Spec’sology Blog - Spirits

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

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

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

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

Nothing says summer like having a refreshing cocktail in hand while enjoying the great outdoors. And while we have nothing but praise for beer and the more flavor-forward spirits like gin, whiskey and tequila; vodka’s neutral flavor profile makes it the perfect base for a refreshing cocktail. So, if you’re looking for new ways to keep your summer fresh, we’ve put together some great vodka cocktails you can whip up anywhere! Great Gatsby Ingredients 1 oz. vodka1 oz. Lillet Blanc2 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juicegarnish: orange slice Directions Fill mixing glass halfway with ice. Add vodka, Lillet Blanc, and

Why should kids have all the fun? We certainly don’t grow out of enjoying milkshakes! Popsicles have gotten the adult treatment and milkshakes are right there with them, and they’re the perfect summer sipper! Cold, delicious, and boozy - what’s not to love? Check out some of our favorite boozy milkshakes and get that porch ready for a good old-fashioned sit & sip! Cake & Ice Cream Ingredients 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream1/2 cup milk1/2 cup crushed ice3 oz. cake-flavored vodka1 tbsp. white sugar Directions Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth.Serve in a mason jar and

There’s not much better than a cold glass of iced tea on a hot summer day, unless, of course you have hard tea on hand! On June 13th we celebrate National Iced Tea Day. Though you may be inclined to celebrate more traditional iced teas, like sweetened and unsweetened, make sure you don’t overlook the equally refreshing hard iced tea at your summer soirée. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy beverage you can whip up in seconds or something with a little more pizzazz, we’ve got you covered! Check out these iced tea cocktail recipes you can make

Throughout June, people all over the globe will be celebrating World Pride Month in honor of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. With the rainbow flag being one of the symbols of Pride, we’re supporting the LGBTQ community with a collection of colorful cocktails you can make at home to celebrate Pride! The Cheever Ingredients 1 oz. vodka½ oz. cream½ oz. cream of coconut½ oz. blue curaçao3 oz. pineapple juice Directions Pour pineapple juice, vodka, cream and cream of coconut with ice into a blender and blend.Strain into a large glass with ice cubes.Float the blue curacao on

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