And before you ask, no, I did not have a secret clone helping me. Just caffeine, grit, and a deep love for keeping food on the table.
I know some of you are reading this thinking, “Same.” Because you’re not imagining it—you’re living it. Late nights. Early mornings. School drop-offs, work shifts, homework, bills, repeat. I spent many of my nights bartending as one of my trades, which is ironic because I love sleep almost as much as I love my children.
But here’s the silver lining: when you’ve bartended long enough, you learn how to make a really good drink. And when you’re juggling job number two or three (or all of the above), knowing how to mix the perfect cocktail at home feels like a small but powerful act of self-love.
So here are a few of my favorite go-to cocktails—easy, delicious, and perfect for winding down after a chaotic day of doing all the things.
1. The “I Survived Today” Vodka Cranberry
Simple. Reliable. Never lets you down—unlike your alarm clock.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- Splash of lime juice
- Ice
How to make it:
Pour everything over ice, stir, sip, exhale. Congratulations—you made it through the day.
2. The Single Parent Margarita
(Because You Deserve It)
You’ll need:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec
- Splash of agave or simple syrup
- Ice
How to make it:
Shake with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass if you’re feeling fancy—or don’t. Fancy is optional. Peace is not.
3. The “After Bedtime” Old Fashioned
This one’s for when the house is quiet and you finally sit down without someone asking for a snack.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube or ½ tsp simple syrup
- 2–3 dashes bitters
- Orange peel
How to make it:
Muddle sugar and bitters, add bourbon and ice, stir slowly. Sip like someone who has earned silence.
PRO Tip – These Bourbon Cherries are perfect for a good old fashioned — instant upgrade, zero effort, maximum “I have my life together” energy.
4. The Tired but Thriving Paloma
Light, refreshing, and perfect for pretending you’re on vacation instead of folding laundry.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz tequila
- Grapefruit soda
- Splash of lime juice
- Ice
How to make it:
Pour tequila over ice, top with grapefruit soda, add lime. Cheers to surviving another day without losing your mind.
5. The “I Just Need Something Good” Espresso Martini
Because sometimes you need caffeine and a cocktail. No judgment here.
You’ll need:
- 1½ oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz fresh espresso or strong coffee
- Ice
How to make it:
Shake hard, strain into a glass, admire the foam like the masterpiece it is.
A Gentle Reminder from One Parent to Another
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes it’s five quiet minutes, a good drink, and reminding yourself that you’re doing the best you can with what you’ve got.
If today felt overwhelming, exhausting, or downright impossible—this is your permission slip to sit down, pour something delicious, and give yourself a moment of grace.
Tomorrow, we do it all again.
But tonight? Tonight we sip. 🍸
PS- Here’s my favorite at home shaker – perfect for after bedtime mixing
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