Spec’sology Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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