See, Love, PIN IT

Every over-indulger has his own special hangover cure. Whether it is hair of the dog or a sports drink or aspirin and coff ee, triedand-true hangover cures are as plentiful as the “drink it; it’s blue” concoctions consumed during a coed’s Saturday night.

Alcohol is composed of water, sugar, additives and ethanol which, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is a toxin that causes a “buzz” by depressing neurotransmitters that control brain activity and releasing dopamine, a chemical that serves as a reward system for the brain. Basically, alcohol is a psychoactive drug that makes a drinker uninhibited and happy.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the dreaded hangover occurs as body systems react to accumulation of acetaldehyde in the liver, dehydration, low blood sugar, decreased blood pH and sleep deprivation after a night of heavy drinking. And though treatable, hangovers are not really curable. The only “cure” for a hangover is abstinence or moderation.

But really, today, it’s doubtful that you care about the science.

Here’s how to feel better right now.

THE MAKE AHEADS

For nights like New Year’s Eve or the weekend visit to Dickson Street, having a pre-made constraint-replacing liquid is a good idea. These drinks are more involved than other typical “cures” but can be made ahead and have healthy benefits sure to kick-start a healthier 2014.

Green Smoothie

2 Granny Smith apples, halved, cored, fi nely chopped

1 3-inch section English hothouse cucumber, finely chopped

1 cup fresh spinach, packed

3/4 cup strong brewed green tea, room temperature

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Puree apples, cucumber, spinach, tea, 1/4 cup mint leaves and honey in blender.

Strain juice through a fi ne-mesh sieve into a medium sized pitcher

Stir in lemon juice

Serve over ice

Notes: This is as disgusting as it looks and has the potential to worsen nausea from the texture alone. However, the smoothie was at least refreshing. Make it before going out for the night. It keeps well in the refrigerator overnight and making it ahead would save you from the vertigo-inducing sound of the blender.

SPICY GINGER SODA

2 cups fi nely chopped ginger root

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Seltzer water

Ice

To a medium saucepan, add chopped ginger, sugar and water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.

Cook down for 45 minutes until mixture turns into about 1/2 cup syrup. Allow tocool overnight.

Fill large glass with ice.

Spoon half of the syrup into the glass and top off with seltzer water.

Notes: Ginger has long held anti-emetic properties, so this drink is best for hangovers that include severe nausea.

Leave the slices of ginger in the syrup or the drink may be strained by mixing the seltzer water and syrup together and pouring into a glass over ice through a fi ne sieve.

This old-fashioned recipe generally includes a shot of vodka, but that might be best saved for the next night’s revelries.

FOUND IN THE FRIDGE

Sometimes a night out becomes more exciting that originally anticipated, leading to a rude awakening. Try out these recipes made with ingredients found in most kitchens.

BANANA SMOOTHIE

6 large ice cubes

1 cup almond milk

1 banana, sliced

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 teaspoon cinnamon

4 almonds

Place ice cubes in blender and pour almond milk over them. Add banana slices and blend until nearly smooth.

Add peanut butter and almonds. Blend for 5-10 seconds.

Add cinnamon and blend until everything is combined and smooth.

Notes: Almond milk is agood choice because cow’s milk can overstimulate production of acid and digestive juices, which could change your nausea into something worse.

And let’s face it, no one wants to turn on a blender after a bender. To ease the headache, mash bananas with a whisk. Add banana and remaining ingredients to cocktail shaker and shake until smooth. Serve over ice and eat the almonds on the side.

RISE AND SHINE SMOOTHIE

1 cup orange juice

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon lime juice

Either in a blender or with a whisk, blend orange juice, yogurt, ginger, honey and lime juice until smooth. More orange juice may be added if desired.

Other fruits such as mango, berries and melon can be added to increase the detox qualities.

Notes: Although milk can irritate the stomach, yogurt can actually help due to the active cultures. These cultures replenish good bacteria in your gut, aiding in digestion and relieving hangover symptoms such as bloating, nausea and diarrhea.

HAIR OF THE DOG

Hangovers are often exacerbated by alcohol withdrawal, an uncomfortable set of sensations including shaking, anxiety and sweating. To combat these symptoms, heavy drinkers generally reach for a morning drink.

Note: These drinks are not intended as replacements for healthy drinking habits.

THE HAIRPIN

2 ounces tomato juice

2 dashes hot sauce

8 ounces Irish cider

Ice

Add juice and hot sauce to large serving glass and top with cider. Add ice and stir.

Notes: This is delicious.

The Irish cider works surprisingly well with the spicy tomato juice. Bubbly drinks are especially helpful in settling upset stomachs, and the relatively small amount of alcohol takes the edge off a hangover without risking day drinking.

BARBECOA BLOODY MARY

2 slices fried bacon

3/4 cup tomato juice

1 shot (1.5 ounces) high-quality vodka

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons barbecue sauce

Black pepper

Celery salt

1/2 lemon

Combine the tomato juice with the vodka, barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of celery salt and black pepper.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice and stir well.

Fill a large glass with ice and pour over tomato juice mixture. Add slices of bacon.

Notes: If a Bloody Mary and bacon cannot make you feel better, them there is nothing anyone can do for you. You may wish to reconsider your New Year’s resolutions.

FOR MORE HANGOVER CURES, HEALTHY WINTER FOODS, AND WARM DRINKS AND DECOR, FOLLOW ALLISON CARTER ON PINTEREST.COM/SCATTEREDPLANS.