Spec’sology Blog

Horchata is a beloved beverage with a rich history, a drink whose origins are deeply rooted in ancient traditions, and over time, it has evolved into various regional variations enjoyed worldwide. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history of horchata, from its early beginnings to its place in contemporary cuisine. What is Horchata? Horchata is a sweet, milky drink made from various plant-based ingredients. Here are a few common types: Mexican Horchata: The most well-known in the United States, Mexican horchata is made primarily from rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. The rice is typically soaked and blended, then mixed

We all know what Oktoberfest is and which country it takes place in, but what are the best German Oktoberfest beers? And do we know why it even occurs in the first place? Sure, Germany makes some world-class beers, but which ones are the best to celebrate with? And what is the reason for the season? Turns out, this beer bash was born out of another party; a wedding party to be precise. Back in 1810, the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, opted to turn the traditionally stuffy, private, nobles-only wedding celebration into a massive

It may be hard to hear, much less comprehend, but not everyone is a fan of sipping straight whiskey. Personal preference aside, there will come a time when even a diehard whiskey purist must admit a whiskey cocktail is what’s called for. It could be you end up hosting a gathering where not everyone drinks straight spirits. It could be one of those lovely 104 degrees days in Texas. Or you might have ended up with a bottle of something you don’t particularly care for on its own. This is when knowing a couple of essential whiskey cocktails is key.

Chianti, pronounced “kee-on-tee”, is a red wine blend from the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy, made primarily with Sangiovese grapes. You used to see it in a squat bottle wrapped in straw, but now days most producers use standard bottles and have left the straw off completely. The history of Chianti dates back to at least the 13th century with the earliest incarnations of Chianti as a white wine. Over the years, Chianti has evolved into the red blend you see today. The first known "Chianti recipe" was created in 1872, and recommended 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia

America is undoubtedly home to a wild variety of beers, from double IPAs to coffee barrel-aged imperial stouts, but that doesn’t mean you have to restrict your brews to the 50 states! The rest of the world also makes beer. In fact, numerous countries have been brewing up suds centuries before America was founded, so they might know a thing or two about crafting an excellent beer. Checkout our six favorites from around the globe and crack open an ice-cold can of culture!

Is it really summer without a road trip to some Texas breweries? The answer is no. So, if you’ve never made a day of hitting the taps across Texas, you’ll want to check out some excellent breweries listed below and start plotting your course to Lonestar refreshment! Spoetzl Brewery - Shiner, Texas Located in Shiner, Texas it’s the oldest independent brewery in the state. They produce a diverse line of Shiner beers with the most popular being Shiner Bock. They also have a wonderful selection of highly anticipated seasonal beers they release throughout the year such as their Ruby Red

First appearing in Jerry Thomas’ The Bartender’s Guide in 1862, the Whiskey Sour had been around decades earlier as a way to combat scurvy in sailors. Ships would stock up on citrus fruits on shore while the sailors brought liquors like rum or whiskey on board, so they had something safe to drink during months at sea. The citrus (typically lemon) was mixed with a liquor and water to create a drink that would not only quench thirst, but also effectively prevent the onset of scurvy. Sailors spread the cocktail through port cities and it quickly became popular enough to

How do you make happy hour even better? Simple, you just turn your glass of wine into a cocktail! It’s easier than it sounds and requires zero mystical powers (a plus for us muggles). We’ll be focusing on Italian wine cocktails, but feel free to do some experimenting based on the recipes below! Lambrusco Sangria Ingredients 1 ounce brandy 1 ounce Tuscan Sangiovese wine ¾ ounce blood orange juice ½ ounce Cherry Heering ¼ ounce Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao ¼ ounce lime juice Lambrusco, to top Blood orange slice, for garnish Directions In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine

Prosecco is one of the most famous and appreciated Italian wines in the world due to its great pleasantness and versatility. If you don’t know much about Prosecco, you will after this article! Prosecco's Bubbly History Prosecco is made from a blend of grapes that must be at least 85% glera, with the rest being local and international varieties including verdiso, bianchetta trevigiana, perera, chardonnay, pinot bianco, pinot grigio and pinot noir. The Glera grape is thought to be of Slovenian origin and was probably cultivated in the vineyards of the Italian village of “Prosecco” in Trieste which shares a

There’s just something about the taste of a tropical rum cocktail that can instantly transport you to a palm tree-lined beach. The steel drums fade in as the surf tickles your toes and the fresh saltwater air dances under your nose. No matter where you’re sitting, all it takes is one sip of paradise in a glass to have you longing for some serious R&R. So, in lieu of sunburns and jellyfish, we’ve put together a few of our favorite, lesser known, tropical rum cocktails that’ll have your sea legs running back for refills! 🏴‍☠️ Pirate Punch Sweet, fruity, big

An ice-cold hard seltzer by the pool is pretty much the perfect day, but with so many options out there you could get a little heated just trying to decide how to keep cool! Thankfully, you know a guy who knows the guys that make the stuff…we’re that first guy. So, without any further ado, Spec’s presents the best new seltzers of summer 2022! Spritz Society Spritz Society takes real, recognizable ingredients and packs them into convenient sparkling cocktails you can take anywhere. They use natural fruit flavors, real wine, and 7 or less ingredients in every can for fresh

When it’s this hot out the only thing sweating should be your ice-cold beverage. And that’ll definitely be the case when you’re celebrating National Tequila Day with one of our highly recommended slushes in hand! Whether you’re lounging by the pool, grilling at a cookout, or just unwinding after a long hot day, these delicious frozen tequila cocktails are surprisingly easy to make with just a blender, some ice and a handful of ingredients. If slushes aren't your thing, be sure to check out our take on the best sipping tequilas for those that like to keep it simple. For