Spec’sology Blog

6 Cognac and Food Pairings

Pairings, Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
Who is cognac? Cognac is that person you go on a date with who whispers, “I’m not like all the others, you know—I’m complex.” Intriguing. Bold. And yes. Very complicated in taste. Many think Cognac is difficult to pair with most foods—that she demands to be savored all by herself, with our palate’s full and undivided attention. But there’s a side to cognac you haven’t seen yet. A friendlier side. Cognac, with her balance of fruit and acidity is much easier to pair with foods t... Read More

2014 (Mostly) Cru Classé Bordeaux Tasting

Entertain, Events, Spec’sology Blog, Wine
On Wednesday, January 18, 2017 from 4:30 to 8:30pm, Spec’s will host over 30 Bordeaux Chateau owners, directors, and/or winemakers presenting 59 mostly Cru Classé Bordeaux wines all from the fine 2014 vintage in a standup- and-walk-around tasting format. This is our fifth time to host such a delegation from Bordeaux and each of the previous events have been smashing successes. By appellation, they include … Pomerol: Chx. Clinet, Gazin, Croix St. Georges, and La Pointe (along with 2nd vi... Read More

Cheers to Bear Dalton’s Green Sangria!

Drink Recipes, Wine
Congratulations to Bear Dalton on his recent win for judges and peoples choice recipe at the 2016 Women of Wine Sangria Showdown! Want to celebrate with him? Well he happened to share his recipe… GREEN SANGRIA Ingredients: Dow’s White Port Minute Maid Lemonade Schweppes Tonic Lime Juice Basil Cilantro Green Seedless Grapes, frozen Red Seedless Grapes, frozen Cantaloupe, cubed, lightly salted &  frozen Directions Chop approximately 2/3 cup of fresh basil Chop approximately 2/3 cup of ... Read More

Happy National Beverage Day!

Entertain
Grab your vessel of choice, proudly fill it with your favorite liquid and raise it high in honor of National Beverage Day! Yes that’s correct, National Beverage Day comes directly after Cinco De Mayo! Perhaps it’s for those of us who overestimated our level of festive consumption and were wondering what to do with the remaining drinks? With many countries celebrating anything and everything, for instance on February 10th Korea celebrates ‘Seollal’ or their new year, they typicall... Read More

10 Champagnes Under $15!

Entertain
If you plan to pop, fizz and clink your way into the New Year, we have the selection and savings to fill up your flute! Taking your night up a notch with a crisp, quality champagne doesn’t have to be costly. Here is a list of our favorite bubblys on a budget, in no particular order: Segura Viudas Spanish Extra Dry Reserve $10.69 Aria Brut Sparkling $7.99 Zonin Asti Spumante $8.49 Labet Cremant De Bourgogne $14.99 Castellblanch Spanish Extra Brut Sparkling $7.99 Dibon Brut Riserva Spanish Spark... Read More
Finer Things

Last Minute Gift Ideas!

Entertain
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it can be hectic! If you’re scrambling to find last minute gift ideas that will impress without breaking the bank, we have a guide to help. Zonin Prosecco Well-balanced and appealing, it makes an excellent aperitif and can also be served throughout any meal. Turin Liqueur Chocolates These world-class, premium chocolates offer a unique and luscious experience that will satisfy even the most sophisticated palate. 99 West Pinot Noir Cinnamon, clove,... Read More

Cheers to the New Year!

Entertain
Let the countdown begin! 2013 is coming to a close and it’s time to raise our glasses to the start of a new year! To help ring in 2014 why not take the bubbly up a notch and give one of these Champagne cocktails a try? Have your own favorite New Years drink? Share it with us in the comments! Bellini 4 oz Champagne or sparkling wine 2 oz peach juice Pour the peach juice into a champagne flute. Slowly add champagne and serve. Black Velvet 4 oz Champagne or sparkling wine 4 oz chilled stout Pour ... Read More

Treat Yourself: Delicious Dessert Cocktails!

Entertain
Lose the fork and pop the cork, it’s dessert time! Using infused liquors, creamy mixers and sweets to top them off, these recipes transform classic desserts into delicious drinks. The best part? There is no cooking involved, they are easy to make and are sure to impress the guests at your next dinner party. Red & White Delight 2 oz strawberry flavored vodka 3 dashes white crème de menthe 2 1/2 oz cranberry juice Candy cane for garnish Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with i... Read More

Summer Seasonals! Saison and Session Beers

Entertain
Summer is the season for both saison and session beers, and Spec’s has plenty of both! A saison beer (also known as “farmhouse-style”) is a pale ale that originated in Belgium for farm workers to drink in the summer. As craft brewing has taken off, several interpretations of this style have developed, but it is always light, with grassy, “funky” flavors and the hoppiness of pale ale. “Session” is the term for a lower-alcohol beer with a balanced flavor and clean finish that can be ... Read More

Go Wild For Watermelon! Seasonal Watermelon Drinks

Drink Recipes, Spirits
June is watermelon season, and what better way to cool off than with a juicy cocktail? Watermelon works wonders with a wide range of liquors – all available at Spec’s! Here’s a list of libations that showcase watermelon and celebrate summer! Pink and Gold (serves 4) 5 cups diced watermelon, divided into 1-cup portions 6 oz gin, divided into 1 ½ oz portions 8 tbsp lime juice (2 tbsp per cocktail) 1 1/3 cup ginger ale lime wedges for garnish Freeze 1 cup watermelon for garnish. Purée the ... Read More

Bring The Heat! Hot Sauce/Salsa Tasting Party

Finer Foods
While the weather may not yet be at its hottest, why not turn up the heat with a hot sauce or salsa tasting party? Spec’s has a great selection of spicy and sweet spreads – plus all the cooling drinks any hot party needs! To put together a comprehensive spread, start with the mild end of the spectrum  and build up the Scoville scale (the official measurement of the heat of chili peppers). Within this huge range, there’s room for some delicious variations with roasted, sweet, or otherwise ... Read More

Taste More Texas! Keg-Only Texas Beers

Beer
Spec’s appreciates Texas brews, and strives to offer great beers in every possible form. In some cases, that means keg-only offerings. Although there’s been a recent, explosive growth of great Texas breweries, many of them do not have bottling equipment and a limited distribution radius. While individual bottles from these breweries may be missing from the Spec’s shelves, it’s easy to order them at the stores for special-occasion keg parties and kegerators. Draft-exclusive beers make an ... Read More