I just read an article in the New York Times about cures for hangovers. The short version is, there are no cures, it's kind of unethical to research cures, the Chaser pill may work even though they haven't published results from a clinical trial, ibuprofen won't destroy your liver, Gatorade should help, drinking water while drinking alcohol should also help, and the darker the alcohol, the worse the hangover.
I have 3 new reasons to drink more heavily!* First, I was under the impression that ibruprofen would cause more damage to my liver, so I wouldn't drink to heavily, because I didn't want to take pain relievers and do more damage to my liver. Second, I've never thought to try Gatorade to rehydrate. Third, Kmart and I have stumbled upon a plan to filter our own liquor, thus reducing it's darkness, thus reducing hangovers. More info about that process can be found here.
Recently, I've avoided the type of drunk that leads to a painful hangover, opting instead for the type of drunk that makes me think I'm funny. This is the type of drunk that makes other's think I'm annoying. Generally though, I like to get a little tipsy with friends.
There was a point when I was drinking 6-7 days/nights a week. That was no good. However, those two semesters were the only two that I pulled a 4.0 in college, so the "Your grades will suffer argument," didn't really apply. Now I'm not drinking more than 2 nights a week, and I'm generally able to keep the level of intoxication to the point of nonexistence (2-3 beers over many hours), or if I do decide to get drunk, I know my limits, and make sure I'm in a place where I can stay for a while.
I think the impetus for all this was to create a genuine appreciation for alcohol, in all it's forms, as opposed to creating either a fear of it, or treating it as something that shouldn't be feared. Appreciation of alcohol helped me realize its potential as an accessory to food, and it's potential to cause me terrible harm.
I'm a student of wine, a fan of bourbon and whiskey, and always willing to try something exotic like Sake, Ouzo, Pastisse, or even potentially Absinthe.
I also love making new drinks. Everyone knows about Mappelthorpes already, but I've made others. Oh yes- I have.
Here are the recipes:
You'll need-
a blender
some ice
MUD
Mix equal parts Kahlua and Coconut Rum with ice and milk (chocolate if possible)
Blend
Add 2 shots of Everclear
Blend
Add some Oreos (4 or more)
Blend
Note- Add more or less ice and Oreos depending on how thick you want it.
BLUE LEMONADE
Mix equal parts Lynchburg Lemonade and Blue Curacao with ice
Blend
Add 2 shots of Everclear
Blend
Add real lemons and limes if you like it sour, sugar if you like it sweet.
Note- You may want to make your lemonade pink. Just use any Cherry, Watermelon, or Raspberry schnapps.
FLUFFERNUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH
Mix equal parts Blackberry Vodka, Coconut Rum, and 99 Bananas with ice
Blend
Add 2 shots of Everclear
Blend
Add 1 TBSP of Peanut Butter
Blend
Add 1/2 of 1 graham cracker
Blend
Garnish with marshmallows
Note- If the drink is too thick, cut it with milk
You'll notice all the drinks have Everclear in them. I did that because when I was making drinks, people kept asking me for something tasty, but strong. So I'm not sure what removing the 2 shots will do. Also, as a final note, each recipe should fill the blender pitcher.
There you have it. A long, rambling post on alcohol. So if you're ever in the DC/Baltimore area, and you'd like to grab a drink or two, hit me up at my email address. I may never respond, but don't take it personally, you might be crazy.
Now where can I find some psycho repellent?
*Just kidding KB, The Mal, and ACWGF. And thanks for caring.