Robert Nist

Wine and chocolate have a lot in common. They’re delectable, their tastes range from sweet to bitter, and they both compliment your candle-lit, bath tub “me time” on a Thursday night splendidly. Wine and chocolate are each awesome by themselves. But pairing them together? Ah, that can be tricky, as there are a lot of flavor nuances to take into consideration. In celebration of National Chocolate Day, we’re going to discuss a few wines and chocolate pairings that are sure to satisfy even ... Read More

It’s time to get out the cake and load it up with 242 birthday candles because we’re celebrating America this month! That’s right, the United States is turning 242 years old this month and we’re gonna help you rock it’s socks off with some awesome drink recipes that would have the founding fathers swapping powdered wigs for lampshades. Sazerac The Sazerac holds the honor of being the first American cocktail, so we thought it rather fitting to include here. Plus, all the spirits in this... Read More

Summer is unofficially party season! So make sure you’re well prepared. Nothing puts the bummer in your summer, faster than a party without enough drinks to go ‘round. Ensure your soiree is ‘party-foul’ proof, by whipping up one of these big batch summer cocktails. Do this, and you’ll never run dry. After all, a summer party is best spent laughing with your friends while you get crazy looking, sandal tan lines; Not rushing back and forth from the yard to the kitchen so you can sling dr... Read More

To some, infusing your own fruit vodka seems as complicated as making origami in the dark. But, it’s really quite simple and the delicious results make an excellent addition to summer parties. We’ve broken the process down into this very easy to follow, vodka-infusing guide. Select Your Vodka You can use either 80-proof or 100-proof vodka to make fruit-flavored vodkas. 100-proof vodka will do a better job extracting the fruit flavor, but some find the taste of the100-proof to be a little raw... Read More

“Pops”, “Dad”, “Daddy-o”, “Padre”, “Old Man”, “Big Poppa”, —a father has many names. No matter what you call him, Dad’s the man! Crown Dad king with any of these Father’s Day gift ideas from your local Spec’s. Liquor picks for Dad: The Gin Factory Scottish Gin This unique gin is distilled with rosemary to create an extraordinary scent and flavor of fresh herbs and citrus. The balance of lingering, robust flavors and the fresh crisp elements of tanginess make for t... Read More

Inside every adult, there is an inner kid. That kid remembers the magical days of chasing down the ice cream truck. Sheer excitement took every child on the block when the melodic chimes of “Turkey in The Straw” or “The Entertainer” grew closer because that music meant a cold and delicious treat was just around the corner. Those days are long over. But who says you need a box truck playing an aged tune to make the experience of ice cream feel magical again? The solution? Add alcohol, my ... Read More

We know what you’re thinking. One mention of the word ‘moonshine’, and immediately the image of a backwoods distillery ran by a hillbilly wearing overalls come to mind. Moonshine started off with a bad reputation. In reality, the moonshine you find on Spec’s shelves is 100% legal and regulated. Despite its notorious reputation, moonshine is just young whiskey that hasn’t been aged in oak barrels, which is what gives whiskey its distinct amber color. If that’s not enough to change how... Read More

What Is Cognac? COGNAC is one of the most iconic spirits. Its origin can be traced all the way back to 1549, at a famous town in the South of France in which it takes its name. Often considered a luxury item, cognac pairs exceptionally well with artisanal cheeses. Is it a coincidence that National Cognac Day and National Cheese Day are both celebrated today? This is one happy coincidence we can get behind. As an hors d’oeuvre, the duo would please even the most discerning of party guests. ... Read More