As 2013 draws to a close, the biggest party of the year is still to come! New Year’s Eve – celebrating the old and ringing in the new!
Of course, this usually involves at least a cocktail or two. Maybe three or more… I have some great ways to give you a good start for the New Year, even if you do over-indulge a bit the night before.
My go-to cure is my Hangover Helper. Just empty a packet of Emergen-C (I like orange or raspberry) into a glass and add a little vodka, Angostura bitters and soda water. You can also top with a few drops of olive oil for extra “coating”. Then down the hatch!
Entertaining on New Year’s Day? A Bloody Mary Bar for brunch will definitely help with that headache – with a little hair of the dog! Set up a DIY station and let your guests mix up their own concoctions. Put out different spirits, my go-to house-made Balsamic Mary mix, hot sauce and lots of garnish goodies from pickled veggies, shrimp, to even beef jerky.
Don’t forget to eat! Boosting your metabolism will make you feel better faster than anything. And for some reason, a bacon sandwich sometimes can be the magic cure. You’ll feel better in no time.
Happy New Year! – Kathy
(Photo from Kathy Casey’s Sips & Apps, Chronicle Books – Angie Norwood Browne)
Hangover Helper
In the course of testing recipes for my Sips & Apps, I of course tried this one, too. And I am pleased to say that it works. Emergen-C gives you a C- and B-vitamin boost and replaces some lost electrolytes, vodka is a little “hair of the dog,” bitters is a digestif, soda supplies bubbles, and the olive oil . . . well, an old bootlegger once told me that a small spoonful was good for coating a morning-after stomach. For a more substantial breakfast, “garnish” the drink with one strip of crispy-cooked bacon.
Makes 1 drink
1 packet Emergen-C
1 ounce vodka
2 dashes Angostura bitters
4 ounces chilled soda water
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
Empty the packet of Emergen-C into an old-fashioned or juice glass. Measure in the vodka. Add the bitters and soda water and stir. Top with olive oil if desired. Drink and feel better!
Recipe from Kathy Casey Sips & Apps, Chronicle Books
