Indulging yourself with adult beverages can lead to a hangover, a set of unpleasant symptoms that not only affects your sense of physical and mental well-being but also your work performance – if you can get to work, of course.
When left untreated, these symptoms can last for up to a whopping 24 hours. That’s miserable!
Why wait that long when you can ease your symptoms and enjoy faster recovery by drinking one of the best hydration drinks for hangovers?
The Hangover Cure Drinks We RAVE About
Key Takeaways
- A hangover can be one of the most miserable experiences if you don’t know how to handle it.
- Thankfully, many of the worst symptoms of a hangover can be treated or prevented entirely.
- The best hydration supplements have both well balanced electrolytes and antioxidants
Before we get into the ranking, let’s explain what a hangover actually is first – what the symptoms are, why electrolyte-rich hydration drinks are best for hangovers, and other steps you can take for relief.
The symptoms of a hangover start when the alcohol content in your bloodstream has significantly dropped and the buzz has warn off, thus, the morning-after occurrence. Your hangover symptoms will vary depending on your alcohol tolerance as well as on the types of alcoholic drinks you consumed and their amounts.
While alcohol is the main culprit, other ingredients commonly found in adult beverages such as sugar can also make a hangover worse. Among the worst though are congeners, produced during the fermentation process, which enhance the taste and smell of alcoholic drinks.
And the more congeners in an alcoholic drink, the more likely it is to cause a hangover – and this is true for darker drinks like tequila, whiskey, cognac and bourbon. Other hangover inducing ingredients include sulfites, usually added to wine, and methanol.
The symptoms of a hangover and their severity vary from person to person but the most common are:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headaches and body aches (inflammation)
- Excessive thirst coupled with a dry mouth
- Poor quality of sleep
- Stomach pain, nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Increased light and sound sensitivity
- Heart palpitations
- Feelings of shakiness
- Decreased concentration
- Increased irritability and other mood disturbances
Hangovers aren’t just painful symptoms – these can be dangerous, too, because of their impact on physical and mental functioning!
Your physical coordination and mental concentration including your decision-making abilities are impaired that, in turn, can increase the risk of accidents, such as when driving.
Quick Links
- Why Hydration Drinks Are Best for Hangovers
- General Tips for Dealing with Hangovers
- Ranking Methodology
- Best Hydration Drinks for Hangovers
- Best Hydration Drinks for Hangovers FAQs
Why Hydration Drinks Are Best for Hangovers
The abovementioned symptoms are caused by the effects of alcohol consumption on the body.
First, alcohol is a diuretic that causes increased urination resulting in dehydration during and after a drinking binge. Dehydration, in turn, causes the increased feelings of thirst, dry mouth and headaches, even dizziness. By drinking a hydration drink, you can prevent mild dehydration from becoming worse during a hangover.
Second, alcohol directly irritates the stomach lining and causes increased acid production and release into the gastrointestinal tract. The inflammation can also either slow down or speed up the passage of food. The combined effects cause diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting. These symptoms can contribute to mild dehydration but drinking a hydration drink can restore fluid and nutrients lost.
Third, alcohol causes the electrolyte balance in the body to go awry. Electrolyte imbalance can cause weakness, headaches and irritability, among other symptoms. The reason: Electrolytes are responsible for many of the body’s functions including:
- Regulating the amount of water in your cells, tissues and muscles
- Balancing your body’s pH level
- Moving oxygen and nutrients into your cells
- Transporting waste products out of your cells
- Ensuring that your organs as well as your nerves, muscles and bones function well
Electrolytes are Key to Hangover Prevention
Sodium, potassium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and phosphate are among the electrolytes found in the food and beverages you eat. But excessive alcohol consumption can cause their levels in the body to decrease dramatically.
This is where electrolyte-rich hydration drinks come to the rescue!
While drinking water will also rehydrate your body, water doesn’t the contain enough electrolytes to restore the electrolyte balance in your body.
Vitamins & Antioxidants Matter Too
Many hydration drinks also contain vitamins that can ease the symptoms of a hangover. Thiamin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid are a few of the B vitamins that aid in healthy immune and nervous system functions – their deficiency increases the feelings of low energy and fatigue associated with a hangover.
Yet another vitamin that can ease the symptoms of a hangover is the antioxidant ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) – low levels of Vitamin C can impair the body’s ability to heal itself.
Other antioxidants that can help relieve inflammation and reduce free radicals are avocado, Vitamin E, pomegranate, tart cherry, selenium, beta carotene, etc.
The bottom line: Reach for the best hydration drink and find relief from your hangover!
General Tips for Dealing with Hangovers
Of course, time and rehydration are the best combination for getting out of a hangover.
But you can speed up your recovery from a drinking binge by following these tips.
- Eat carb-rich foods to stabilize your blood sugar levels and fight the effects of an upset stomach. But don’t eat too fast or too much! Start with plain foods like crackers, toast with honey, or a banana.
- Take an over-the-counter antacid like Pepto-Bismol, Tums or Alka-Seltzer for relief for an upset stomach.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for pain relief. Note that acetaminophen isn’t recommended during a hangover.
