Shannon Hood of Saison (Photo by Jay Paul)
“We’ve all been there.”
Or so I tell myself as I sit here, sweating out the sweet scent of juniper berries. The hangover, the aftermath, the karma. I am so deeply embedded in drinking culture, it’s better just called “life.” Dad says to “stay clear, never brown, and you’ll be clear tomorrow.”
Unfortunately, I like it brown and bitter, so I have a rule, and it goes like this: three drinks or one awkward dance move, whichever comes first, and then a swift switch to clears (aka vodka sodas). Hydrate while you intoxicate. If you are a smoker, ration your cigarettes before you go out. Seriously. Do it. Same rule applies to shots.
Sometimes doomsday will come no matter how hard you’ve tried, and when it does, be kind to yourself. Sleep is important, and so is constant hydration. The truth, though, is that it’s all in your mindset: Believe you are fine, get up, and soon you will be. Nothing fixes me faster than an hour of sweaty, detoxing stretches and the belief that I can cure myself. Think of your body as a gin-soaked bar rag and wring it out. Be kind, be strong, drink water. You’ve got this.
