The Sport of Drinking

Everyone always has their hangover cures and preventative tricks and for how many times I've heard someone say, "I'm never drinking again," we all know it isn't true.  Despite the most honest of intentions, we all make mistakes and it is not only what makes us human, it is what makes us fun.  So for those of you who have the miraculous ability to stop before it's too late 100% of the time, good for you.  But for the rest of you and the honest of you, here are a few tricks I've picked up along the way.  Feel free to comment and add your own tips.

Step one -   Hydrate - duh.  But if you are not at a bar where you can double fist your water and wine glasses while holding your clutch and drunk texting, hydrate after.  Gatorade really is the best sports drink, especially for that sport we call drinking, aka beer pong, wine "tasting", or flip cup.  Of course it's optimal to keep it stocked in your fridge for that evening, but as with all things, better late than never the next day.  And not the G2 either - you need the sugar.

Step two -For when you passed out before completing step one.  First, revert to step one.  Second, try and make a quick stop to the drug store before losing yourself to the bathroom.  I know this sounds hard, but everyone in NYC lives close to a pharmacy - admit it.  Things to pick up:  Gatorade if you haven't already gotten it, Emetrol nausea medicine (or the generic brand), and Sea-Band ginger gum.

Step three - Consume!  First take some Emetrol so you don't lose the gatorade when you try to drink it.  Drink some gatorade.  Chew some gum.  Keep doing each until you lose the nausea and can safely rehydrate without null results.  Also, if you don't mind the taste, coconut water is nature's Gatorade if you feel like you want something more natural.

Step four - caffeine.  I always find that topping it all off with a cup of coffee with sugar is the final key to feeling yourself.

Step five - go for brunch and start over!