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April 7, 2008
Operation:Recuperation.
A blog for DailysCocktails.com by Joe Bruno
If you have ever experienced a pub crawl in the most literal sense of the term, then some interesting ways of overcoming the dreaded “morning after” syndrome may be of interest to you.
Is a night of partying hearty once in a while such a bad thing?
The clinical answer is somewhat dependent on your overall health and physiology, the better of which will create stronger tolerance.
I am a licensed teacher of alcohol awareness training and procedural intervention techniques that promote intoxication prevention; however, I honestly do believe that enjoying the “nectar of the Gods” is not only an attested rite of passage, but also an excellent (and legal) way to flip off the trials and tribulations that life deals us at any age.
The bottom line is that sometimes we drink a little too much.
So, what can we do about it the next day to feel better?
Must we forever endure the penance of the groggy and besotted?
Is administering “the hair of the dog that bit you” the answer to a better morning after?
Is tee totaling for one hot minute the key to being back on track in no time?
It has been said that maintaining a steady level of alcohol in the bloodstream (by way of the liver) can eliminate the unpleasant after effects that too much drinking may create.
The term “hair of the dog” itself dates back to the 1600’s when folks had the ignorant notion that rabies could be cured by putting actual hair from the rabid dog into the bite wound.
What were they drinking?!
There are a whole bunch of supposed cure-alls out there that make the claim of being able to completely eliminate the much dreaded hung over feeling.
There are both vitamin and herbal supplements in powder and pill form that include everything from activated charcoal to plain old Vitamin C.
Swallowing teaspoons of primrose or peppermint oil has been known to help.
Eating peanut butter, almonds, apples, bananas, ginger root, prickly pears, chicken soup, drinking sauerkraut juice or a shake made up of milk and honey all have tradition as quicker picker uppers.
Doesn’t it sound like most of these things are more likely to create nausea than to eliminate the feeling?
In short, the best way to beat a hangover is to avoid one in the first place by drinking in moderation.
Another method of prevention is having a caring and educated bartender minding what you are drinking, how much you are drinking and what types of drinks you are combining.
There are hundreds of places to drink in most cities and deciding on where to drink should be contingent on not just the ambiance and music selection, but also how well you are being taken care of by the staff.
If the situation should ever present itself and over indulgence therapy is in order, then be sure to rehydrate yourself.
Drink lots of water or other liquids high in electrolyte content.
Some bartenders think that pouring coffee into people will sober them up.
In fact, the opposite is true.
Coffee is a diuretic and further dehydration can lead to worse symptoms of intoxication, regardless of the caffeine.
A little exercise, like a jog or a few minutes on the treadmill, will help to get your heart pumping and your system back on track.
Vitamin supplements like Zinc, Magnesium, B6 and B12 help to build immunity to symptoms related to excessive drinking.
With all of this being said, the rebel in me is compelled to teach you my favorite way to cure a hangover.
You may call me a hypocrite for not practicing what I preach but…
What can I say?
Misery loves company!
Recipe for Joe’s “Morning After/Better In No Time”
Bloody Mary:
- Collins glass packed with ice.
- 1 oz. Vodka
- ½ oz. Gin
- Fill ¾ of the way to the top with Daily’s Thick & Spicy Bloody Mary Mix.
- Add the juice of ½ of a fresh lemon.
- 2 dashes celery salt.
- 2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce.
- 2 Dashes of fresh ground black pepper.
- Thorough short shake.
- Garnish with a celery stalk and lime wheel.
- Wide straw.
- Sunglasses optional.
Voila!
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