Introduction
You wake up with a pounding headache, churning stomach, and the firm conviction that you will never drink again. We've all been there.
But what actually works to cure a hangover? The internet is full of supposed remedies—some backed by science, others by pure desperation. We've tested, researched, and ranked the most popular hangover cures so you know exactly what to reach for when you need relief.
Here's our definitive ranking of hangover cures, from most effective to complete myths.
Understanding Hangovers First
Before we rank the cures, let's understand what we're fighting. A hangover is caused by:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic—it makes you urinate more, depleting fluids and electrolytes
- Inflammation: Alcohol triggers an inflammatory response
- Acetaldehyde buildup: A toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism
- Blood sugar disruption: Alcohol affects glucose regulation
- Sleep disruption: Alcohol prevents quality sleep
- Stomach irritation: Alcohol irritates your stomach lining
The best hangover cures address multiple factors simultaneously.
The Rankings: Hangover Cures from Best to Worst
#1: IV Hydration Therapy 🏆
Effectiveness: 10/10
Speed: 10/10
Convenience: 6/10
Cost: 3/10
Why it works:
IV therapy delivers fluids, electrolytes, vitamins, and often anti-nausea medication directly into your bloodstream. It addresses dehydration (the primary hangover cause) immediately, provides B vitamins depleted by alcohol, and can include medications for symptom relief.
The experience:
Most people feel dramatically better within 30-60 minutes. Headache fades, nausea subsides, and energy returns. It's the closest thing to a hangover "cure" that exists.
Downsides:
- Cost ($150-$250 typically)
- Requires scheduling and waiting for provider
- Not available everywhere
Best for: Severe hangovers, time-sensitive recovery needs, those who can afford it.
Verdict: If you need to function quickly and budget isn't an issue, IV therapy for hangovers is unmatched.
#2: Electrolyte Drinks (Pedialyte, Liquid IV, Sports Drinks)
Effectiveness: 7/10
Speed: 6/10
Convenience: 9/10
Cost: 9/10
Why it works:
These drinks replace the electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) lost through alcohol's diuretic effect. They hydrate more effectively than plain water because the electrolyte balance helps your body absorb and retain fluids.
Pedialyte vs. Sports Drinks:
- Pedialyte: More electrolytes, less sugar, designed for rapid rehydration
- Gatorade/Powerade: More sugar, decent electrolytes, widely available
- Liquid IV: Uses cellular transport technology, concentrated formula
The experience:
Gradual improvement over 2-4 hours. Helps with headache and fatigue. Doesn't address nausea directly.
Downsides:
- Takes time to work (must be absorbed through gut)
- Doesn't help if you can't keep fluids down
- Doesn't address all hangover symptoms
Best for: Mild to moderate hangovers, prevention (drink between alcoholic drinks), budget-conscious recovery.
#3: Sleep
Effectiveness: 7/10
Speed: 4/10
Convenience: 10/10
Cost: 10/10
Why it works:
Alcohol disrupts your sleep quality—even if you sleep 8 hours, you don't get the restorative REM sleep your body needs. More sleep allows your body to metabolize remaining alcohol and repair damage.
The experience:
You wake up feeling better. Sometimes much better. Time truly heals.
Downsides:
- You need time (not always available)
- Doesn't address immediate symptoms
- Can perpetuate grogginess
Best for: When you have nowhere to be, weekend hangovers, anyone who can afford to sleep it off.
#4: B Vitamins + NAC Supplements
Effectiveness: 6/10
Speed: 5/10
Convenience: 8/10
Cost: 8/10
Why it works:
- B Vitamins: Alcohol depletes B vitamins, which are crucial for energy and metabolism
- NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): Supports your liver's ability to process acetaldehyde, the toxic hangover-causing byproduct
The experience:
Noticeable improvement within 1-2 hours. Less brain fog, more energy. Works best when taken before drinking or before bed.
Downsides:
- Absorption limited by digestive system
- Doesn't address dehydration directly
- Must remember to take them
Best for: Prevention (before drinking), supplement to other remedies, regular drinkers.
#5: Food (Especially Carbs and Protein)
Effectiveness: 5/10
Speed: 5/10
Convenience: 8/10
Cost: 8/10
Why it works:
Eating helps stabilize blood sugar (disrupted by alcohol), provides nutrients, and helps settle your stomach. Protein provides amino acids that support liver function.
Best hangover foods:
- Eggs (contain cysteine, which helps break down acetaldehyde)
- Bananas (potassium)
- Toast or crackers (gentle carbs for blood sugar)
- Chicken soup (hydration, sodium, protein)
- Oatmeal (fiber, nutrients, gentle on stomach)
The experience:
Gradual improvement. The act of eating can feel challenging at first but usually helps.
Downsides:
- Difficult if nauseated
- Takes time to work
- Not a complete solution
Best for: Mild hangovers, when appetite allows, as complement to hydration.
#6: Coffee
Effectiveness: 4/10
Speed: 6/10
Convenience: 9/10
Cost: 9/10
Why it works (partially):
Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which can help with headaches. It also combats fatigue and grogginess temporarily.
Why it's limited:
Coffee is a diuretic—it can worsen dehydration. It can also irritate an already upset stomach.
The experience:
Quick boost followed by potential crash. Headache may improve, but other symptoms remain.
