Spec’sology Blog

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

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

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

Before we get started, the most important thing to remember for any pairing situation is to go with what you like. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says, if you enjoy it go for it! That being said, we’ve put together some general guidelines you’re totally free to ignore. If you don’t know much about cheese or wine, just remember to pair by flavor intensity - and keep in mind that age and intensity are directly related. Young fresh cheeses have a high water content and a milky and delicate texture. As the cheese ages, the moisture slowly evaporates leaving

If you’re not properly prepared, the perfect beach trip is, well, it’s no day at the beach. Not to worry though, Spec’s is here to help you get the most out of the coast with these simple tips and convenient recipes! Beach Prep Tips No matter what you’re drinking, you don’t want sand in it. So, bring cupcake liners and place them over the top of your drinks. If you’re using a larger sized cup, aluminum foil makes a quick lid you can punch a straw through, and its reflective surface helps keep your drink cool. If you’re bringing kiddos,

It’s hot. This is Texas; it’s going to get hotter. But that’s no excuse to stay inside hiding from the beautiful outdoors! Especially when you can combine two summer favorites into one deliciously ice-cold concoction - boozesicles. You can buy boozesicles at Spec’s, of course, but if you want to get creative and make your own, we’ve got some awesome recipes that’ll have you fighting off brain-freeze all summer long. Peach Bourbon Lemonade Pops Ingredients 2 cups lemonade1 cup peach puree2 oz. bourbon Directions In a blender mix all ingredients until smoothPour into popsicle molds and let freeze overnight. Tropical

When it comes to summer cocktails by the pool, convenience is king. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste, especially with these hard seltzer cocktails! Ready to drink hard sparkling beverages are a quick and easy way to add some carbonation and a variety of flavors to any cocktail without having to drag your entire bar down by the pool. The best thing about hard seltzer is you can simply replace club soda in a recipe with it and have a delightful new cocktail. Check out some of our cocktail favorites and remember to drink responsibly as you

Chardonnay is the number one white wine in the world. There are several reasons for this including the fact that the Chardonnay is a relatively low-maintenance vine that adapts to a wide variety of climates which results in high yields around the world. So, you can choose from the millions of bottles produced annually and get good one for $15 while also spending ten times as much for an elegant one. It’s the 5th most planted grape varietal in the world with over 30 different clones of Chardonnay producing wine. What Makes Chardonnay? Chardonnay the varietal is the result of