Houston Chronicle

Voted Bes to f the Best, Spec’ ssh ares drink recipe sf or Summer

Houstonian­s have once again voted Spec’s as the Best Place to Buy Alcohol, which was announced at the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best 2022 event.

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This makes it the third year in a row for Spec’s to be voted #1 by the community, and they are honored to hold the title once again. Providing a wide variety of alcohol, drink mixes, snacks, and more, Houstonian­s can trust they’ll find everything they need for their festivitie­s here.

With summer in full swing, there are no shortages of fun gatherings like barbeques and pool parties, which is the perfect time to whip up some delicious beverages. We’ve put together a guide to help you find the perfect refreshmen­ts to serve at your next get-together.

“When it comes to summer, the two things that come to mind for drinks are simple and refreshing,” says Jenn Sharp, Regional Director of Operations for Central Texas at Spec’s. With those guideposts as a foundation, Sharp shares her recommenda­tions for beverages that complement our favorite summer activities.

Backyard Barbecue

Whether you’re making dinner for your family or inviting over a bunch of friends for food and fun, nothing says summer quite like firing up the grill. And since food is the star of the show, that’s where you’ll want to focus your attention – not on mixing up complex drinks.

“Because you’re so busy with grilling, I’d recommend doing something like a pre-made cocktail,” suggests Sharp. “Those are really big right now. One brand I love is Two Chicks – they have five different high-end, gourmet pre-made cocktails that come in a can.” That means you can just put it in a koozie or pour it in a glass over ice for a super easy, yet elevated cocktail your guests are sure to love.

If your backyard grilling party has more of a wine vibe, Sharp suggests reaching for a full-bodied red wine. “Bordeaux wine coupled with the smokiness of grilled meat is one of the best combinatio­ns out there.”

Pool Party

Is there anything better than a dip in a cool pool on a hot summer day? Try adding an equally cool and refreshing beverage!

“A paloma – which is a variation on a margarita – combines grapefruit and tequila,” explains Sharp. “You can use either grapefruit juice or grapefruit soda, the tequila of your choice, pour it over ice, and add a lime for garnish.” Sharp recommends El Amo tequila, which is a 100% agave top-shelf tequila that won’t break the bank.

For wine, Sharp suggests a Sauvignon blanc. “It’s crisp, with just a touch of fruitiness – but it’s not sweet,” says Sharp. “If you want to branch out a bit, we have a great French blend called Brumes de Gascogne, which is a blend of Colombard and Sauvignon blanc.”

No matter what you put in your cup, make sure you avoid using breakable glass around the pool. When you pick up your wine

or cocktail ingredient­s at Spec’s, don’t forget to grab some plastic drinkware!

Get All Your Party Supplies at Spec’s

With its huge variety of wine and spirits, Spec’s is the perfect place to pick up everything you need for your summertime refreshmen­ts. And Spec’s offers more than drinks – you can pick up plastic drinkware, koozies, snacks, cheese, candy, decorative items, and much more. Best of all,

Spec’s staff has the expertise to help you find exactly what you need. No wonder Houstonian­s love getting their supplies at Spec’s and that Spec’s is Houston’s favorite liquor store.

“It really is a one-stop shop – we have everything,” says Sharp. “You can come in with an idea you saw on TikTok for a complex cocktail, and there will be someone there who can walk you through and help you find everything from the glass and specialty ice molds to all the ingredient­s – and recommend the best things for your price range.”

Spec’s also carries supplies you need to stay feeling your best. “You always want to have water on hand – make sure you’re drinking responsibl­y,” says Sharp. “We also have a lot of remedies for after the party, like Tums and DrinkAde, which is a blend of vitamins and electrolyt­es.”

For major holidays, check out the specialty displays at Spec’s – where you’ll find decorative items like themed plates, napkins, and other fun touches to help you create a festive atmosphere.

Whatever summertime activities you have planned, remember to keep your beverages simple and refreshing – so you can focus on having fun with friends and family!

To get inspiratio­n for your next summer get-together, visit your local Spec’s – or place an order for curbside pick-up or delivery at SpecsOnlin­e.com.

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Photos courtesy of Spec’s

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