Tigers Blood Cocktail

More About This Recipe

• We’ve all been there. When at a party with friends, one drink turns into a few, which turns into one too many. The next morning comes and—UGH! There’s no easy cure for that hangover, but the right “hair of the dog” can make you feel better, and get you ready for the next party—because a little headache is no excuse for staying home! If you’re feeling it the morning after, stay positive—it’s just a sign of how much fun you had—and try mixing up one of these.
• The ultimate hair of the dog. This mix of vodka, tomato juice, lime, celery salt, horseradish, hot sauce, and pretty much whatever you decide to throw in is the hangover cure of choice for millions of imbibers—it’s no coincidence they’re served so often at brunch. The tomato juice provides nourishment (sweet, precious nourishment). The hot sauce gives a kick to your system to help it forget about the booze. And the vodka takes the edge off that headache. Drink one of these alongside a plate of greasy eggs, bacon and sausage, and you’re well on your way to feeling better!
• Sometimes, when your stomach is still fluttering post-party, the vodka in a Bloody Mary is just too much to face. So howsabout a bloody beer instead? I know, a brewski mixed with tomato juice, Worcestershire and hot sauce doesn’t sound tasty, but this drink hits the spot, especially if those suds are ice cold. Just mix those three standard magic-elixir Mary ingredients with half a glass of your favorite brew—preferably something light that goes down smooth. The drink is totally easy to knock back and will leave you feeling fresh. Just don’t have more than one—that defeats the purpose.
• Not for weaklings, the pickle back is a favorite hangover cure for the pros: bartenders and other service industry peeps who know their stuff when it comes to booze. This drink is really two simple steps: one shot of Jameson (or whatever your favorite whisky is), immediately followed by a shot of pickle juice. Yes, you read that right: pickle juice. Its brininess immediately knocks the bite out of the whisky, softening the flavor and creating a weirdly delicious sensation. Pickle backs are tough but effective medicine for the mornin’ hurt, but they’re such an unlikely combo that you could also line some up at your next nighttime shindig to impress your friends.
• This aromatic spirit has been used to treat hangovers for decades. It’s traditionally consumed after dinner as a digestif, which settles the stomach after a big meal. Well, you might need some stomach settling after a big night out as well. Aloe, chamomile, myrrh, and peppermint oil are some of the additives that may act as that dog’s hair. But when it comes down to it, you won’t care what the ingredients are, as long as the stuff makes you feel better! You can sip a small glass of this straight, or mix it with soda water for easier consumption.
• If you really, really can’t stomach another boozy drink, coconut water contains plenty of electrolytes that will help hydrate you and restore lost nutrients. And hey, if you want to throw in a dash of vodka—why not?