Holidays

Gifts for Bourbon Lovers - Holiday Gifts at Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Gift Ideas for the Bourbon Lover

Spec’sology Blog, Gifts, Holidays, Spirits
If you’ve got a bourbon lover on your gift list, you’re already aware of their love for the spirit. So, now is your chance to show them you get it…and hope they’ll share some of their special stash with you. Check out some of our favorite gifts for bourbon lovers from glassware to highly rated bourbons.   Stanly Matte Black Flask “Retro.” “Classic.” Iconic.” “Sexy.” It doesn’t matter what you call it, all we know is that this sturdy flask has your back and never lets... 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 Beginning as ... 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! So... Read More
Cinco De Mayo Party Essentials - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Strawberry Paloma

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Holidays
Cinco de Mayo is all about celebrating Mexican culture and heritage. And while there is absolutely more to this day than tequila and tacos, but we’ll be focusing on tequila as well as some other fun items you’ll need to throw the perfect Cinco de Mayo party! Tequila Pitcher Perfect Rita Recipe Of course, you’ll need a margarita, but instead of having to stand there making the same drink over and over again why not just whip up and easy pitcher-sized recipe that’ll free you up to enjoy th... Read More
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
Value Wines for Valentine's Day - Spec's

5 Value Wines For Valentine’s Day

Spec’sology Blog, Holidays, Wine
Pop the cork on a romantic Valentine’s Day evening without blowing a hole in your wallet! Check out our top 5 picks for deliciously affordable Valentine’s Day wines that’ll have you oohing and aahing all night long.   Roederer Estate Brut Estate Bottled Champagne Blend $14.73 An elegant blend of approximately 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, this Roederer Estate Brut is crisp and elegant with complex pear, spice and hazelnut flavors. It is fresh and lightly fruity with great finesse an... Read More
How To Choose The Perfect Champagne - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

How To Choose The Perfect Champagne

Holidays, Spec’sology Blog, Wine
We usually get Champagne for a celebration, and we usually want our celebrations to be perfect, right? The last thing you want is for your celebration to leave a bad taste in your guest’s mouth. And while you may have mastered the art of party planning from the music down to the napkins, we could all use a little help on picking the perfect Champagne! Our simple guide will help you choose the perfect bottle for any occasion, even if it’s just pizza on the couch!   The Different Types of Cha... 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
Turkey & Wine Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Turkey And Wine Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Finer Foods, Holidays, Pairings, Wine
Pairing wine with Thanksgiving turkey doesn’t have to be a stress-inducing struggle every year. Instead of trying to find the perfect wine for a large bird with a variety of flavors, we suggest you curate a selection that can be applied to specific parts or enjoyed with the entire meal. For a nice balance to your selections aim for lighter reds and heavier whites. But the best suggestion for wine pairings is to choose something you enjoy!   Checkout our top 5 turkey and wine pairings and get ... 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