Last week I went on Let’s Talk Live (Washington D.C.’s only local talk show) on News Channel 8 to chat about how to prevent and cure nasty hangovers that are bound to occur on and after July 4. My TV debut, it was a ton of fun meeting co-host Kellye Lynn, who told me before we went on the air that she considers herself a “lightweight” who could use some booze schooling! In the “green room,” I also had the chance to meet other interesting show guests: Cathy Barrow, author of Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Practical Pantry and Phil Anova, a bartender at Mandu; crafts expert Gina Tepper, and mentalist Max Major. By the end of the experience, I felt as if we’d all been longtime friends, bonded by the nervousness and excitement of being interviewed LIVE on-camera.

Me and Let’s Talk Live co-host Kellye Lynn

Though there is actually no cure for a hangover because you have to naturally let your body work the alcohol toxins out of your system, there is a lot you can do to prevent them and plenty of things you can do to feel a little better if those martinis get the best of you. Watch the segment for a few of my tips (but go easy on me, this IS my first time!)

I also demonstrated two drinks I love the day after a celebratory cocktail-a-thon, the recipes of which I just had to share with you! The first is a classic Moscow Mule, which offers a ‘hair of the dog’ neutral vodka, tummy-calming ginger beer, and effervescence. The second is a nonalcoholic juice packed with vitamins A & C. And if you need a few more ideas, check out this post I wrote a few months ago with several more hair of the dog recipes and hangover remedies.

Moscow Mule

The ginger beer and fizz is calming to the tummy, while the vodka is mild and light.

The Moscow Mule I presented on Let’s Talk Live DC.

2 ounces vodka (I used Prairie Organic on the show)

1/2 ounce simple syrup

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

1 cup ginger beer (like Reeds)

Fresh mint for garnish

Slice of lime for garnish (optional)

Shake vodka, simple syrup and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Pour into a highball glass with fresh ice. Top with ginger beer before garnishing with the mint.

Post Hangover Juice

The carrots are packed with beta carotene that is converted to Vitamin A which boosts the immune system and helps your main organs work properly. The ginger is a natural cure for an upset tummy and the apples, while acidic, cut the carrots’ bitterness and ginger’s sourness. The orange juice contains Vitamin C, which stimulates the liver to break down alcohol.

1 ounce fresh apple juice

1 ounce fresh carrot juice

1 ounce fresh orange juice

1/2 ounce ginger juice

Stir or shake all juices together with ice in a rocks glass.