Spec’sology Blog

Takeout Pairings

Featured image for Takeout Pairings

2020 will be known as the summer of takeout. Restaurants across the country have been serving up their meals for takeout and if you’ve found yourself looking for a drink menu you’re not alone. Having a drink that compliments your order just makes the meal. It takes it from food in a box to…fancy food in a box? Pairing your meal with a glass of wine, the perfect beer, or a fresh cocktail elevates a takeout order to an almost restaurant quality experience at home. Checkout some of our favorite summer discoveries and get the plastic utensils ready for some

Read More about Takeout Pairings

National Punch Day Recipes

Featured image for National Punch Day Recipes

When it comes to relaxing, a refreshing beverage is everything, and the ultimate refreshment is one that doesn’t require you to keep making a new one every time you empty your cup! Having a pitcher of perfection on hand lets you relax without having to make multiple trips to the bar, and when it comes to relaxation - less is definitely more. That’s why we’re big fans of summer punch. Make it once and you’re good for hours of delicious refreshment! They require a little more planning, but the results are absolutely worth the effort! Check out some of our

Read More about National Punch Day Recipes

Game Day Cocktails

Featured image for Game Day Cocktails

When it’s time for game day, the best place to gear up for good times is Spec’s! Stock up for the game with lower prices on a stadium-sized selection of all your favorites! Don’t have enough for overtime? You won’t have to miss a second with Spec’s home delivery! Just use the Spec’s app and order delivery when you shop online. Check out our list of game day cocktails that are sure to raise your team spirits! Tiki Touchdown Ingredients 24 oz. pineapple juice 9 oz. dark rum 3 oz. lime juice 3 oz. orange curacao 3 oz. cream de

Read More about Game Day Cocktails

Paul Dolan Organic Vineyards

Featured image for Paul Dolan Organic Vineyards

The farming at Paul Dolan Vineyards is 100% organic and is done without the use of pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. By treating the soil as a living, life-giving organism and nature as their guide, Paul Dolan crafts organic wines of character and purity. “After tasting the real difference between organic and conventionally farmed grapes, side by side in a sun-drenched vineyard in 1987, my entire way of thinking about grape growing changed. The organic grapes were expressive, interesting and balanced while the conventionally farmed grapes were bland and insipid,” says Paul Dolan. After making the decision to grow and

Read More about Paul Dolan Organic Vineyards

Blissfully Boozy Bites: Alcohol-Infused Foods

Featured image for Blissfully Boozy Bites: Alcohol-Infused Foods

Pairing food with alcohol can be a fun learning experience. What works, what doesn’t and everything in between. But sometimes you just want it to work and not have to consume so much liquid to find your sweet spot. That’s why we’ve put together a collection of booze-infused foods so all you have to do is enjoy a meal to enjoy yourself. These are some of our favorite alcohol-infused food recipes covering everything from appetizers and soup to entrées and dessert! Melon Booze Ball Salad Ingredients 1 small, seedless watermelon 1 cantaloupe 1 honey dew melon 1 cup pineapple juice

Read More about Blissfully Boozy Bites: Alcohol-Infused Foods

Easy Labor Day Cocktails

Featured image for Easy Labor Day Cocktails

The last thing you want to be doing on Labor Day is labor. Known as the bookend of summer, you’ll soon be reaching for a jacket instead of suntan lotion. So, we want you to get the most of out the last summer holiday. That’s why we’ve put together a collection of “easy labor” cocktails so you can get back to the grilling and chilling with a drink in hand! Ruby Radler Ingredients 1 oz. grapefruit vodka 1 can grapefruit radler Directions Drink about 2 oz. of the beer, then pour in the spirit. Spicy Michelada Ingredients 1 oz. honey

Read More about Easy Labor Day Cocktails

Chianti Up: Getting Acquainted with A Tuscan Classic

Featured image for Chianti Up: Getting Acquainted with A Tuscan Classic

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 nowadays 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 bianca.

Read More about Chianti Up: Getting Acquainted with A Tuscan Classic

Date Night Grilling Pairings

Featured image for Date Night Grilling Pairings

Your backyard grill outs may not always be burgers and dogs for the masses. Sometimes grilling up dinner for two on a hot summer night is just what the doctor ordered! And just because you’re grilling doesn’t mean you have to drink beer. Checkout our collection of dishes, each paired with a cocktail, beer, and a wine, because you never know what the mood might call for. Steak A good grilled steak is rich and fatty with a lingering smokiness that demands a beverage just as big and bold. A higher level of acidity can help cut the fatty richness

Read More about Date Night Grilling Pairings

Adult Lemonade Stand - Lemonade Cocktails

Featured image for Adult Lemonade Stand - Lemonade Cocktails

Nothing says summertime like lemonade! And seeing as we’re adults now, we’ve decided to upgrade the lemonade stand into a bar of delicious refreshment! So, whether you’re a devotee to grandma’s secret lemonade recipe or just happen to have a tub of lemonade powder sitting around, we’ve got some sweet recipes to beat back the heat. Classic Spiked Lemonade Ingredients 1 cup vodka2-1/4 cups sugar5 cups water, divided1 tbsp. grated lemon zest1-3/4 cups lemon juice6 to 8 cups ice cubesLemon slices for garnish Directions In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup water and lemon zest. Cook and stir

Read More about Adult Lemonade Stand - Lemonade Cocktails

How to Make a Wow-Worthy Wine Cocktail

Featured image for How to Make a Wow-Worthy Wine Cocktail

A key component to any satisfying summer is wine. Red, white, rosé, sparkling, box, bottle or can - summer is all about that wine! Wine is especially great when you can use it to whip up a refreshing cocktail, and that’s exactly what we’re going to show you how to do. Sure, you’ve probably had a spritzer and a sangria, so we’re going to give you a how-to on some rather unique wine cocktails that you’re sure to love! Star Gazer Ingredients 2 oz. chardonnay1 oz. dark rum½ oz. vanilla syrup1 oz. pineapple juice1 lime wedge Directions Fill a cocktail

Read More about How to Make a Wow-Worthy Wine Cocktail

Skinny Summer Sippers - Low Calorie Cocktails

Featured image for Skinny Summer Sippers - Low Calorie Cocktails

For many of us, lockdown was an opportunity to focus on our personal fitness goals but, after a sporadic lackluster effort, we ended up focusing on fitness whole pizza in our mouths instead. No matter how you handle things one thing is for sure, if there’s an easy way to cut some calories while still enjoying ourselves, we’re all for it! A great way to lose the couch curves and start making a dent in that beach bod is to switch up your cocktail game. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout beverage that won’t negate all your hard work or

Read More about Skinny Summer Sippers - Low Calorie Cocktails

Sunshine & Rum: Fun Rum Cocktails

Featured image for Sunshine & Rum: Fun Rum Cocktails

It’s a fact, summertime is rum time. You may think of rum for vacation cocktails, but you don’t have to live on a tropical island to enjoy all the perks of a tasty rum; all you need is a bit of sunshine and…well, that’s about it. Join us as we sip our way to paradise with this collection of unique rum cocktails! Chambord Daiquiri Ingredients 3/4 oz. Light Rum3/4 oz. Chambord Raspberry Liqueur1/2 oz. lime juice1 tsp. powdered sugar Directions Blend with one cup of crushed ice in a shaker or blender for 30 seconds.Strain into a champagne saucer and

Read More about Sunshine & Rum: Fun Rum Cocktails