TCD’s Homemade Hangover Remedies

Before we can leap headfirst into 2011 , we have to get past one of the biggest events of the year: New Year’s Eve. Now, not everyone out there parties ’til dawn on NYE, but suffice it to say that whether it’s at a friend’s party, the corner tavern or even our own living room, most of us tend to tip our glasses more than a few times as we sing “Auld Lang Syne” to the outgoing year.

And sometimes, we spend the first day of the new year in a less-than-festive mood, if you know what I mean.

As such, TCD has compiled a list of homemade remedies, advice and step-by-step processes to avoid overdoing it this NYE  — or if nothing else, to aid in a speedy recovery for those of us prone to indulgence. As a general note, we here at TCD are by no means encouraging drinking to excess this holiday. Though alcohol is known to have some medicinal properties, binge drinking is obviously bad for one’s health and can lead to poor decisions.

We want everyone to have a safe and happy new year, so remember:  be responsible. Don’t drink and drive — taxi cabs will be out in droves and Miller Brewing Company is offering free bus rides all night long.

Be safe, be happy, be healthy!

TCD’s Homemade Hangover Remedies

First things first, make sure you’re well hydrated and fed before hitting the town. The major culprit in a hangover is dehydration — alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it will cause you to expel lots of liquids throughout the night. Drink about 36 oz. of water before the party, and have a large glass of water waiting for you on your night table.

Also, be sure to eat something before you leave — the healthier, the better. Veggies, brown rice and fruits are filled with great nutrients that will not only fill you up, but will also help repair the damage done by alcohol. Going out on an empty stomach is, quite simply, a terrible idea. You’ll get drunk — quickly– and all that booze will meet a belly filled with acidic bile. Not good.

For the morning after, a few tips from our lovely staff and contributors:

Contributor Ryan Findley’s sage advice

This is going to make me sound like a mama more than anything else, but here goes: The best hangover remedy? Don’t get a hangover in the first place. Don’t drink too much, don’t drink too fast, and intersperse lots of water in between the rounds of booze. Simple.
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Contributor Elisabeth Albeck’s 5-hour cure

8 a.m.: Chug two glasses of water (the second should be taken with lemon-lime EmergenC and/or ibuprofen)

8:10: Brush teeth (at least you won’t taste your impropriety, even if you still feel it)

8-11 a.m.: Second sleep, with groggy snuggling. Humans or cats are welcome partners.

11 a.m.: Shower. At least you won’t smell your worst, even if you feel it. And get some a that glitter out of your hair — you’ll have to go back to work in a few days. Note: most cats won’t like to do this with you.

11:30 a.m.: Head to the nearest café for a three-shot latte. Take a walk around the neighborhood to get the blood flowing. Wear blue-blocker shades and shed a trail of glitter.

12:00 p.m.: Brunch! Po-ta-toes. Rye toast. More coffee. Convene for buzzed conversation. Discuss resolutions and/or what actually happened last night. Combine forces with brunching partners to complete a crossword puzzle so as to hone mental acuity and counteract the squandering of many braincells.

1:00 p.m.: Sweat out some toxins. Shovel snow; go to the gym; hit up yard sales and haul away a Wurtlizer electric organ (if you have friends with you) or a side table (if you’re solo); play air guitar and dance around your house to 90’s music (sha -la-la-la-la) in mismatched socks and flannel; vigorously clean your entire kitchen including the fridge; do other stuff that makes you sweat. Humans and cats still welcome.
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Tom Julio’s Holiday Hangover Gazpacho

Prep prior to the nights of holiday cheer, drink/eat up first thing in the morning

2 cucumbers, diced
3 large bananas, sliced
1 red pepper, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 1/2 cups tomato juice
1 cup gatorade, pick flavor, (use red to keep color pleasantly palatable)
salt and pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley (or cilantro) chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
juice of 1 fresh lime
tabasco to taste

Add all ingredients together, then place half of the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.  Recombine all ingredients and put in fridge till next morning.

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Brian Jacobson’s quick fix

Pickle Juice. If you must, mix with equal parts Bushnell. Then get some B-vitamins, hydrate, and sleep.

Erin Petersen’s au-naturel recommendations

When wine or champagne is the culprit, and I wake feeling thoroughly parched and highly acidic, my go-to is always a large bottle of sparkling water. It does double-duty: the water rehydrates and the bubbles help to soothe an upset stomach. Keep a few bottles or cans cold and then sip slowly throughout the morning. I also like to mix ½ tsp. of baking soda in a glass of water to help relieve indigestion or heartburn.

Other things that aid in hydration and overall wellness:

Bananas! Chock full of potassium
Peppermint or Ginger Tea. Good for a sour tummy and to help get that nasty taste out of your mouth
Potatoes. But don’t go fried– the oil is only going to create more acid in your stomach. Roasted or baked taters are best and will help neutralize your belly. Be forewarned though, bulky foods may sap your energy!
Kombucha! Though the ancient fermented tea elixir’s health benefits are considered ambiguous by traditional medical standards, it’s filled with probiotics and antioxidants, and can aid in digestion, metabolism, improve immune function and helps in healthy cell function. You can buy it as a sweetened tea, or go balls-out with GT’s Brand. Be aware, though, that the latter is something of an acquired taste. So if you’re not a big fan of apple cider vinegar, I would try a different brand.
Netflix Instant Watch. It may not get rid of your hangover, but it will keep you entertained while you recuperate on the couch.

Fun, Festive and Non-Alcoholic

Who needs booze to have a good time? Whether you’re the designated driver or simply not drinking, that doesn’t mean you have sip on boring old soda pop all night. Try one of these non-alcoholic “mocktails” to make your night a bit more festive.

Not so Dark & Stormy

¼ cup lime juice
½ tsp blackstrap molasses
1 cup ginger beer

Fill a short, wide glass with ice, then add lime juice and molasses. Fill with ginger beer and mix well (molasses is thick, especially when cold). Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Apricot Mint Julep (makes 5)

10 ripe apricots
5 tsp lime juice
2 tsp sugar
Mint leaves

Peel pit and slice apricots, then puree in a blender with lime juice, sugar and one mint leaf. Add 2 ice cubes and blend until smooth. Pour into a rocks glass and garnish with one mint leaf.

Fizzy Honey Lemonade

2 cups soda water
½ cup lemon juice
2 tbsp honey

Place all ingredients in blender, and mix on medium speed until well blended. Pour into a collins glass and serve.

Happy New Year, and cheers to a better and brighter 2011!