guide to amarone wine

Your Guide to Amarone Wine

Entertain
WHAT IS AMARONE WINE?If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful wines, Amarone is definitely one that needs to be on your radar and in your cellar. Amarone della Valpolicella, often simply called Amarone, is a rich and robust red wine that is most commonly associated with the Valpolicella region in northern Italy. There are distinctions within this area, including Amarone della Valpolicella Classico and Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena. This wine is produced by the same grapes that go into Valpol... Read More
How To Plan An Open Bar For a Wedding

How To Plan An Open Bar For a Wedding

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain
You’ve secured the venue, lined up the perfect caterer, and even curated a playlist that’s bound to get everyone moving and grooving. But there’s still a big decision left to be made: What about drinks? Are you going to have a bar? You’ve heard about an open bar for a wedding and maybe even attended one that was a great experience, but what does hosting one entail?You’ve come to the right place! Spec’s is here to help with this overview that will give you a better understandi... Read More
Coffee Liqueur

The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Liqueurs

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Coffee Liqueurs Mixed Drinks & Cocktail GuideIf you find yourself craving the perfect blend of coffee’s rich aroma and the delightful kick of a spirited libation, then this blog is your gateway to a world of coffee-infused indulgence. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a mixologist, or simply someone in search of a unique and delectable experience, we’ve got you covered. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the diverse array of flavors available, uncover exciting cocktai... Read More

 Best Sangria Recipes for Any Occasion

Entertain
Sangria, the beloved Spanish concoction, has become a symbol of celebration and joy worldwide. With its vibrant colors, refreshing taste, and versatility, sangria has found its way into the hearts of party-goers and hosts alike. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a cozy winter gathering, or any occasion in between, sangria is the perfect beverage to elevate your festivities. In this blog, we present you with five sensational sangria recipes that are sure to impress your guests and make any oc... Read More
Picture of a Home Bar

Home Bar Essentials – Home Bar Ideas on a Budget

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Glassware, Spirits
Home Bar EssentialsFor those who enjoy entertaining, having a well-stocked bar is pivotal to your success. A handcrafted cocktail can lighten the mood, schmooze the in-laws, wow a friend, and impress a date. Being able to mix a variety of drinks at home adds a certain swanky swagger to your hosting ego, and rightly so! It’s a heck of a lot cooler than only being able to offer canned beer and shots of Fireball. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, we’re just helping you raise the bar ... Read More
Picture of Soju

What Is Soju? Explore The Hottest Korean Liquor

Entertain, Drink Recipes, Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
Estimated Reading Time: 7 MinutesExplore the Hottest Korean LiquorWith the global rise in popularity of South Korean K-Pop music, it’s no surprise that another part of the culture has taken off as well. You may not have heard of it before, but you will! What exactly is Soju? Soju is a distilled spirit that originated in Korea. It is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in South Korea, and it has also gained popularity around the world in recent years. In fact, Jinro Soju is the best-sel... Read More
New Year's Eve Party Planning - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

New Year’s Eve Party Planning

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Holidays

There’s really no better party than celebrating the end of the year with family and friends! To ensure you get the most out of your ball dropping bash, we’ve put together some tips to make it as easy, beautiful, and delicious as possible!

 
Decorating
Sparkles over Flowers.
Skip all floral arrangements and the gorgeous centerpiece, and instead fill glass hurricanes or vases with foil horns, silver balls, confetti and even NYE tiaras.
Glitz and glamor are the order of the day!
I... Read More

Spec's Is Thankful For - Thanksgiving 2022

Spec’s Is Thankful For…

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Finer Foods, Holidays, Spirits, Wine

It’s the time of year that we’d like to take a moment and send our love and appreciation to some of our favorite brands and products of 2022!

So, without further ado…

 
Branson Cognac
Owned by award-winning musician, entrepreneur, actor and producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Branson Cognac represents a bespoke, exclusive and unique Cognac that showcases the highest quality of Cognac being made from the best vineyards in every bottle.
Maker’s Mark Private Select
Beg... Read More

Thanksgiving Hosting 101 - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Thanksgiving Hosting 101

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Holidays

We were all taught that Thanksgiving was first celebrated in 1621 at Plymouth, Massachusetts. But there’s historical evidence pointing to present-day El Paso as being the location of the first Thanksgiving and it occurred more than 20 years earlier in 1597 when at least 400 Spaniards, in an exploration led by Juan de Oñate, feasted with the Mansos tribe. While that may not qualify as the Thanksgiving we know today, it certainly means there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate turkey day!

... 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 r... Read More

Top Imported Beers - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Top Imported Beers

Entertain

America is undoubtedly home to a wild variety of beers, from double IPAs to coffee barrel-aged imperial stouts, but that doesn’t mean you have to restrict your brews to the 50 states! The rest of the world also makes beer. In fact, numerous countries have been brewing up suds centuries before America was founded, so they might know a thing or two about crafting an excellent beer.

Checkout our six favorites from around the globe and crack open an ice-cold can of culture!

 

 
... Read More

How To Make A Cheese Board - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

How to Build the Perfect Cheese Board

Spec’sology Blog, Cheese, Entertain, Finer Foods

Ever been equal parts hungry and lazy? So much so that you just end up stuffing some meat and cheese in your face and moving on?

Whether you knew it or not, you just dined on a charcuterie plate. Albeit a less fancy one than you’ll find in local restaurants, but we’re about to change all that!

First things first, it’s pronounced shar-cute-uh-ree. You’re welcome.
What Is Charcuterie?
The word charcuterie comes from the French and literally means cooked cold meats. A charcuterie bo... Read More