It is a truth universally acknowledged that the older you get, the harder a hangover hits.
When you’ve really gone to town, the morning after the night before can leave you in such a sorry state - we’re talking Sahara-dry mouth, bloodshot eyes, feeling like countryside roadkill - that it’s enough to swear you off the sauce forever.
And yet. The next party rolls around, and you suddenly develop selective amnesia, despite all the vows you made to yourself the last time. As highly sociable animals, it’s only natural to want to cut loose and deepen bonds with friends, family and colleagues over a few bevvies.
But that doesn’t mean a hangover is inevitable; there are plenty of ways to help yourself. While mindful drinking is something you can remind yourself to engage in (try alternating a low or no-alcohol drink for every full-strength serve), for the times that you overdo it, there are plenty of remedies to help.
Hangover cures have been around for almost as long as the sesh itself, with (often-questionable) recipes handed down through the generations now sitting alongside modern options that use the power of science to bring you back from the brink.
Hair of the dog is a popular one, but many experts agree that fighting fire with fire - that is, using booze to balance out a hangover - may not be the best idea. A full English may help soak up the booze that's still hurtling around your system, but leaning too heavily isn't going to do your arteries, waistline or skin any favours.
Instead, you should look to options that reintroduce much-needed hydration back into the body. Water springs to mind, but options that include salts and electrolytes will feel far more effective than plain old H2O.
Whether you’re prepping for the morning after or you’re desperate for a hangover S.O.S. right now, we’ve rounded up the best drinks to nurse you back from your wretched state. From water-soluble tablets to grab-and-go cans, see the options that’ll have you feeling brighter and better below.
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Bounce Back Post Social Recovery Drink
Available in raspberry or tropical flavours, Bounce Back is designed to do exactly what it says and have you feeling closer to normal after an evening of excess. The vegan-friendly drinks are low calorie at 93cals a pop and packed with a special cocktail of 17 vitamins, minerals and amino acids to leave you feeling refreshed and recovered. The lightly carbonated drink has been developed by biochemists and helps boost energy and liver function.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Vitamin Well - Functional flavoured water
There are four versions of Vitamin Well, a ready-to-drink bottle that's brimming with essential vitamins: choose from Reload, Elevate, Hydrate and Recover. The non-sparkling low-sugar drinks were first developed in Sweden and are made to unite function with flavour.
Reload is spiked with lemon and lime, Elevate floods your mouth with pineapple and strawberry, Hydrate has a rhubarb and strawberry mix, and Recover puts peachy notes in the spotlight.
While the vitamin medley differs between each one, they're all perfect for vanquishing the hot, stabbing pain of a hangover.
Buy now £22.79, Amazon
Dioralyte
This essential powdered formula is ideal when travelling to exotic locations to counteract upset tummies as it is recommended to replace lost salt and minerals – and the same is true for hangovers.
Shamir Patel, pharmacist and founder of Chemist 4 U explains, “This can help you to feel better and have more energy, and this is especially effective if you have been sick or nauseous.” It is also confirmed by London’s leading nutritionist Lily Soutter who adds that the “electrolyte solution will help to rehydrate the body and replace lost fluids after drinking.”
Buy now £3.99, Superdrug
Berocca Energy Orange & Mango 90 Day Bundle
For big house parties as well as major occasions like Christmas and New Year's Eve, it feels wise to get a bulk order in.
Berocca has long been a staple of the morning-after routine, infusing the body with depleted electrolytes, vitamins and minerals. Antioxidising vitamin C, also a star ingredient, battles harmful free radicals that may be present thanks to boozing. Just add water. As for the flavours? They're pretty tasty too.
Buy now £16.00, Boots
The Pickle House Original Pickle Juice
It may be considered an old wives tale to drink pickle juice on a hangover but registered, Rachel Clarkson, confirms the solution works to “replenish your electrolytes because it’s a mix of water, sugar and salt.”
Buy now £9.99, Master Of Malt
Coca Cola Regular 24 x 330ml Pack
For many, there’s nothing like a hearty swig of Coke to get you back on track. But this is no time to debate Zero versus Diet; for times like these, only the full-fat version will do. The high sugar level will give your spirits and energy levels the boost they need, while the caffeine should also work to soothe pounding heads.
Buy now £12.95, Tesco
Lucozade Energy Original - 24 Bottles x 380ml
Dehydration from drinking can leave your insides feeling like shrivelled prunes. Now is the time to replace those lost salts, and who is better up to the job than Lucozade?
The isotonic sports drink is famous for getting precious electrolytes back into the body and there are plenty of flavours to choose from if orange isn't quite your bag.
Buy now £14.94, Amazon
