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How to Avoid (or Cure) a Hangover

How to Avoid (or Cure) a Hangover

Hangover: The Wrath of Grapes

It’s another one of THOSE mornings. You open one eye and think, “What time is it? Why can’t I open my other eye? Oh, my head!” You roll over and pretend like you’re fine, but sadly it is becoming clear that you are most definitely not fine.

Fatigue, weakness, excessive thirst, nausea, and a sensitivity to light or sound are all very common symptoms brought on by a case of potentially imbibing too much the night before, aka a hangover. When these dreaded, some might say downright evil, hangover symptoms occur, one may begin to wonder if the amount of booze consumed the night before was truly worth the morning's level of discomfort.

Some questions one may ask themselves when waking up with a hangover are: how long is this hangover going to last? What is the best food to kill a hangover? Are you really supposed to drink water before you go to bed after a night of boozy fun? How do I cure a red wine headache or other types of hangover? And what can I do to prevent a wine hangover next time around (because we both know there will be a next time)?

Leslie Knope - Everything Hurts and I'm Dying gif

You may have heard that sulfites in wine cause “red wine headaches,” but that simply isn't the case. Take, for example, dried fruits, like apricots and mangos, these contain 5-10 times more sulfites than wine! White wines tend to have more sulfites than red wine. Further, less than one percent of the population is truly allergic to or intolerant of sulfites. More likely, the hangover you’re experiencing is caused by not taking precaution beforehand.

Here is a list of my top five tips to sidestep a hangover when you plan on drinking and the ever-necessary steps for when it’s too late for prevention, and you need the best way to cure a hangover. Don’t worry, we’ll get through this.

Top Five Ways to Avoid a Hangover Before It Happens

1. Hydrate!

Red wine headaches can be terrible, especially if you’re drinking red wine with a high alcohol content or “cheap” mass-produced wine. For every glass of wine you have, aim to drink the same amount of water, if not more. There is a reason that people get less hungover in Europe; it is because they sip on tea or water along with their boozy beverage of choice. One thing I have personally found very effective is to mix my water with a super hydrator and electrolyte replenisher. This extra hydration is a great way to get yourself back on track if you haven’t hit that 1:1 ratio.

2. Eat!

Snacking and meals are another easy hangover prevention method. Make sure you have dinner and/or heavy appetizers and snacks, both before and during your drinking. Eating before you drink will help soak up some of that wine or tequila. It’s common to not take the time to eat when you’re out on the town, but more often than not, your body is begging for some solid munchies to join the party. Get friendly and fancy with it, and plan out a potluck charcuterie with pairings to complement your pours!

Eat Pizza with Wine 

3. Pace Yourself!

Pace yourself? Really? What if I’m not in the mood to pace myself? At times, this may feel easier said than done, but swapping out every other round with water or a little soda will keep you in the game without feeling like you’re being benched.

Taylor Swift - You Need to Calm Down Gif

4. Avoid Mixing Different Alcohols!

Mixing all sorts of alcohol can cause a hangover of epic proportions. I’d recommend not having more than two cocktails before switching over to wine or beer. Keep it simple and stick to similar types of booze and alcohol content.

Soda Suicide - Mixing Sodas - Gif

5. Hydrate (again)!

Hangover prevention numbers one and five are the same for a reason, and that reason is simple. Having water before, during, and after a night of drinking is the surest way to avoid a hangover.

Britney Spears - Oops I Did It Again - Gif

Oops! I Did It Again…
My Best Advice to Cure a Hangover

Fast-forward to the next morning; it’s too late, the damage is done, and you wake up feeling 10/10 horrible. A red wine hangover may be to blame, but it is not just red wine that makes people feel terrible the morning after drinking. It’s time to bring in the big dogs and kick the hangover to the curb.

1. Hydrate!

Remember all that talk about hydration in the "hangover prevention" section of this post? Well, it's back! However, the morning after, you might want to drink more than just water. Try these instead: Pedialyte, sports drinks, Liquid I.V., a large soda, or coffee (believe it or not, caffeine really helps). All of these can assist in your road to recovery. I also think if your stomach is up for it, a glass of cold Kombucha, particularly one with tummy-tending ginger, can do wonders for a stomach hangover.

NeNe Leakes - The Thirst is Real GIF

 

2. Eat!

While you’re at the fast-food drive-through picking up your hangover recovery drink, grab a burger and fries. Oftentimes, indulging in a greasy burger, burrito, or bacon and eggs as hangover food can help put some pep back in your step. I have friends that swear by the burger and soda method, and “only drink soda when hungover.” These said friends are professionals, and I have used this method many times myself.

Ron Swanson - Eggs and Bacon - Gif

3. Sleep!

If possible, get as much sleep as you can after a night of drinking. Sleeping in or catching a midday nap during the ball game can stop your hangover in its tracks. After all, what’s more important than beauty sleep?

