially with grilled or roasted lamb. These smooth, robust reds can handle the strong flavors inhere... Read More

Classics With a Twist! The Dirty Martini

The recent post on olive appetizers inspired some interest in cocktails! Of course, one of the most classic olive applications is the dirty martini – a natural favorite with Spec’s selection of fine spirits! With the recent trend towards craft cocktails, new spins on old favorites have sprouted up. Here are two takes on the dirty martini: a classic recipe and a new twist that infuses gin with olive oil! Classic Dirty Martini 3 oz gin ¼ oz dry vermouth ¼ oz olive juice 3 cocktail olives Com... Read More

Drink Your Vegetables! Spring Brunch Cocktails

Brunch weather is beginning, and Spec’s recommends combining the freshness of herbal flavors with classic liquors for delicious cocktails to impress your brunch bunch! Here are a few savory springtime cocktails that go beyond the Bloody Mary and add depth to your mid-day spread. Tomato Thyme Cocktail 2 oz gin 4 cherry tomatoes 1 sprig fresh thyme ½ oz fresh lime juice Muddle tomatoes, thyme, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Add gin and ice and shake to blend. Strain into a chilled martini... Read More

Strawberry Sipper

Ingredients 2 oz coconut vodka 2 oz strawberry daiquiri mix Splash of spiced rum Strawberry slice for garnish Preparation Combine ingredients in a blender filled with ice and puree until ice is Continue reading Strawberry Sipper

In Love With Olives! Olive Appetizers at Spec’s

Olives and olive oils complement so many wines, liquors, and cheeses – and Spec’s has a surprising selection of all sorts! These superfoods are super versatile for all kinds of pairings that’ll take your cocktail party to the next level. Here are Spec’s suggestions for some great recipes for these bite-sized flavor bombs. Drizzling olive oil over soup adds brightness and depth  – try a pepper or truffle-infused olive oil swirled over potato, white bean, or tomato-based soups. Brusche... Read More

Kiwi Cooler

Ingredients 1 1/2 oz silver tequila 10 mint leaves 1 kiwi, peeled & quartered 1 tbsp sugar 1/2 in. vanilla bean, split 1 oz club soda Preparation Muddle mint, kiwi, sugar and vanilla in a Continue reading Kiwi Cooler

Clover Chiller

Ingredients 2 oz green tea vodka 4 oz sparkling water Lime slice for garnish Preparation Chill a rocks glass and fill with ice. Add the vodka and Continue reading Clover Chiller