Spec’sology Blog

By Mandy Jamrok Have you ever wondered how coffees from all around the world can taste and feel so drastically different on the palate? With so many bean varietals and brewing options out there, it can become overwhelming to decide which beans and methods work best for you. Not to worry- Spec’s is here to help Frappe’s for Father’s Day! Summer weather is officially upon us! While we might be spending our Summer Holidays a little differently this year, that doesn’t mean they can’t be just as much fun. Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 21st, 2020- so in celebration,

We can’t think of anything better than brunch. Ok, maybe the post-brunch nap, but you can’t have one without the other, so we stand by our statement - brunch is awesome. Probably the most awesome thing man has ever created. (Sticky notes are a close second. Fun Fact: 696,960 Sticky Notes = 1 Acre) Origins of Brunch Brunch originated in England in the late 19th century and became popular in the United States in the 1930s. Brunch was coined in 1895 by Guy Beringer in a visionary article titled ''Brunch: A Plea.'' In which he writes: “Instead of England's early

When it comes to Memorial Day celebrations, we tend to think of firing up the grill and throwing a couple of extra delicious M’s in front of Mmmemorial. And for good reason; Memorial Day is the 2nd most popular day to cook up some backyard BBQ in America! (the first being Independence Day) Grilling up hotdogs and hamburgers is an American tradition, but what you wash it down with can make all the difference in the world. The right beer can elevate subtle flavors while the wrong one can diminish all of the delicious highlights. That’s why we’ve decided to

Join us on May 13th as we raise a glass to World Cocktail Day! According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a cocktail is “an alcoholic drink consisting of a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice or cream". The reason we celebrate World Cocktail Day on May 13th is because it was first described by Harry Croswell in an issue of The Balance and Columbian Repository published on May 13th, 1806 as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters”. Origins of "Cocktail" Interesting, yes, but do you know where the

Moscato, famous for its sweetness, is made from one of the oldest wine grapes in the world - Muscat Blanc. Typical Moscato flavors include: Meyer Lemon, Mandarin Orange, Pear, Orange Blossom, and Honeysuckle. But did you know that there are 5 types of Moscato wine? Sparkling & Semi - Sparkling Moscato - the most common type Still Moscato - made with Muscat Blanc grapes but also other Muscat varieties, like Muscat of Alexandria. Pink Moscato - made with mostly Muscat grapes and usually a dollop of Merlot to give it a ruby pink color and light strawberry taste. Red Moscato

We’re all going through being stuck at home in our own way., be it knocking out dozens of yard work projects (and then fixing things you messed up in the process), puzzling like a madman, videogaming until dawn, or simply struggling to work from home. No matter how you’re handling it one thing is for certain - being on lockdown doesn’t make Friday any less Friday! With that in mind, we’ve put together some super easy recipes with minimal ingredients that we’ll have you raising a glass to your great looking grass…or completed puzzle. The Chilton Ingredients 1 1/2 oz.

We’d like to take a moment to raise a glass to you for doing your part to keep everyone safe! 6 weeks of social distancing and/or isolation is no easy feat so, thank you. This week we’ve got a rowdy Philly bar series, a classy (and a bit rowdy) NYC ad agency, and a Star Wars movie! So grab your shaker and a seat, and let’s kick this off! It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia • Hulu “Always Sunny”, as fans call it, follows "The Gang," the owners of the unsuccessful Paddy's Pub; a group of degenerates who love nothing more

We hope week 5 in our Sip & Stream series finds you well! This week we’re bringing back some old favorites and a new classic that’s sure to pass plenty of time. Downton Abbey • Amazon Prime A six-season period drama that focuses on the lives of the Crawleys, the aristocratic family who lives in Downton Abbey. The series takes as its starting point actual historical events, including the sinking of the Titanic, and the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, then filters them through the characters' reactions. The drama ensues as the characters try to navigate their rapidly changing, post-Edwardian world

We’ve got some real cinematic treats in week 4 of our Sip & Stream series! The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel • Amazon Prime It's the late 1950s and Miriam "Midge" Maisel has everything she has ever wanted -- the perfect husband, two kids and an elegant apartment on New York's Upper West Side. Her seemingly idyllic life takes a surprising turn when she discovers she’s been suppressing a hidden talent -- stand-up comedy. Pair it with: Cocktails from the 1950’s Rum Runner Boozy and full of healthy juices! Ingredients 1 oz. pineapple juice1 oz. orange juice1 oz. blackberry liqueur1 oz. banana

If you’re anything like us, when you think of Easter, you tend to think in pastels. So, when you’re crafting your Easter Brunch menu, of which Easter-themed beverages are surely a part, you’ll want to take a look at our collection of pastel colored cocktails to set the perfect mood. And, if you’re curious as to why pastel is tied to Easter, the following explanation will provide a deeper meaning to this seasonal décor. Why Pastels? Pastels of white, violet, pink, and green, along with are generally associated with particular aspects of Christian beliefs. According to the "Encyclopedia Britannica," the

Here we are in week 3 of Spec’s Sip & Stream pairing suggestions, and we’re still finding things to watch. It really is amazing how much entertainment is at our fingertips in this digital age of convenience! Anyway, let’s get to mixing up some deliciousness. Castle Rock • Hulu The Stephen King multiverse is the setting for this psychological horror series that takes place in Castle Rock, Maine, which is a location familiar to fans of King's work. An anonymous phone call lures death-row attorney Henry Deaver back to Castle Rock. He is unsettled by his hometown, but he returns

Just when you thought you’d exhausted all possibilities for entertainment and started considering wallpapering the ceiling as a good use of your time - Spec’s is here to help you raise a glass and sit on your…couch. In case you missed week 1, Spec’s will be serving up streaming content recommendations paired with a beverage that matches the entertainment’s theme. So, without further ado, let’s get into week 2’s picks! The Stranger • Netflix Based on Harlan Coben's novel of the same name, the series follows Adam Price, who seems to be living the perfect life - two great sons,