Tracey Morgan - Nap for 10 Hours - gif

4. Call In Reinforcements!

Advil, Alka Seltzer, milk thistle, vitamin B, and even activated charcoal are all great ways to cure a hangover. Pain relievers that contain caffeine can help relieve that nasty red wine headache in a flash. Alka Seltzer can be the ultimate hangover relief for some people because of its fizzy stomach-settling effects and even has a hangover-specific package simply called "Morning Relief" (you’re welcome!). These remedies contain baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which can help settle a queasy stomach, and aspirin to help a throbbing head. Milk thistle can help to detoxify the liver, which can be crucial after a night of drinking. Vitamin B is known to have a direct effect on energy levels and brain function, and promote cell health.

If your stomach is part of your hangover, and you don’t think you can down an Alka-Seltzer, activated charcoal can help; although there isn’t much in terms of scientific proof on this one, many people swear by it!

Alka Selter Gif

5. Hair of the Dog

There are times where you’ve tried a combination of the aforementioned hangover cures, and they just don’t cut it. The last resort for your hangover relief is a little hair of the dog that bit you. A light mimosa, Bloody Mary, or red beer (light beer with a splash of Bloody Mary mix) can help level you out, or, as my BFF and I say, get you “back to zero!”  Oftentimes, the alcohol withdrawal can be far worse than just getting back on the wagon for a quick hangover drink.

Archer Hair of the Dog Gif

In conclusion, truly the best way to avoid and recover from a hangover is hydration and keeping a good balance of snacks and electrolytes onhand. Alcohol is known to quickly dehydrate, and if you’re not replacing that hydration in your body, you’re setting yourself up for a hangover from hell.

Rosé of Sangiovese

Andiamo

Sangiovese can be found in both the Chianti and Montalcino regions of Tuscany (it all sounds so romantic, right?) and is known for producing classic medium-bodied wines. Rosé wine is actually made from red grapes, and this is where the Rosé of Sangiovese comes to play. Crisp, fruit-forward, and easy-to-drink, it's everything you want in your bottle of Rosé and more.

Montepulciano

Andiamo

Big, bold, and full of flavor—exactly what you’d expect an Italian wine to be! This classic Italian grape produces some of Italy’s most straightforward red wines and is often used as a blending grape. Not here, though. We let Montepulciano do the heavy lifting as a heavy red wine and shine on its own. If you enjoy the smell of leather bound books, nibbling on dried fruit, and complementary notes of bitter, dark chocolate and sweet plums, you will love this Italian wine. No need to pair it with any certain dish—Montepulciano tastes great with all the Italian classics.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Unprecedented

If Pinot Noir is the light and juicy queen of reds, Cabernet Sauvignon is her bolder, heavier, meatier sister. Often referred to as just “cab,” it’s the wine of France’s Bordeaux and California’s Napa Valley. There’s nothing subtle about Cabernet Sauvignon—high in alcohol, full-bodied and robust, you can usually find this red served with a ribeye, New York Strip, or filet mignon (re: carnivores love cab). Classic cabs usually offer tasting notes of chocolate, coffee, and darker fruits like prunes and plums. The Unprecedented Cabernet Sauvignon is as classic as they come, and we highly recommend letting the bottle sit and mellow until your next red meat and potatoes dinner!

Pinot Grigio

La Pluma

If you’re looking for more zest in your life, a bottle of Pinot Grigio can provide that. We included a classic Pinot Grigio in the La Pluma collection because we’re all about light and easy here, which is exactly what this grape from Italy is. It has that dry sense of humor that seems so effortless with a punchy acidity to keep you on your toes, all while offering notes of lemon, limes, green apples, and honeysuckle. Long story short; when it’s been a heavy day and your soul is seeking light things only, you’ll be happy to have this bottle on hand.

Pinot Noir

Unprecedented

We couldn’t create the In Good Taste Unprecedented collection without the Golden Retriever of wines: Pinot Noir. Pinot is likable, it’s easy, and its natural state of being is simply charming. It’s an incredibly easy red wine to love, which is why so many people do. The grape itself is from the Burgundy region of France, but has made its way to California, Oregon, Australia, Italy, Argentina, and Germany since. Our Pinot Noir has no surprise twists—it’s a classic light red with just the right amount of sweetness to keep you coming back for another glass (or two).

Coteaux Bourguignons

Passport

The Burgundy region of France is home to their best Pinot Noirs, but we took the grapes into our own hands to create something extra special with our Coteaux Bourguignons. It’s a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, which results in a French red that’s light in body but full in flavor. The ripest blueberries and freshest herbs can be easily detected in this French burgundy blend. May we suggest pairing it with some creamy brie and freshly baked bread? It’s a oui-ning combo.

