One Trick That Prevents Hangovers Every Time
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Full disclosure, I'm not a huge drinker. I used to drink as if I were taking in oxygen during my clubbing years, but today, I'm nearly fifty and I'm not interested in hangovers, hugging a toilet, or passing out in a stranger's bed, so I don't drink a lot.
This past summer, I tied one on when we were in Vegas. I had 7 drinks (possibly more) and my friend was our designated for the night. I made it back to the hotel room (with her assistance), washed the make up from my face, changed into a t-shirt, and crashed. I woke up the next morning ready for breakfast.
How????
It's super easy. I haven't had a hangover in decades. Twenty years ago, a bartender shared an easy tip with me that has never failed. And with the Holiday Season upon us, I think it's time to share a tip with you.
But first…
Cocktails that Don't Prevent Hangovers
Of course, all of this is subjective. Some of these drinks may make you cringe because of a bad experience and all of them can do damage if you drink a tub full of the alcohol. That being said, here is my list of drinks that don't prevent hangovers.
- Moscow Mule
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Spicy Margarita (shaken with ice)
- Spicy Bloody Mary
- Cosmopolitan
- Cosmo-Style Pomegranate Martini
- Seabreeze
- Screwdriver
- Kamikaze
Pop Quiz! What do all of these drinks have in common?
Oh, I can't wait for an answer, nor can I hear you if you shout it out. The answer is Vodka. All except the margarita, which is Tequila. I don't know what it is, but Vodka doesn't give me hangovers. So when I got to Happy Hour or when we party in Vegas, I stick with Vodka.
I've branched out to have a night of rum drinks (nope), thought I'd be a lightweight and spend an afternoon drinking Mimosas (nope), and I tried my friend's favorite, gin (yeah, NOPE!). Vodka is my jam.
How I Prevent Hangovers
Sticking to vodka isn't how I prevent hangovers. The answer is easier than choosing the right poison. Can you guess? Yep, still can't hear people so I'll just tell you.
It's water! Drink plenty of water.
A hangover is due to dehydration. When we remain hydrated, we prevent (or greatly reduce) the morning after symptoms that include upset tummy, a ranging headache, and the tendency to squint our eyes as if that's going to clear our vision.
When I was in my early thirties and experiencing my second 21-run, a bartender told me to drink a half a glass of water after every drink and a full glass after every double and shot. I drank a guy under the table one night using this nifty tip and we were shooting Jagers.
But, as I said, those days are far behind me and as a 48 year old woman, I can't be stumbling around, vomiting in strange toilets, and passing out in hallways. So, I drink water. Plenty of water.
Cocktails that Do Cause Hangovers
Although I found the answer to tying one on without the Morning After regret, there are still several cocktails that I avoid because they are guaranteed to screw me up.
- B52 shots
- Tequila shots
- Bahama Mamma
- Sex on the Beach
- Red wine
- Champagne
The killer for me are the high calorie, sugary drinks. They look pretty, they taste delicious, but they destroy my brain the morning after.
