The weather has suddenly turned much colder and there’s nothing I like more than spending the evening with a good book and a drink. Luxury cocktail letterbox service, NIO Cocktails, has teamed up with Penguin to create a limited edition book and cocktails combo; the Penguin ‘Sip & Read’ Collection Box. I was delighted to be sent a sample to try for myself.

NIO Cocktails X Penguin ‘Sip & Read’ Collection Box

The box arrived and was so much fun to open – the gorgeous polka dot box fitted perfectly through the letterbox. Inside were a choice of three NIO Cocktails (Cosmopolitan, Margarita & Negroni) along with a copy of the JoJo Moyes book, Giver of Stars.

I’m a huge fan of subscription boxes and this definitely gave me the same sort of vibes – a letterbox sized box containing wonderful treats for a cosy night in. I couldn’t wait to try it out and with both the kids at Scouts, I had the perfect opportunity. I made sure the freezer was stocked with ice cubes and as soon as the kids were safely deposited, I was able to choose my cocktail, snip the corner and pour.

The first cocktail I tried was the Cosmopolitan, a delicious combination of tangy-sweet cranberry notes and vodka. It was such a delicious choice, and perfect to sip whilst I started my new book.

I love to try new books and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of JoJo Moyes book, The Giver of Stars.

The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes

Based upon a true story, this standalone gem from the author of the Me Before You sequence spins an inspiring tale of companionship and determination during the dog days of the Great Depression. Tracking five incredible women across the dust bowls and prairies of America, The Giver of Stars is a hymn to friendship and the eternal wonder of books.

Alice Wright doesn’t love her new American husband.

Nor her domineering father-in-law or the judgmental townsfolk of Baileyville, Kentucky.

Stifled and misunderstood, she yearns for escape and finds it in defiant Margery O’Hare and the sisterhood bringing books to the isolated and vulnerable.

But when her father-in-law and the town turn against them, Alice fears the freedom, friendship and the new love she’s found will be lost . . .

I managed the first few chapters with my first cocktail and I’m looking forward to a few more cosy nights in when I can try the Margarita (a Mexican classic with tequila, Cointreau and a pinch of salt) and the Negroni (an Italian classic with gin, notes of orange peel, clove and a cheeky hint of bitterness) NIO cocktails, along with a few more chapters of the book. I think I was a little optimistic with my 2022 Goodreads Reading Challenge – currently only on book 29 of my target of 48 this year! – but I’m going to enjoy my new book and hopefully discover a new author I love too.

What do you think of this kind of letterbox gift? Priced £29.00 it would make a great gift for someone who deserves some me time, or even a great self care gift for yourself!