I’ve never had an issue with wine that comes in a box (as all those nips I filched from the taps of my parent’s Franzia boxes when I was in high school can attest). Box wine stays fresher longer. And it’s convenient – there’s no need for a corkscrew, or even a glass … just put your mouth under the spigot and let ‘er rip. Yet some say boxed wine is tacky. Others consider it liquid waste. Not me. I think it’s brilliant. Especially when the box is small enough to fit in your pocket …

In homage to our reckless adolescent pulls on the Sunset Blush, an old high school pal recently surprised me with a cute little carton of WineNik. Each 17-ounce box holds two hearty glasses of wine and packs a respectable 13%. In place of the spout there’s a twist-top, which is the perfect place for a straw. We instantly dubbed it Mommy’s Juice Box.

We tried the RedNik (it also comes in WhiteNik). It wasn’t the best wine I’ve ever had (that particular honor goes to a pinot that came from a bottle with – gasp – a screwtop), but it wasn’t bad, either. As in, I’ll totally drink it again. And I’m totally stowing one in my purse for emergencies.

Pick up your Juice Box for Big Kids at Huckelberry’s: 4-packs are just $5.99.