Spec’sology Blog

Wine stewards and connoisseurs have their own unique vocabulary—which can often sound like spy code to the outsider. Not to worry! Here’s a glossary of the most commonly used wine terms. Brush up on these, and you’ll be able to rub elbows with the pros at your next tasting session or impress your dinner date. Wine Terms Glossary Acidity — the liveliness and crispness of wine, often stimulating your salivary glands Aeration — the addition of oxygen to round out and soften a wine Appellation — a delineated wine producing region particular to France aroma or bouquet — The smell

Hill Country Wineries make us proud to be a Texan. You can find some great ones scattered all across the region, from far north of San Antonio, to east of Lampasas. Most offer very informative tours throughout their scenic vineyards. But what really puts the icing on the cake, are the wine samples from their tasting rooms. Take a day trip to any one of the following Texas Hill Country wineries, and we guarantee you’ll feel that Texas pride swell in you with each sip of ‘cowboy cabernet’. Texas Hill Country Wineries Four Point Cellars, Fredericksburg The name 4.0 Cellars

The pubs will be packed and the green beer will flow once again. It’s March 17, that one day of the year when ‘everyone’s Irish’—St. Patrick’s Day! But why contend with crowded elbow-to-elbow pubs when you can host a stellar St. Paddy’s Day party in the comfort of your own home? Everyone knows that Irish beer and whisky are staples on March 17th. Here’s a few of our recommendations: Must-Try’ Irish Beers: Murphy’s Irish Stout, O’Hara’s Irish Wheat, O’Hara’s Celtic Stout, Smithwick’s Irish Ale, Porterhouse Brewing Co. Oyster Stout, Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale, Harp Lager, Murphy’s Irish Red, and naturally

If you love a good celebration like we do here at Spec’s—then you’re no stranger to SXSW Austin! Even if you’ve never attended SXSW yourself, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the cultural phenomenon. Every year, in mid March, SXSW Austin is a showcase of film, music, and interactive media. It captivates local audiences, and brings in thousands of tourists and partygoers, along with pioneers of the tech and entertainment industries. Sure, sure. You’ve heard this all before! But there are many interesting facts that even the most seasoned, SXSW part-goer doesn’t know about the Austin-based festival. 10 Fun

Roll out the red carpet! Hollywood’s biggest night is almost here. In honor of the 2018 Oscars, we have some very classy, (and creative) cocktails inspired by a few of the top nominated films. They’re perfect for sipping in style with your friends, while you watch your favorite stars make their celebratory speeches this Oscar Sunday. Lady Bird Cocktail Taking parts from the Jungle Bird cocktail, and the White Lady, this vibrant cocktail should be nominated for “Best in Taste”. Yum! Ingredients 1 1/2 ounces Gin ¾ ounce of Campari ½ ounce lime juice ½ ounce of simple syrup 1

Why should kids have all the fun? Gelatin snacks can be so much more than the limited palate of strawberry, orange and the like. With these classy and wiggly shot recipes, you’ll wow your party guests with gourmet, gelatin greatness. Be sure to stock up on supplies from your local Spec’s and if you need more recommendations, be sure to ask one of our Spec’sperts in the liquor aisles. Mojito Gelatin Shot Ingredients 1 cup white rum 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin ¾ cup fresh lime juice 3 stems fresh mint leaves Directions In a

Do you recall that life-changing moment in time when you took your first sip of craft beer? It was like drinking liquid art. Suddenly the world of beer was different. It was bigger and more exciting! Much like Dorothy leaving her black and white, Kansas farmhouse behind and suddenly landing in the bright technicolor land of Oz, a new world of beer had just blossomed before you! And from that moment on you were going to explore that world and all of its hop-filled, glorious varieties. If this is you, and you are a craft beer explorer, then you are

Hang the red lanterns and get ready to raise a toast to fresh starts! A worldwide party is about to begin. It has many names—the “Chinese New Year”, the “Lunar New Year” or the “Spring Festival” to name a few. The Chinese New year is a lot of fun, with many colorful traditions to go with it. Read on to learn more about this spectacular reason to celebrate! Swing into your local Spec’s where you’ll find all you need to celebrate including a variety of cognac, very affordable red tissue paper wrapping, and gift bags to go with it. Here

Valentine’s Day is approaching! *thump thump* Hear that? That’s the sound of a beating heart! What? Is it yours? Could it mean that all this romantic excitement is getting to you? Or maybe it’s anxiety—because you literally have no idea what to get that special somebody in your life. Yikes! Whether you’ve got yourself a sweetie or you just enjoy spreading the love among close friends and family, there’s no denying that now is the time to start thinking about Valentine’s gift giving. True, you could go with the classic heart-shaped box of chocolates and a dozen roses. But for

Can you hear the fluttering of cupid’s wings? Valentine’s day is right around the corner. Whether you plan to buy something sweet for your sweetie, or you just plan to ‘treat yo’ self,” there’s no denying that now’s the time for some rich, decadent chocolate. The only thing better than that is pairing it with the perfect wine. But you don’t have to be a sommelier to enjoy the right chocolate and wine pairing. Before you pop a cork, fill up the tub, and light some candles, follow a few of these simple chocolate and wine pairing guidelines. Do that,

Spec’s is happy to bring you a HOT new innovative twist on coffee in a can! It’s called HotShot and it’s the ultimate convenience in a can. You will never have to make a cup of coffee or wait in line ever again. Hotshot is Always Hot and Always Ready. Free HotBox Details *This Friday and Saturday, February 2nd & 3rd, Spec’s is offering you a free HotBox with the purchase of two 12 packs of HotShot coffee! That’s a $48 value, for free! As seen on Shark Tank, HotShot is the first Grab-n–Go, Ready to Drink, HOT coffee in

Cheering on your team during the big game works up quite the appetite—and thirst! But before you rally up your game day party guests, be sure you’re prepared. It’s not just about stocking the cooler with old brews and tossing some pretzels in a big bowl. You could easily up the wow factor of your football watch party by pairing the right types of beer with gourmet foods. We’ve collected a few pairings suggestions so you can take your party to the next level of deliciousness! Pale Ale and Hot Wings or a Cheese Platter Ales tend to be a