Downsides:
- Can worsen dehydration
- May upset stomach
- Masks symptoms rather than treating them
Best for: Caffeine addicts who'll feel worse without it, mild hangovers, when paired with lots of water.
#7: Pain Relievers
Effectiveness: 4/10
Speed: 6/10
Convenience: 9/10
Cost: 10/10
Why it works (for headaches):
Pain relievers address the symptom directly. Ibuprofen and aspirin reduce inflammation.
Important warnings:
- Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol): Processed by your liver, which is already working hard. Can cause liver damage combined with alcohol.
- Ibuprofen: Better option, but can irritate stomach
- Aspirin: Also irritates stomach, may increase bleeding risk
The experience:
Headache improves. Other symptoms unchanged.
Downsides:
- Only addresses one symptom
- Can upset already irritated stomach
- Doesn't fix underlying cause
Best for: Headache relief when other symptoms are manageable. Always take with food and water.
#8: Greasy Food
Effectiveness: 3/10
Speed: 4/10
Convenience: 7/10
Cost: 7/10
Why people think it works:
The classic "greasy breakfast" is a hangover tradition. The idea is that fat absorbs alcohol or "soaks it up."
Why it doesn't really work:
By the time you're hungover, alcohol is already in your bloodstream. Fat can't absorb what's already been absorbed. Greasy food may actually upset your stomach further.
When it might help:
- Comfort factor (mental boost from comfort food)
- Blood sugar stabilization (carbs)
- Salt provides some electrolytes
Best for: When you're craving it, mild hangovers, psychological comfort.
#9: Hair of the Dog (More Alcohol)
Effectiveness: 2/10
Speed: 8/10
Convenience: 7/10
Cost: 6/10
Why it "works" temporarily:
Drinking more alcohol delays the hangover by keeping blood alcohol levels elevated. It can also reduce tremors and anxiety in heavy drinkers.
Why it's a terrible idea:
- You're just postponing the inevitable
- Eventually leads to worse hangover
- Creates a dangerous pattern
- Sign of alcohol dependence if needed regularly
The experience:
Temporary relief followed by worse symptoms later.
Best for: No one, honestly. If you need alcohol to function, consider talking to a professional about your drinking.
#10: "Detox" Supplements and Miracle Cures
Effectiveness: 1/10
Speed: N/A
Convenience: 7/10
Cost: 4/10
Products like activated charcoal, detox teas, and various "hangover pills" marketed as cures.
Why they don't work:
- Activated charcoal doesn't absorb alcohol (alcohol is absorbed too quickly)
- "Detox" is a marketing term—your liver does the detoxing
- Most supplements lack evidence
The experience:
Placebo effect at best.
Best for: Wasting money.
The Ultimate Hangover Strategy
Based on our rankings, here's the optimal approach:
Prevention (Best Strategy)
- Eat before drinking
- Drink water between alcoholic drinks
- Take B vitamins and NAC before bed
- Choose lighter-colored alcohols (fewer congeners)
- Stop drinking 3-4 hours before bed
Mild Hangover Protocol
- Drink Pedialyte or electrolyte drink immediately
- Take B vitamins
- Eat bland food when able
- Rest if possible
- Avoid more alcohol
Severe Hangover Protocol
- If possible, book IV therapy—it's the fastest solution
- If not available: Pedialyte, sleep, bland food
- Ibuprofen for headache (with food)
- Don't fight nausea—let it pass or use ginger
"I Need to Function NOW" Protocol
- IV therapy if you have 60-90 minutes
- If not: Electrolyte drink + B vitamins + coffee (small amount) + cold shower
- Light food if tolerable
- Accept you won't be 100%
Final Thoughts
The best hangover cure is prevention, but we're realists here. When you need recovery:
- Have money and time? IV therapy is unmatched
- Budget option? Pedialyte + sleep + time
- Have to function? Electrolytes + B vitamins + power through
Whatever you choose, drink water, be kind to yourself, and maybe reconsider that last round next time.
Get Hangover Relief Fast
Tired of wasting entire days to hangovers? Our mobile IV therapy service delivers hangover relief directly to you—at home, at your hotel, wherever you are in New Hampshire. Most clients feel dramatically better within an hour.
Book hangover recovery | Learn about our hangover IV
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest way to cure a hangover?
IV hydration therapy is the fastest option, typically providing relief within 30-60 minutes. For at-home remedies, electrolyte drinks combined with rest are most effective.
Does Pedialyte actually help hangovers?
Yes. Pedialyte effectively replaces electrolytes lost through alcohol's diuretic effect. It hydrates better than water alone and can help with headache and fatigue.
Why is "hair of the dog" a bad idea?
While drinking more alcohol temporarily delays hangover symptoms, it ultimately leads to a worse hangover later and can create unhealthy patterns. It's postponement, not a cure.
What should I eat when hungover?
Bland, easy-to-digest foods work best: eggs, toast, bananas, chicken soup, or oatmeal. Avoid greasy foods if your stomach is upset.
Is IV therapy for hangovers worth the cost?
If you need to function quickly (work, event, travel) and can afford $150-$250, IV therapy provides the fastest, most complete relief. For occasional hangovers when time isn't critical, electrolyte drinks and rest work fine.
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