Spec’sology Blog - Drink Recipes

Horchata is a beloved beverage with a rich history, a drink whose origins are deeply rooted in ancient traditions, and over time, it has evolved into various regional variations enjoyed worldwide. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history of horchata, from its early beginnings to its place in contemporary cuisine. What is Horchata? Horchata is a sweet, milky drink made from various plant-based ingredients. Here are a few common types: Mexican Horchata: The most well-known in the United States, Mexican horchata is made primarily from rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. The rice is typically soaked and blended, then mixed

It may be hard to hear, much less comprehend, but not everyone is a fan of sipping straight whiskey. Personal preference aside, there will come a time when even a diehard whiskey purist must admit a whiskey cocktail is what’s called for. It could be you end up hosting a gathering where not everyone drinks straight spirits. It could be one of those lovely 104 degrees days in Texas. Or you might have ended up with a bottle of something you don’t particularly care for on its own. This is when knowing a couple of essential whiskey cocktails is key.

First appearing in Jerry Thomas’ The Bartender’s Guide in 1862, the Whiskey Sour had been around decades earlier as a way to combat scurvy in sailors. Ships would stock up on citrus fruits on shore while the sailors brought liquors like rum or whiskey on board, so they had something safe to drink during months at sea. The citrus (typically lemon) was mixed with a liquor and water to create a drink that would not only quench thirst, but also effectively prevent the onset of scurvy. Sailors spread the cocktail through port cities and it quickly became popular enough to

How do you make happy hour even better? Simple, you just turn your glass of wine into a cocktail! It’s easier than it sounds and requires zero mystical powers (a plus for us muggles). We’ll be focusing on Italian wine cocktails, but feel free to do some experimenting based on the recipes below! Lambrusco Sangria Ingredients 1 ounce brandy 1 ounce Tuscan Sangiovese wine ¾ ounce blood orange juice ½ ounce Cherry Heering ¼ ounce Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao ¼ ounce lime juice Lambrusco, to top Blood orange slice, for garnish Directions In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine

There’s just something about the taste of a tropical rum cocktail that can instantly transport you to a palm tree-lined beach. The steel drums fade in as the surf tickles your toes and the fresh saltwater air dances under your nose. No matter where you’re sitting, all it takes is one sip of paradise in a glass to have you longing for some serious R&R. So, in lieu of sunburns and jellyfish, we’ve put together a few of our favorite, lesser known, tropical rum cocktails that’ll have your sea legs running back for refills! 🏴‍☠️ Pirate Punch Sweet, fruity, big

When it’s this hot out the only thing sweating should be your ice-cold beverage. And that’ll definitely be the case when you’re celebrating National Tequila Day with one of our highly recommended slushes in hand! Whether you’re lounging by the pool, grilling at a cookout, or just unwinding after a long hot day, these delicious frozen tequila cocktails are surprisingly easy to make with just a blender, some ice and a handful of ingredients. If slushes aren't your thing, be sure to check out our take on the best sipping tequilas for those that like to keep it simple. For

The summer’s hottest sipper is a refreshingly delightful twist on the vintage Shirley Temple - introducing the Dirty Shirley! The Shirley Temple may have been invented in the 1930s by a bartender at Chasen's, a restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, to serve then-child actress Shirley Temple. Of course, there are other claims to its origin, but we like that one best. The Shirley Temple has been a favorite drink order for kids since the 1930s, but in the hands of crafty adults, it’s being made “dirty” and wildly popular. Made with grenadine and lemon-lime soda, it has the same fruity

July is blender season at Spec’s! Nothing makes hosting easier than simply dumping ingredients into a blender and then pouring out cups of delicious sunshine to eager guests. And there isn’t an easier go-to cocktail than the classic daiquiri. Made with only 3 ingredients: rum, sugar, and lime; the daiquiri is the perfect drink to hone your bartending skills. With a few simple additions, you’ll be slinging top-shelf tropical delight in no time! Check out some of our favorite daiquiri twists recipes and get ready to kick your feet up! Honeydew Daiquiri Ingredients 3 oz. Rum 1 oz. Melon Liqueur

Everybody loves serving up a signature cocktail at a Fourth of July party, but absolutely nobody wants to be stuck behind the bar working up a sweat shaking cocktails all night. The solution? Big batch cocktails! Hosting a stress-free party starts by whipping up big-batch cocktails in advance and then simply leaving a pitcher or punch bowl out for guests to use at their (and your) convenience. Checkout some of our favorite big batch cocktail recipes and don’t miss a minute of the fun! (Red) Spiked Strawberry Lemonade Ingredients 1 pint strawberries, trimmed and halved (357 grams) 24 oz. water,

June is National Camping Month! (we can only assume this was created in some northern state where it’s a high of 80 in June!) Camping is a great way to get out and see America the beautiful in all its glory. Gathering around a campfire with your favorite pals can be the perfect vacation from the everyday hustle and bustle of modern life. Some of us here at Spec’s are avid outdoor enthusiasts while others prefer a shower and a tv; so, for this collection of campfire cocktails we’ve relied on our campers to present you with tried and true

The martini is a timeless classic. It never falls out of fashion as it is fashion. And there’s never a shortage of Bond films to remind us of its cool factor as well as to pique the interest of younger generations. Numerous theories on the cocktail’s origins exist, as do numerous versions and recipes. From gin or vodka to fruity or savory, the martini is a jack of all trades. Although, attaching “tini” to the end of a cocktail usually just means it’s served in a v-shaped glass, often called a martini glass, and has almost nothing to do with

Tequila punch is always a wonderful addition to any gathering, but even more so for Cinco de Mayo! A punch cocktail is made with fruit juice and alcohol and is a great way to get yourself out from behind the bar and back into the party. These large-batch cocktails can be made well in advance of your gathering and stored in the fridge until guests arrive. We’ve got 5 punches to put the feisty in your fiesta! Patrón’s Citrus Punch Ingredients 2 oz agave nectar 9 oz Patrón Añejo 3 oz Martini & Rossi Bitter 3 oz freshly squeezed orange