Jacques Pepin's Hangover Remedy Is Peak French - Tasting Table

"According to the chef, the best way to fix a hangover is with another glass of wine. In an interview on the "Friends of Anthony Bourdain" podcast, when asked about his personal hangover "cure," Pépin recommends a reportedly "French" elixir of sparkling water with lemon juice and syrup of Cassis. "But," says the chef, "I usually have another glass of wine for a cure.""

"Beyond sounding elegant, Pépin's go-to French tonic offers some scientifically-rooted hangover-easing properties. In addition to hydration (a surefire way to reduce the notorious, nightmarish physiological side effects of a hangover, like fatigue, headache, nausea, and shaking), the sparkling water's light carbonation can help settle a queasy stomach. Meanwhile, the lemon juice's vitamin C helps the body flush out any remaining alcohol."

"Crème de cassis is an old-school French blackcurrant liqueur, which boasts a pleasant sweet-tart blackberry flavor and a pretty violet hue. Blackcurrants are also rich in polyphenols (antioxidant substances also found in red wine) and the flavonoid anthocyanin, which can reduce inflammation, further mitigating bloat and discomfort."

Chef Jacques Pépin's preferred hangover remedy combines French tradition with practical science. His recommended elixir consists of sparkling water with lemon juice and Cassis syrup, which provides hydration to combat fatigue, headache, and nausea. The carbonation settles an upset stomach, while lemon juice's vitamin C helps flush remaining alcohol. Crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, contains polyphenols and anthocyanin that reduce inflammation and bloat. However, Pépin admits he typically opts for another glass of wine as his personal cure. Anthony Bourdain's hangover remedy differed significantly, combining Aspirin, cold Coca-Cola, spicy Szechuan food, and cannabis.

Read at Tasting Table