Grape & Grain | A professional’s advice on how to avoid a hangover this party season
Moderation is the best prevention, but we all know that’s unlikely during these festive weeks – so the next best thing is to prepare properly for the session, pace yourself during it and start to repair the damage before going to bed
Any experienced drinker will have a couple of preventative tricks up their sleeve toavoid having a nasty hangover.
Of course, moderation is the best prevention, but when faced with an abundance of parties and celebrations during this holiday season, many would find it hard to resist having an extra drink or three, especially if one is in the company of peers.
Food and wine pairings: a sommelier’s dos and don’ts, and why ‘less is more’ should be your rule of thumb
Many years ago, when I was just starting out as a sommelier, I was given some invaluable advice. Back then, before I had built up a tolerance for excessive drinking, I was advised to drink a spoonful of olive oil at least an hour before tasting. The theory is that the oil coats the stomach, thus slowing down the absorption of alcohol. It also can help those who unfortunately turn red in the face after a small sip of alcohol. Does it work? I think so, although it’s probably hard to prove. I’ve been doing it for years, and have recommended the trick for others to try. It’s kind of like coating a pan with oil before cooking so that food doesn’t stick.
The best thing to do, though, is to eat. Something to line the stomach, and to clear the palate, is plain bread, the usual “sponge” that is offered at tastings. This works to a point, but when I see bread, I also think of cheese … and yes, a substantial enough nosh is good. I wouldn’t recommend eating anything that’s spicy, garlicky or heavily seasoned. Keep it simple – scrambled eggs, a bit of chicken or turkey, pasta. That being said, if the holiday canapés include foie gras or caviar, I wouldn’t say no to those.
The hard road to becoming a master sommelier
My favourite wine critic, Jancis Robinson, recommends milk thistle, a health supplement that supposedly helps the liver to work more efficiently. It’s been around for a long time, and naturopaths believe that it can also help lower cholesterol and is a possible remedy for gallstones and psoriasis. A magic potion in my books.