If you’ve woken up with a killer hangover and a need to quench your thirst ASAP, fear not. Our list of the best hangover drinks can help relieve that sore head and put you on the road to recovery. 

Though you won’t find a magical remedy that will transform you in an instant, you will find drinks that can hydrate you and fill you with the nutrients you need - without making your tummy turn. 

Read on to find the best hangover cure drink. And no - it’s definitely not the hair of the dog!

What cures a hangover?

‘What cures a hangover’ is a question many of us have frantically Googled after waking up with a heavy head because of one too many drinks the night before. While there’s no magical elixir to completely erase the aftermath of excessive alcohol consumption, certain remedies can help alleviate the symptoms. 

Hydration is crucial, as alcohol depletes the body of fluids, contributing to the headaches and fatigue associated with hangovers (Drink Aware). So be sure to drink more water throughout the day. It’s important to refuel your body by eating something nutritious too. The NHS recommends eating Bouillon soup because it’s full of vitamins and minerals while being easy for fragile stomachs to digest. 

Getting some rest and engaging in light physical activity can also contribute to a speedier recovery. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, a combination of hydration, nutrition, and self-care can go a long way in easing the discomfort of a hangover.

Is there such a thing as a hangover-cure drink?

There are lots of myths surrounding hangover cure drinks. Some people may swear by a strange concoction of ingredients that they’ve whizzed together in a blender. There are also many products on the market that claim to be the ultimate solution for post-drinking discomfort. However, it’s essential to approach these with a dose of scepticism. 

Hangover cure drinks typically involve a combination of ingredients that can alleviate symptoms, such as electrolytes, vitamins, and herbal extracts. While these beverages may provide some relief by addressing dehydration and nutrient depletion, there's no magic potion that can erase the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption entirely.

Hydration is a key component in mitigating hangover symptoms, and some cure drinks may help replenish essential nutrients. However, it's important to recognise that the most effective way to prevent a hangover is to drink alcohol responsibly and in moderation. Mindful drinking in particular can reduce hangovers and swapping out alcoholic drinks for tasty mocktails can be a good option too.

If, however, you’re reading this after already feeling heavy-headed, fear not! There are still drinks you can try to reduce the symptoms of your hangover. Take a look at some of the best hangover drinks below. 

What is the best drink for a hangover?

Among many fads, myths and claims, the best drink for a hangover is: water, water - and more water! Ultimately, dehydration is the primary culprit behind the dreaded hangover. When indulging in alcoholic beverages, the body loses a significant amount of fluids, setting the stage for the throbbing headaches, fatigue, and overall discomfort that greet you the next morning. Water, with its ability to rehydrate and restore the body's fluid balance, is, therefore, the ultimate hangover antidote. Whether still, sparkling or flavoured, water is the hangover cure drink you need after a boozy night out.

The Best Drinks for Hangovers

Water - Dehydration is a major contributor to hangover symptoms, so rehydrating with water is crucial. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol.

Flavoured sparkling water - Sometimes, your stomach may feel too fragile to drink still, plain water. The crispness of sparkling water can feel much more pleasant, while a subtle fruit flavour can make it much easier to drink. 

Coconut Water - Packed with electrolytes, coconut water can help replenish the minerals lost during alcohol consumption and support hydration (Women’s Health). 

Ginger Tea - Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger tea can help settle an upset stomach often associated with hangovers (Molecules Journal). 

Green Tea - Rich in antioxidants, green tea can assist in detoxifying the body and help metabolise ethanol (the type of alcohol responsible for hangovers) (International Journal of Molecular Science). 

Grape or Pear Juice - A study found that pear and grape juice may help break down alcohol more efficiently, reducing headaches and thirst too (Preventive Nutrition and Food Science).

Smoothies - There are many foods which may help reduce hangover symptoms, so why not blend them together in a delicious smoothie? Pear, grapes, ginger and coconut water are all tasty and helpful remedies to consider. 

Does ‘hair of the dog’ fix hangovers?

‘Hair of the dog’ refers to the belief that consuming more alcohol, typically the morning after heavy drinking, can alleviate hangover symptoms. While this is a myth that every student and party animal wants to believe, ‘hair of the dog’ is far from a hangover cure. In fact, it’s the opposite. 

Drinking more alcohol may provide a temporary reprieve by briefly relieving withdrawal symptoms, but it ultimately prolongs the recovery process and can contribute to a cycle of alcohol dependence. The body needs time to metabolise and eliminate the toxins from the previous night's drinking, and consuming more alcohol hinders this natural process.

The best way to recover from a hangover is to stay hydrated, get rest, and allow the body time to heal without introducing more alcohol into the system. If you do want to attend an event where alcohol is served, opt for tasty non-alcoholic party drinks instead. 

Are fizzy drinks good for hangovers? 

You may find yourself craving fizzy drinks such as cola after a night of drinking, however, it’s important to approach them with caution when nursing a hangover. While the caffeine and sugar content in fizzy drinks might provide a temporary energy boost, the high sugar levels could potentially worsen dehydration (Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology Journal), a common issue during hangovers. What’s more, many alcoholic drinks already have very high levels of free sugars, so continuing to consume more sugar may go over your recommended intake (Drink Aware). 

Instead, try satisfying your craving with a sugar free drink. Flavoured sparkling water is a great alternative because you still get that fizzy fix, but you’ll stay super hydrated. 

Shop DASH’s flavoured sparkling water and feel refreshed after your next night out.