The Best Hangover Cures Backed by Science and Bartenders

Nothing ruins a great night out faster than the morning-after misery of a hangover. If you've ever found yourself Googling the best hangover cures while nursing a pounding headache and queasy stomach, you're not alone. Why does alcohol cause hangovers? The answer lies in dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and the buildup of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. Other factors, like inflammation, low blood sugar, and sleep disruption, can make symptoms even worse.

While some remedies are rooted in science, others are pure myths. Should you reach for a greasy breakfast or an electrolyte-packed smoothie? Is coffee a friend or foe? And does "hair of the dog" actually work? In this article, we'll explore the fastest way to cure a hangover, the best foods and drinks for recovery, and where to find the ultimate brunch for hangovers in Minneapolis. Whether you need science-backed solutions or the best Bloody Mary in town, we've got you covered.

Science Says What Actually Works (And What's a Myth)

Hangovers result from a combination of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, toxin buildup, and inflammation. While there's no true "cure," certain remedies can ease symptoms. Science-backed hangover cures focus on hydration, replenishing lost nutrients, and supporting liver function, rather than relying on myths like greasy food or more alcohol. 

What Works

• Hydration for hangovers: Drinking plenty of water and the best electrolyte drinks (like coconut water, Pedialyte, or sports drinks) helps restore lost fluids. Proper hydration also supports kidney function, helping your body flush out toxins more efficiently.
• Eating nutrient-dense foods: Bananas (potassium), eggs (cysteine), and avocados (healthy fats) aid recovery. These foods help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing fatigue and dizziness.
• Getting enough sleep and rest: Your body heals best when well-rested. Quality sleep allows your liver to process toxins more effectively and reduces inflammation caused by alcohol.
• Taking pain relievers cautiously: Ibuprofen can reduce headaches but may irritate your stomach, while acetaminophen is harsher on the liver after alcohol consumption. Always take pain relievers with food and plenty of water to minimize side effects. 

What's a Myth

• Greasy food and hangovers: While a greasy meal before drinking can slow alcohol absorption, eating heavy foods post-drinking can worsen nausea.
• More alcohol ("hair of the dog"): Drinking more alcohol delays, rather than cures, a hangover.
• Coffee vs. tea for hangovers: Coffee can worsen dehydration, whereas herbal teas (ginger, peppermint) help settle your stomach.

Hangover Remedy	Science-Backed or Myth?
Water & electrolytes	Science-Backed
Greasy food	Myth (better before drinking)
Hair of the dog	Myth
Coffee	Myth (can dehydrate)
Nutrient-rich foods	Science-Backed

The Best Bar Food for Preventing a Hangover

Food plays a crucial role in how your body processes alcohol. Eating the right foods before drinking can slow alcohol absorption and reduce next-day regret. Foods that help with hangovers include eggs for their cysteine content, bananas for potassium, and oatmeal to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Best Pre-Drinking Foods

• Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, and olive oil slow alcohol absorption
• Lean proteins: Chicken, fish, and tofu provide steady energy
• Complex carbs: Whole grains and sweet potatoes help stabilize blood sugar

Late-Night Snacks That Help

The best foods to eat after drinking alcohol are those rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, such as avocados, pickles, and eggs.

• Eggs: Contain cysteine, which helps break down alcohol toxins
• Pickles: Packed with electrolytes to replenish sodium and potassium
• Oatmeal: Provides slow-digesting carbs to regulate blood sugar

Morning-After Drinks: Hair of the Dog or Hydration?

Does the infamous "hair of the dog" trick actually work? Science says no. While a morning drink might temporarily dull symptoms, it prolongs recovery by delaying alcohol metabolism. Instead, opt for hydration-focused options. The best drinks for a hangover are those that replenish lost electrolytes, such as coconut water, sports drinks, and Pedialyte, helping to restore hydration and balance.

Best Morning-After Drinks

Knowing how to rehydrate after drinking is crucial—opt for water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish fluids and restore balance.

• Electrolyte boosters: Coconut water, sports drinks, Pedialyte
• Anti-inflammatory drinks: Ginger tea, turmeric shots
• Nutrient-rich smoothies: A banana-spinach smoothie replenishes potassium and aids hydration

What to Avoid

• Sugary sodas: Spikes blood sugar, worsening headaches
• More alcohol: Only delays hangover symptoms
• Excessive caffeine: Can intensify dehydration

Where to Go in Minneapolis for the Ultimate Hangover Brunch

Nothing cures a rough morning like a solid brunch for hangovers. If you're looking for healthy brunch spots in Minneapolis to recover from a night out, The Rabbit Hole, Hell's Kitchen, and The Freehouse offer delicious, nutrient-packed options. Whether you need hearty comfort food or a revitalizing Bloody Mary, these spots have you covered. 

The Rabbit Hole

For Korean-style comfort food, The Rabbit Hole serves up dishes packed with probiotics (like kimchi) to aid digestion. Try their bibimbap for a nutrient-dense hangover fix.

See The Rabbit Hole's menu 

Hell's Kitchen

Known for its legendary best Bloody Marys in Minneapolis, Hell's Kitchen also offers bison sausage and huevos rancheros—protein-rich options to fuel your recovery. 

The Freehouse

Enjoy hydrating craft beers with a balanced breakfast featuring eggs, avocado toast, and oatmeal for a well-rounded recovery meal. 

Victor's 1959 Café

This Cuban-inspired brunch spot offers strong coffee and plantains—both excellent choices for easing nausea from a hangover. 

What to Order for Food

• Protein-rich dishes (omelets, eggs, lean meats) aid recovery
• Healthy fats (avocado toast, nuts) help replenish energy
• Hydration-friendly options (smoothies, fresh fruit) restore balance

The Fastest Way to Cure a Hangover: What Works Best?

If you're looking for the fastest way to cure a hangover, focus on hydration, replenishing nutrients, and rest. Some people turn to IV drips for a quick fix, but do they really work? 

Do IV Drips Help with Hangovers?

IV drips deliver fluids, electrolytes, and vitamins directly into your bloodstream, bypassing digestion. While they can provide rapid relief, they're expensive and not always necessary. Drinking water, taking the best vitamins for hangover recovery (B-complex, magnesium, and vitamin C), and eating nutrient-rich foods can be just as effective.

How to Prevent a Hangover Before Drinking

While no method guarantees a hangover-free morning, these tips can help minimize symptoms:

• Stay hydrated: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
• Eat beforehand: A balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and carbs slows alcohol absorption
• Choose drinks wisely: Clear liquors (vodka, gin) contain fewer congeners than dark liquors (whiskey, red wine), reducing hangover severity
• Take vitamins: Magnesium and B vitamins support alcohol metabolism

Final Thoughts

The best hangover cures focus on hydration, nutrient replenishment, and rest. While greasy food and more alcohol may seem tempting, science suggests otherwise. Instead, opt for electrolyte-rich fluids, healthy foods, and plenty of sleep. Gentle movement, like a short walk, can also help boost circulation and speed up recovery. Supplements such as B vitamins and magnesium may further aid in replenishing lost nutrients.

And if you're in Minneapolis, grab a recovery meal at The Rabbit Hole, Hell's Kitchen, or Victor's 1959 Café, where you'll find hearty, nourishing options to help you bounce back. Just remember, the best hangover remedies include proper hydration, nutrient-dense meals, and rest—simple yet effective ways to recover quickly. Your body will thank you for choosing science-backed hangover cures over common myths.

Looking for the best hangover-friendly brunch? Check out The Rabbit Hole's menu for comforting, nutrient-packed dishes designed to help you feel your best.