Verdicchio

Andiamo

A little sweet. A little tart. A little salty? You truly get it all with this white Italian wine. If you're into that biting acidity, Verdicchio will probably be high on your list of most-loved wines from our Andiamo collection. Citrus fruits like mandarin, lemon, and grapefruit are at the forefront, but what really sets this Italian wine apart is its distinct notes of almond. While our Verdicchio can start out tasting a bit tart, the more you sip, the smoother it becomes. In fact, we suggest approaching it as an aperitif (Italian for an alcoholic drink sipped before a meal to stimulate the appetite) to experience its full effect.

$23.99

Côtes du Rhône White

Passport

This was one of our first French wines to join the Passport collection and one sip will explain why. Some background on the Rhône Valley in France: While this region is known for its dark, juicy reds, a very small amount of special white wines are made in the Rhône Valley. Our Côtes du Rhône is packed with French-perfected, floral flavor and Old-World charm. Its natural tang paired with the weighty Marsanne grape and aromatic Roussanne grape results in a crisp, savory sip that’ll transport you to a sunbathing chair by the Rhône itself.

$23.99

Bordeaux Rouge

Passport

When you picture medieval folk sitting around a feast with goblets of wine, chances are they were drinking Bordeaux. This wine has been made in France since forever and is arguably the most classic French wine out there. Bordeaux is known for its full body, smoky notes, and rich, oaky taste. If you love cabs, chances are you will adore Bordeaux. For our Passport wines, we had to include this classic French red for you to sip and enjoy to your heart’s content. Best savored over a rich meal like lamb ragu, ratatouille, or BBQ.

Ventoux Rosé

Passport

You probably know that the Tour de France is held on Ventoux Mountain in France, but did you know that the same area is known for its high-altitude rosé? This is the kind of quintessential French rosé that you don’t need to spin your wheels over—it’s simply delicious, crisp, and perfect for warm weather. Despite its delicate, pale pink color, each sip is lush with flavor, from tropical passionfruit and zesty citrus to refreshing melon. This has the potential to be your new summer go-to, so we’d suggest stocking up.

$21.99

Tempranillo

Wild Child

Say “¡Hola!” to Spain’s main grape: Tempranillo. This red grape put Rioja wine on the map and is un vino tinto classico. It’s best compared to a classic cab, but with a bit more unique magic that’s hard to put your finger on, which is why it’s a part of our Wild Child line. This medium- to full-bodied wine with its relatively higher tannins usually offers complex notes of cherry, fig, cedar, tobacco, and dill. This is the type of red wine you want to buy and pour for a Latin-infused meal; think carne asada, tacos al carbon, or just perfectly cooked steak fajita meat.

Grenache

La Pluma

We knew the only red in the La Pluma collection had to be exceptionally good and exceptionally light. That’s why including a Grenache was a no-brainer. If smooth, fruit-forward, light-bodied reds appeal to your tastebuds, this could be your new favorite. The grape itself is tricky; depending on the climate of where its grown, Grenache wines could be light, dense, or somewhere in the middle. La Pluma’s version has all the airiness and flavor notes we wanted in our Grenache, which is how we know you’ll love it. Get the most of this red by pairing it with roasted meats, spice-heavy vegetables, and Mexican-inspired dishes with lots of cumin.

$27.99

Moscato

Andiamo

This grape goes by different names in most European countries, but what remains the same is its fruity floral nature. Delicate in every way and extremely quaffable, this wine is as dainty as they come.

Barbera

Andiamo

We really try not to play favorites at In Good Taste, but there is just something about an Italian Barbera that hits different in the best way. Barberas are the perfect wine for pizza night; they're low in alcohol, and medium-bodied but taste super light, and their berry and plum flavors pair incredibly well with savory tomato sauce and cheese! Another fun thing about Barberas? They actually taste great when chilled, which is not something we're in the habit of suggesting for our red wines. Our Italian Barbera lies somewhere between the body of a cab and a pinot and is the ideal choice for a "ladies who lunch" kind of afternoon.

Vermentino

Wild Child

We couldn't not have a weird white in the mix, right?! The Vermentino grape is native along the coast of Italy on the island of Sardinia (yeah, like the fish). Because of its origin, this grape offers a salty, crisp flavor that's incredibly easy to drink and enjoy. We say it's "weird" only because it's not widely known by name, but chances are you've probably had it before if you've ever ordered white wine in an Italian restaurant. If you love peaches and lemons and get a kick out of anything that reminds you of the sea, our Vermentino is the perfect Italian white to experience on a sunny day outside.

$23.99

Viognier

Unprecedented

For the Chardonnay lovers who are looking to dig a bit deeper in the world of bold whites, a Viognier (pronounced vee-own-yay) could be your next big adventure. Viogniers tend to have more range; while they can be creamy with hints of vanilla like their Chardonnay counterpart, they also offer lighter, fruitier flavors like tangerine, mango, and honeysuckle. It’s still a more full-bodied white wine, but unlike Chardonnay, it’s softer on acidity and more perfumed. Spend an afternoon with a glass of Viognier amongst the flowers and it’ll all make sense.

$24.99

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