Spec’sology Blog

A Word From Our Wine Expert… Many major reviewers have been releasing their “Best Of” and “Top” wines of the year lists over the past month. Fun as they may be to obsess over and reference, those lists are obviously subjective. While I have never been disappointed in a wine I’ve bought from one of these lists, there have been plenty of instances where I have vehemently disagreed with the rankings. Below is my own list of noteworthy Riojas. I tasted a lot of Riojas in 2020, but the below bottles left the greatest impressions on me this year: 1.)

Looking for the best holiday cocktails to impress the relatives? Well, lucky for you so were we, and that’s why we’ve got such a great list for you! Because everyone is different, we’ve narrowed it down to four cocktails that we think express the best flavors of the season. It’s the easiest way to wow your family without becoming a doctor. North Pole Eggnog Ingredients 1 oz. amaretto 1 oz. vodka 2 oz. store bought eggnog pinch of nutmeg pinch of cinnamon caramel sauce for rimming the glass Directions Rim a cocktail glass with caramel sauce. Shake the eggnog, amaretto

Besides the fact that shopping local is more important than ever this holiday season; Texas makes some really good wines! So, whether you’re gifting or treating yourself, we’ve put together 5 Texas wines that will go wonderfully with your seasonal dishes and help to support a local business. But first, some Texas wine history! History of Texas Wine When you think of wine production in the U.S. people tend to think of California as the original region, but Texas is one of the oldest wine growing states in the US with vines planted here more than a hundred years before

We’ve found that the best way to enjoy some of our favorite holiday movies is with a perfectly paired beverage! From old favorites to new classics, we hope you find a film to enjoy…and if not, these drinks are delicious no matter how you enjoy them! National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation A story of a man whose one wish for the holidays is to have the perfect Christmas. His efforts spiral into the hilarious as countless obstacles line up to impede his dream including electrical issues, feral woodland creatures, redneck relatives, and a grinchy employer. Fiery Fuzzball Cocktail Ingredients 1 oz.

With a myriad of dishes served during the holidays, there is no better accompaniment to a meal – or finer gift to give – than an exquisite wine from Rioja. These vibrant wines offer unmatched versatility. Excellent conditions for vine cultivation allow for a multitude of wine styles – this variation rivals almost any other top region in the world. Rioja wines are standouts due to a diversity of climate, landscape, soil type and grape varieties. Rioja Sub-Zones Rioja has three distinct sub-zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental. Wines are often a blend of grapes from multiple zones,

When someone opens their home to you and plans and prepares a Thanksgiving Day feast, it’s always appropriate to show your gratitude by bringing something your host or hostess will appreciate. The time of year lends itself to celebration through giving. To help with any gift-giving anxiety you may be experiencing, we’ve put together a handful of gift items that are perfect for a host who loves to plan dinner parties. SPEC’S HOMEMADE CROWN ROYAL MAPLE BOURBON PECAN PIE After spending an hour or so devouring plate after plate of Thanksgiving dinner, there’s no physiological reason you should have room

There’s just something about autumn that makes you want to throw on a chunky sweater and sit out by the fire pit with a seasonal cocktail in hand. Maybe it’s the cooler temps or maybe it’s our inner caveman drawn like a moth to the flames but sitting outside by a fire (without sweating) is kind of the perfect experience. To help get you out there we’ve collected four of our favorite fall cocktails. Campfire Margarita Ingredients: 2 oz. Código Reposado Tequila ½ oz. Spec’s Agave Nectar 1 ¼ oz. Langers Ruby Red Grapefruit ¼ oz. lime juice 2 rosemary

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 Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Beaujolais Nouveau or a

Día de los Muertos, or “The Day of the Dead,” is the celebration of a life well lived. Friends and families come together to honor their loved ones who have passed away with a beautiful celebration of color, art, food and music. Instead of the somber gathering that we typically picture, The Day of the Dead is an all-out party complete with an array of cocktails. And seeing as its roots come from Mexican culture, you can safely assume that most of the cocktails involve a generous helping of mezcal or tequila. Check out our collection of Día de los

We’re not entirely sure there’s such a thing as “leftover” or “extra” Halloween candy, but…whether you let the kids dump their hard-earned Halloween candy all over the floor and root around until they fall asleep or you ration it out over the following week - you’ve got plenty of opportunities to create your own little stash from theirs! Assuming you swiped enough to eat and still have some left, you’re probably asking yourself “What do I do with leftover Halloween candy? Are there cocktails made with candy? How do I eat candy and drink at the same time? Whose kid

There’s something perfect about curling up with your favorite ghoul pal and making yourself too terrified to leave the couch. So, this Halloween season, you’ll want to keep the bar cart within reach as you pair up one of these frightfully delicious drinks with some classic spooky films! The Shining + Redrum Ingredients 2 oz. aged rum 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 1 oz. simple syrup 1 oz. red wine 2 sticks cinnamon (and 2 for garnish) Directions Combine aged rum, lemon juice, simple syrup and two sticks of cinnamon in a shaker. Add ice, cap and shake for 10

Scare up some refreshing fun this Halloween with our collection of spooky cocktails! These frightfully refreshing drinks are the perfect way to raise your Halloween spirits and spread some fermented fun for the adults! Swamp Juice Ingredients 1 ½ oz. vodka 1 oz. lemon juice 2 oz. Jarritos Lime Soda club soda Swedish Fish garnish: gummy worms Directions Add ice and Swedish Fish to glass Pour in lemon juice, lime soda, and vodka Stir, top with club soda, and garnish with gummy worms Enjoy! Devil’s Margarita Ingredients 1 ½ oz. blanco tequila 1 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed ¾ oz.