The History of Mardi Gras in Texas - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The History of Mardi Gras in Texas

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
When we think of Mardi Gras we think of New Orleans. Mardi Gras began in medieval Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and eventually made its way to the French House of the Bourbons. From there, the traditional revelry of “Boeuf Gras,” or fatted calf followed France to her colonies one of which was New Orleans. The first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans, Lo... Read More
Tea-Infused Martini Recipes - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

3 Easy-to-Make Tea-Infused Martinis

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
Pardon me, old chap, but did you know that teatime is becoming the new happy hour?! Calm down, we’re not suggesting you replace your happy hour with tea and crumpets! Quite the contrary actually. Our mixologists have been crafting new ways to incorporate tea into delicious cocktails! Use the recipes below as an excuse to call up your Sunday brunch crew for a very un-brunchy afternoon gathered around a Mad Hatter inspired tablescape with all the fixins for tantalizing tea-based cocktails! Just ... Read More
Low Calorie Cocktail Classics - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Low Calorie Cocktail Classics

Drink Recipes, Spec’sology Blog
It’s the New Year and time for a brand new you! Or something like that. If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably got a resolution to lose weight that’s already getting pushed to the back burner. But what if there was an easy way to trim down some of your calorie intake without sacrificing something you love…like sitting around enjoying things. We’re talking about low-calorie cocktails! These fire-spitters are low on calories and high on taste so you can happily raise a glass to tip... Read More
Warm Winter Cocktails - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Warm Winter Cocktails

Drink Recipes, Spec’sology Blog
It’s the time of year where you want to warm up when the sun goes down, and there’s no better way to heat up your insides than with a toasty hot drink in your hands. Sure, beer and fire pits go hand in hand, but when it hurts to even hold the ice-cold can, you may want to rethink your approach to fireside imbibing. So, whether you’re sitting around the fire or just curled up on the couch, we’ve got a collection of 4 delicious hot cocktails to help you raise a glass to the lower temps!  ... Read More
2021 Cocktail Roundup - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

2021 Cocktail Roundup

Drink Recipes, Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
It’s that magical time of year when we get to take a look back at how the last twelve months went through the lens of what we liked best. And while lists of the top movies, music, and books are at the top of the list for lists, this is Spec’s and we’re all about the cocktails! Every year we post dozens of cocktail recipes for you to try at home, and every year you have your favorites. So, after having our highly advanced AI scrutinize your facial muscles to decipher your favorite recipes, ... Read More
Best Holiday Cocktails - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The Best Holiday Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
Looking for the best holiday cocktails to impress the relatives? Well, lucky for you so were we, and that’s why we’ve got such a great list for you! Because everyone is different, we’ve narrowed it down to four cocktails that we think express the best flavors of the season. It’s the easiest way to have your family wowed and proud without becoming a doctor.   North Pole Eggnog Ingredients 1 oz. Amaretto 1 oz. vodka 2 oz. store bought eggnog pinch of nutmeg pinch of cinnamon caramel sauc... Read More
Holiday Margarita Recipes - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Holiday Margaritas

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
Nothing says Christmas in Texas like margaritas! Texans know there’s no such thing as tequila season and see no reason to relegate their cactus juice to the warmer months. Tequila is such a unique flavor that goes surprisingly well with seasonal holiday ingredients. Checkout our list of festive fermentations and cowboy up to a Texas Christmas! Smokey Santa Rita Ingredients 1 serrano chile 3 oz. fresh lime juice, plus wheels for rims and for serving 1 tsp. flaky sea salt 1 tsp. sumac (optional)... Read More
How To Make The Perfect Eggnog - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

How To Make The Perfect Eggnog

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
It’s a fact, nothing is more polarizing during the holidays than eggnog. Hate it or love it, you just can’t rise above it. Eggnog has been a part of our world for nearly a millennium thanks to some humans who got together and decided that guzzling a spiced and spiked egg-yolk-and-milk mixture was a good idea. And, seeing as you’re reading a nog blog nearly 1,000 years later, apparently, it was. Those who stand by the glory of eggnog often tell those who’d rather not partake in some nog t... Read More
5 Thanksgiving Cocktails - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

5 Cocktails For Thanksgiving

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
Thanksgiving is all about overindulging. And while you’ve got dinner pairings planned, you may not have thought about having a couple of casual cocktails on hand for before, after, or even during the meal. Not everyone wants to drink wine or beer all day, so having some refreshing seasonal cocktails to offer will definitely make you the host with the most…or if you’re looking to be the guest with the best, consider rolling up with the fixings needed for one of these delicious drinks.   Ch... Read More
10 Essential Snacks & Drinks for Thanksgiving Football - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

10 Essential Snacks & Drinks for Thanksgiving Day Football

Drink Recipes, Entertain, Finer Foods, Holidays, Spec’sology Blog
The perfect Thanksgiving is also the perfect gameday. You’ve already got friends and family gathered together, amazing food, and plenty of beverages for all! But if your game starts before you eat, you might want to have some easy snacks and cocktails on hand to keep everyone happy until dinner. Checkout some of our favorite recipes for easy sips and snacks.   Drinks   Old Fashioned Cowboy Ingredients 2 parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters 1 teaspoon raw cane suga... Read More
How To Plan The Perfect Halloween Party - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Plan The Perfect Halloween Party

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Entertain, Finer Foods
Halloween parties require three things to be successful – costumes, drinks, and guests. Below you’ll find some of our favorite ideas for throwing the perfect Halloween party! Halloween Party Themes Themes are an easy way to ensure guests come dressed as they don’t have to spend days agonizing over which costume to wear. It also allows you to quickly gather decorations as you’ve established a theme and aren’t just wandering around the store aimlessly picking things. GHOST Everybody dres... Read More
Halloween Punch Recipes - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Potions That Pack A Punch – Halloween Punch Recipes

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just handing out candy and don’t feel like trying to mix up a new drink in between doorbell rings, a punch bowl cocktail can be the perfect solution! From dry ice smokiness to candy garnishes, there are all kinds of ways to get your kicks with spooky sips! Check out some of our favorite recipes below and get your cauldron ready for toil and trouble!   Wicked Black Forest Punch Ingredients: 15 oz. Jägermeister 5 oz. Kirschwasser 5 oz. velvet faler... Read More