Too much holiday cheer? No shame, we’ve all been there. Avoiding the hangover altogether is the best medicine, but we’ve got you covered with a few tips to get you back on your feet should things get too merry the night before…
Boozeless Therapies
Treating a hangover often depends on what you have going on that next day. If you have to work, or drive a car, you’ll need to steer clear of any hair-of-the-dog remedies.
- Water – plenty of it. As you’re enjoying the adult beverages, you should be putting down a few pints worth of water or club soda as you go. Your body metabolizes one beer, one glass of wine, or one cocktail per hour (more or less, depending on your weight). Adding water as you go helps move everything along. Flipping between water and alcohol 1:1 may be overkill, but be sure to hydrate handsomely along the way. You’ll be glad you did.
- Vitamins are what your body needs during a hangover, so consider taking a multivitamin or two before hitting the sack. It really helps stave off the effects of a hangover.
- Avoid taking painkillers before bed. The ibuprofen and acetaminophen interact with the alcohol in your system which can affect your internal organs. Wait until the morning for any of that.
And speaking of vitamins, electrolytes are another essential need if you’re nursing a haymaker. Stock up on sports drinks, Pedialyte, and/or Liquid IV to help bring you back from the dead. - For an upset stomach, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, lemon, and club soda can help settle you, as does ginger ale that contains real ginger (which is known to ease a growly tummy).
Hair-of-the-dog Antidotes
These hangover cures contain alcohol so be sure you just intend on lazing around the house or are walking to the local watering hole for a relative change of scenery with your brother-in-law and cousin from Boston.
- Hard cider over ice is a nice way to perk back up, and the Irish swear by Magner’s. Aye lassie, it’s the copper cure.
- Bloody Marys are an elegant way to kick things off the next day. Lots of ingredients, but well worth the effort if they are made right (recipe to follow in our feature on Brunch).
- A Greyhound, Screwdriver, or Cape Codder can be a godsend for some and it’s got that part-of-a-complete-breakfast allure. Why the hell not? Go for it. Just don’t use any of that juice cocktail crap – it’s all corn syrup and flavoring – use 100% juice or don’t bother. And consider adding a spritz of club soda as an effervescent floater.
- When in doubt, just slam back a beer. It’ll do the trick.
As mentioned, these suggestions are not recommended for those that have actual responsibilities that day. Please don’t ever drink and drive, and the absolute best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation the night before. Stay tuned for more holiday bartending tips to help get you through the season. Cheers!
By Jon Hansell | November 23, 2023