7 Best Mardi Gras Cocktails - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

7 Best Mardi Gras Cocktails for Fat Tuesday

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
Mardi Gras is all about overindulgence, in fact, the name itself is French for Fat Tuesday. It takes place the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and is a celebration of all the rich food and drinking excessiveness before the leaner days of Lent begin. The most famous Mardi Gras celebration in America takes place in New Orleans, home to some of the richest food and an abundance of alcohol in the US. Check out some of our favorite Fat Tuesday tipples to put the party in your mardi and laissez les bon t... Read More
Best Martini Recipes - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The Best Martini Recipes

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
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 c... Read More

Lowest Calorie Alcohol Drinks

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or Dry January, lots of folks are trying to lighten up for the new year. So, we’ve put together some of our low calorie and low to no alcohol favorites that’ll having you raising a glass to another glass!   Barefoot Pinot Grigio 91 calories per 4 oz serving, 0g sugar, 3.1g carb, 12.5% ABV A crisp and light-bodied wine that goes down smoothly Aroma: Tropical fruits, citrus peels, and a charming floral accent Palate: Tart green apple notes and a p... Read More
Best Mocktail Recipes for 2023 - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The Best Mocktail Recipes for 2023

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
It’s time for Dry January and we’ve got some super tasty mocktails to help get you through it in style! Gone are the days of simply excluding alcohol to make a virgin cocktail. Nowadays, mocktails have basically started a whole new category of delicious drinks with their own unique ingredients. So, whether it’s a substitution, a variation, or a standalone sipper, we’ve got you covered with some mouthwatering favorites for Dry January!   Salted Watermelon Juice Ingredients Makes abou... Read More
Best Cocktails of 2022 - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Best Cocktails of 2022

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
Every year we offer up dozens and dozens of cocktails for you to try and every year you have your favorites. And, after compiling all the data and utilizing a couple of highly classified quantum calculations that analyze the gravitational pull of smiles per sip, we’re proud to announce this year’s top four cocktails! So, grab a glass and enjoy a round of our 2022 Cocktail Roundup!   Melted Witch Ingredients 1 ½ oz Hendrick’s Lunar Gin ¾ oz Blue Curacao Liqueur 1 ½ oz pineapple jui... Read More
Party Perfect Holiday Cocktail Recipes - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Perfect Holiday Cocktail Recipes

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party of just flexing your festivity at home, we’ve got you covered like white on Christmas with these delicious holiday cocktails that are sure to land you on the extra nice list!   Maker’s Mark Holiday Hibiscus Ingredients 2 parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon 2 dashes Angostura bitters 2 tablespoon wild hibiscus syrup Garnish: Wild hibiscus flower Directions Place all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir in with a bar spoon Fill a rocks glass 3/4 full... Read More
Must-Try Halloween Cocktails of 2022

Must-Try Halloween Cocktails of 2022

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Entertain
For some people, Halloween brings out their inner decorating monster, others get super creative with costumes, and then there are the creepy cocktail connoisseurs! These mixologists of mayhem are the ones who fuel the fun for all their fellow ghouls, and without them we’d just be adults dressed like children standing around someone’s yard. So, in order to get the most out of your Halloween hootenanny, check out this list of devilishly delicious cocktail recipes sure to keep your spirits rais... Read More
Classic Coffee Cocktails - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Classic Coffee Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
The best thing about coffee is that you can mix it in throughout your entire day. And with a coffee cocktail, you can power up your evening with an extra kick of caffeine to keep you going strong! Plus, it’s delicious. Check out some of our favorite ways to enjoy coffee as a cocktail! Some drinks use brewed coffee, others use coffee liqueur like Kahlua. Whatever the case, if you love coffee, you’re going to love these cocktails!   Espresso Martini Ingredients 2 ounces vodka ½ ounce co... Read More
history of horchata

What is Horchata? History Of This Great Mexican Cocktail

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
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 Un... Read More
Essential American Whiskey Cocktails - Spec's

Essential American Whiskey Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits

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 k... Read More

Evolution of The Whiskey Sour - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The Evolution of The Whiskey Sour

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits

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... Read More

Italian Wine Cocktails

4 Simple Italian Wine Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Wine

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
... Read More