A hangover /hang-oh-ver/ (medical terminology: veisalgia) is the… physiological and psychological effects following consumption of alcoholic beverages  and is generally characterized by a feeling of severe discomfort that may last more than 24 hours. Typical symptoms of a hangover may include headache, drowsiness, concentration problems, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints, sweating, nausea,  hyper-excitability and anxiety. (en.cyclopaedia.net/wiki/Hang-over; dictionary.reference.com/browse/hangover)

*** 

A hangover is not pleasant.  Obviously. There is nothing in the above definition that would suggest otherwise. What you need is a hangover cure /hang-oh-ver kyur/.  Of course, the best cure is not drinking at all, but you wouldn’t be reading this article if you were into teetotaling (a whole other story, really).  So for all of our friends in need of some hangover helper… here’s to you! 

***

CATEGORY A: LIQUIDS

Bloody Mary

This is a bit evident, but it works.  Whether it is a virgin Bloody, or one that provides a bit of the hair of the dog,* a Bloody Mary is a good go-to.  People who love this drink have their own very particular version they feel is best.  It’s a bit like a martini that way.  Personally, I like my basic Bloody with a celery salt rim, lemon juice, a solid helping of Worcestershire (for structure), a dash of Penzey’s, and spicy.

*An expression used to refer to consuming a bit of alcohol with the aim of lessening the effects of a hangover.  The expression originally referred to folks treating a rabid dog bite by placing the hair from that dog in the bite wound. We wonder how well that worked?

Michelada

The Mexican Mary of sorts: beer, lime juice, various sauces and spices, and peppers, generally served with a chili salt rim.

Ginger Beer Gunner

Ginger Beer is a magic aide in time of a hangover.  Especially good Ginger Beer: Fever Tree, Reed’s, Bundaberg.  Over ice, with the squeeze of half a lemon and a few splashes of bitters is a game changer.  If you’re requiring a hair of the dog, a small splash of rum is the ticket, but it’s really not necessary.

Watermelon and Fresh Coconut Juice Blended

With both fruits that have hydrating qualities, and the natural sugars inherent in them, you will be back in shape in no time. And it’s refreshing and delicious!  Blend with ice.

Green Tea

Green tea is more of a slow burn.  If on a scale of 1 – 10 your hangover is an 8 – 10, this is going to be something that is seriously good for you, but which you will not feel the effects of with that much immediacy.

*

CATEGORY B: LIQUID AND NOURISHMENT COMBOS

Bacon Cheese Burger and a Bloody (Also: BLT and a Bloody)

Another obvious one.  And, again, it works.  I would say that this is the hitter for the 7 – 10 ranking within the hangover category.  At a 7 you could take or leave the bacon, but definitely will need the cheese and the burger.  The greasier, the better, and absolutely needing serious fries.  For the BLT, a serious bacon is required, and a solid amount – no skimping.

Fry-Up and a Guinness

Not my cup of tea, but I know people who swear by it.  Bacon, Sausage, Fried Eggs, Beans, Baked Tomatoes… and then the variability, depending upon where you lean: black pudding, sautéed mushrooms.

Bacon, Egg & Cheese (on a roll) with a Regular Coffee

If you live in NY, you’ve got a good deli near you – people in the community on whom you can rely to help you on a fuzzy morning before a meeting.  Find these people and put your order in.

Spaghetti Carbonara and Bicicletta

You’ve got eggs and bacon (protein), you’ve got creamy cheese (soul food), and you’ve got pasta (soaking agent).  When you think about it, this is almost the perfect combination for your hangover.  And a Bicicletta involves Campari, so you’re good on the light, digestive front there.

 Chilequiles and Micheladas

This is the Mexican hangover perfection (similar to the Italian perfection above): tortilla chips, eggs, salsa, cheese, and beans – everything you need.

Sushi with Miso Soup and Green Tea

Now, this suggestion is completely contingent upon the level of hangover you have (read: 1 – 4 and no higher on the scale as things can go pear shaped rather quickly beyond that).

Let us know how these recos work for you. And if you have other “swear-by” suggestions, we’re an e-mail away.

***

As a career sommelier, Kimberley Drake has overseen some of the finest wine programs and operations in America and Asia. Her accomplishments range from working as a sommelier at Jean Georges in NYC to opening Hong Kong’s Café Gray Deluxe as their chief winemaster. Kimberley, NewsWhistle’s wine contributor, currently works as the Director of Wine Programs & Training at Applied Wine in Hong Kong, creating bespoke wine programs and helping drive profitability for various restaurants and bars throughout the city.  She can be reached at Kimberley@NewsWhistle.com.

***

Lead-In Photo Courtesy of bierchen/shutterstock.com
Leave Me Alone Image Courtesy of Keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk (Eddie)