Spec’sology Blog

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.

Today is National Dessert Day! And what better way to celebrate than with some sweet treats? You can ditch that apron and turn off your oven, because Spec’s has you covered. With our impressive selection of gourmet chocolates and truffles, and an assortment of homemade brownies and cookies at our deli locations, you are sure to find a delicious dessert to satisfy that sweet tooth. Looking for something a little less traditional to celebrate this delightful holiday? Try one of these great dessert cocktails - you deserve it! Apple Crisp Ingredients 1 oz. cake vodka 1 oz. spiced whisky ½

Fall is fire pit season! The cooler nights are the perfect time to get outside and enjoy a brisk evening by a roaring fire. Everyone has their preferred method of doing so, whether it be a fancy fire pit with comfy chairs, a traditional campfire, or some exotic pyrotechnic creation that borders on the ridiculous - we all know at least one of these types! So, we’ve put together some personalized suggestions with your favorite fireside friend in mind! Swing by your local Spec’s to shop these items and build a spectacular fall fire starter! Let’s have a ball this

Every region of Texas is different, from the dialect and landscape to the food and drink. It’s one of the many things that makes Texas such an awesome place to live! Join us as we explore the hippest sips around the Lone Star State! Paloma The Paloma is a popular cocktail in the Rio Grande Valley, home to the Texas grapefruit. Its simplicity and refreshing deliciousness are what has kept it in the hands of Texans since it was first created in the 1950’s. Ingredients 2 oz. Teremana Blanco ¼ oz. lime juice 3 oz. grapefruit juice splash of soda