Reasons I think cocktails are lovely.

Everything you need for a Moscow mule.

If I made a list of my simple pleasures—of the things that instantly make things more lovely for me—cocktails would be on the list. Not wine. Not even beer. But cocktails.

I love experimenting with new recipes of juices and liquors. And when I say "I love" it, really I mean, "I love asking my husband" to make one of the new drinks I find in my many cooking magazines. Which brings me to the first of my reasons why cocktails are lovely:

1. While I cook about ninety percent of the meals around here, I rarely make our drinks. That is the husband's job. It feels like he is treating me, and he's great at it! First we became obsessed with making our own mojitos. Then there were these fresh whiskey sours from Ina Garten. Lately, we've been enjoying a beautiful New York Sour from Bon App etit. (Seriously, click on the link because this is a pretty drink, and my husband can totally make the layers.)

2. We can have a drink together, even on a school night! It feels like a little date, and who doesn't wish they could go on more dates? Even if you don't drink, I encourage you to find a treat you can share with your partner at the end of your days, because you end up sharing more than just food or drink.

3. Because drinks at home are so much more affordable than drinks or dinner out, I don't feel guilty about enjoying the luxury of quality ingredients--fresh lemons and limes, great rums or vodkas. Each sip is just lovely.

4. And finally, even when the weather is treating you to snow in May, you can be tropical with a daiquiri. Trick the tongue: trick the mind. 

Occasionally, I take charge of the nightly cocktail. And when I do, I make Moscow mules. They are easy. They are refreshing. And they are served in copper mugs, which are lovely. 

For one drink, combine the following:

Juice of half a lime

2 oz vodka

Half a can of ginger beer. (Don't use ginger ale; it just isn't the same!)

A LOVELY MOMENT FROM TODAY: I was home from work when the kids got home from school today, so I was able to have hot cocoa ready and waiting for them. I never regret working out of the home, but I often wish I could surprise them with something lovely when they arrived home from school. Today, I was able to.