Every summer, I flirtini a little too close to the sun. As the days grow longer, the temptation to terrace-maxx after work beckons, and it feels like I fuse with my Aperol Spritz à la Leto Atreides II and the sandworm in God Emperor of Dune; where my hand begins and my “cheeky last-call cocktail” quest ends, it’s hard to say. Unfortunately, summer’s festive velocity = the potential for many hangovers.
Generally speaking, sleep, hydration, and snacks are my holy trinity for hangover ‘cures,’ and they are all stewarded by arguably the most important yet elusive ingredient: time. Drinking responsibility and in moderation [clears throat in Mrs. Doubtfire voice] is the only thing that will not make you feel like a deflated balloon animal the day after slamming nutcrackers in the park.
Still, I would like to think that I have a few more helpful hangover helpers/preventative measures to share, from reusable ice face masks to investing in chic blackout curtains for a deep, restorative slumber. Given that my Eater coworkers are also passionate about food, drink, and general merriment, I asked them about the best hangover cures and preventative measures that they have fine-tuned over the years as well.
Dim the lights and pour a shot of pickle brine, and let’s shop. Here are the nine best food-writer-approved hangover cures, according to our staff.
This icy gel head mask is like a cold plunge for your brain
In a perfect world, I would follow a martini-filled night with a cold plunge in the Parisian-inspired spa in my basement — but I’m not Gwyneth Paltrow (even if I do also own the coffee machine she keeps in her guest house). But this frozen gel face mask has been the next best thing and a real life-saver in a pinch; it has been my must-have for the past four years for hangovers, migraines, and tired and puffy eyes, because it completely enshrouds your head with a soft, thick layer of icy gel goodness. — Francky Knapp, commerce writer
Our senior commerce editor swears by the tropical flavors of Liquid I.V.
I’ll be honest: The real best hangover cure is a 20-minute walk outside (I truly believe staying horizontal all day makes it worse), an ice-cold Mexican coke, and a quesadilla. Pho is also a strong contender in the colder months. But in terms of an instant helper that you can keep on hand, watermelon-flavored Liquid I.V. electrolyte powder is also an essential. I’d recommend drinking a glass of it before you go out and after you get home, but in the morning, it also pulls a lot of weight to help get you rehydrated. Plus, it tastes good enough that even if you are suffering it will feel pleasant (not medicinal) to sip on. — Hilary Pollack, senior commerce editor
Pro tip: Add chicken nuggets to some lentil soup
When I’m hungover, the only thing that truly makes my body feel a little better (besides all the sugar-free light blue Gatorade I can drink) is canned lentil soup. There’s something about the saltiness of the broth and the heartiness of the lentils that soothes my body. I always amp up the soup, too: dousing it in hot sauce and a little olive oil and lots of pepper and whatever style of cheese I have on hand (yes, I’ve ripped up American cheese slices sometimes, too). But more importantly, I love cutting up chicken nuggets and adding them into the soup. The broth soaks into the meaty chunks for a bonus richness. Ahh. — Nadia Chaudhury, editor
I’m admittedly one of those people who won’t drink water throughout the day unless it’s right in front of them, but I also don’t want to stare at a towering metal cantine on my dresser or desk all day. Luckily, Maison Balzac speaks my language with its aesthetically pleasing bedside carafe set. I use the amber–colored carafe every day, but on a night when I’m going out I’ll also drop in some lime slices and a pinch of salt to help me replenish electrolytes later. — FK
Start your night out with probiotic shots
My sister-in-law swears by ZBiotics, which is a little shot you take before you start drinking for the night. I tried it once, and it worked pretty well! — Ben Mesirow, associate editor
My wildest ‘hear me out’? Pearl onion brine
Some folks swear by the power of pickle juice, which is full of electrolytes, to help prevent hangovers (remember when Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker slammed a few bottles of pickle juice to conquer his cramps during a game?) and, well, I am some folks. But my favorite beer-and-shot combo actually consists of a shot of pickled cocktail onion brine, because it tastes a little sharper and lighter to me than pickle juice. — FK
Blackout curtains have never looked more chic
Darkness is a key component to making sure our brains can produce melatonin during sleep, which is why I never feel fully rested after a night out unless I draw the blackout curtains in my room. This linen-colored blackout curtain from Quince still manages to look breezy and light thanks to the cotton crossweave, and it starts at an under-$100 range (meanwhile, comparable linen curtains at West Elm will cost between a $100 to $200 range). — FK
A weighted eye mask for sleeping through it
Step one for maintaining some sanity the morning after a four-mezcal-and-soda night is sleeping as much as possible, and that isn’t always easy, especially if you’re on vacation (not the 4 a.m. jerk awake to where am I??? — help!) or didn’t sleep at home for whatever other reason. Blackout curtains are a great start, but you can’t take them with you, after all. Strongly recommend a weighted eye mask; I had this amazing silk one from Lunya but sadly left it on a plane, so now I have this more affordable Bearaby mask that is also a (literal) dream; I don’t travel without it. Great for napping, hung over or otherwise. The gentle weight of it on your face not only blocks out the oppressive rays of the sun, but makes you feel like you’re in a safe and cozy cocoon. —HP
Oh, we’ve read the classics (Diet Coke)
When I wake up hungover, the only thing I can even contemplate putting into my body is a crispy Diet Coke. Ideally it’s from a can, chilled in the refrigerator, and poured over a ridiculous amount of nugget ice. — Amy McCarthy, reporter
Crispy water, aka Alka-Seltzer
Plain old Alka-Seltzer and a prayer for me. — Kat Thompson, associate editor
See you at the next party, champ.