- Rest because lack of sleep will worsen your hangover symptoms.
Now, let’s talk about prevention or, at least, decreasing the likelihood of experiecing symptoms of a hangover the morning after.
- Eat a meal rich in healthy carbohydrates before drinking alcohol – pasta or brown rice will do the trick – since carbohydrates slow down alcohol absorption.
- Choose light- or clear-colored drinks and avoid cocktails with carbonated drinks.
- Limit or avoid smoking cigarettes while drinking alcohol, too.
- Sleep in the morning after and get as much rest as possible.
But most importantly, know your limit. You can also alternately drink alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, perhaps even drink your preferred hydration drink in between rounds.
You may also want to consider activities to break up the rounds, such as socializing, dancing or singing.
Ranking Methodology
We selected and ranked the best hydration drinks for hangovers by using the following criteria:
- Manufactured by reputable manufacturers, preferably with solid reputation in the dietary supplement industry and with third-party certifications.
- Made with safe and effective ingredients, preferably natural and organic ingredients.
- Contain electrolytes and vitamins that restore hydration and ease the symptoms of a hangover.
- Contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help reduce the symptoms of a hangover.
- Affordable price tag.
Now let’s dive into our top choices for effective hangover treatment and prevention!
Best Hydration Drinks for Hangovers
Get Shifted Hydration Supplement
Restoring the balance of electrolytes, rejuvenating the body with antioxidants like pomegranate juice, and increasing cellular and muscular rehydration with taurine are the main benefits of drinking Get Shifted Hydration mix for hangover recovery.
With six essential electrolytes, it really delivers on these benefits and, thus, its popularity among amateur and professional athletes. As an excellent hydration drink, it’s also highly recommended for individuals who sweat excessively, who are exposed to heat in the outdoors for extended periods, and who want to prevent dehydration during an illness.
With a hangover feeling like you’re sick, you should take Shifted Hydration drink, too! You’re rehydrating your body and, thus, facilitating its faster recovery from a night of alcohol indulgence.
Each serving of Shifted Hydration mix contains:
- Sodium 280mg
- Calcium 80mg
- Phosphorus 30mg
- Magnesium 60mg
- Zinc 4mg
- Potassium 200mg
- Vitamin C 40mg
- Taurine 1g
- Coconut water power 500mg
- Pomegranate juice powder 500mg
- Chloride
What Did We Find During Our Review?
The deliciously refreshing taste of Shifted Hydration drink makes it easy to just chug it down and then let it do its work. With each sip packed full of electrolytes, it restores the electrolyte balance in the body and speeds up recovery from a nasty hangover. We also like that it has taurine that boosts mental concentration, mood and energy while the fluid and electrolytes relieves muscle soreness. The inclusion of coconut water and pomegranate juice extract as an antioxidant is icing on the cake because it helps relieve hangover symptoms related to inflammation.
With two yummy flavors to choose from – Lime Margarita and Strawberry Kiwi – washing away the taste of alcohol from your mouth is also a pleasure in itself. Of course, if you still want the taste of alcohol – margarita, to be exact – with none of the hangover, go for the Lime Margarita flavor.
In just an hour or two, you will feel better again! This is what makes Shifted Hydration the best hydration drink for a hangover in our books. But even when you don’t have a hangover anymore, you can still take Hydration as a daily drink to aid your body in maintaining electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration.
Purchase Links: SHIFTED Hydration Website
Waterboy Hangover Relief Electrolyte Powder Packets
Getting relief from hangover symptoms is possible with Waterboy Hangover Relief electrolyte drink, thanks to its rich electrolyte content. You can pack a couple of packets in your bag so you can drink it the morning after an indulgent night no matter where you find yourself – in your bed or on someone else’s couch. This is a sugar-free, non-GMO drink that uses beet and carrot juice as coloring agents.
Every serving contains:
- Calories 10
- Electrolytes 3,187mg
- Sodium 1,130mg
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B12
- Magnesium citrate
- Potassium citrate
- L-theanine
- Ginger extract
- Himalayan sea salt
- Citric acid
- Organic stevia extract
What Did We Find During Our Review?
We like that it’s specifically formulated to ease the symptoms of a nasty hangover with its high electrolyte and sodium content. The headache and body aches decreased after an hour or so after taking the drink, and we even felt less stressed and nauseous. We also like that it comes in yummy flavors like Blue Raspberry, Lemon Ginger, and Lemon Lime.
Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder
The great things about Ultima Replenisher electrolyte hydration mix are its plant-based colors and real fruit flavors that contribute to its organic goodness. After a night of alcohol indulgence, you don’t want to put more unhealthy substances into your recovering body!
Plus, it doesn’t contain sugar, carbohydrates and calories but contains beneficial electrolytes and vitamins like:
- Sodium 55mg
- Calcium 65mg
- Potassium 250mg
- Phosphorus 70mg
- Magnesium 100mg
- Manganese 0.2mg
- Chloride 70mg
- Zinc 1mg
- Vitamin C 100mg
What Did We Find During Our Review?
We love that it provides clean hydration that comes in refreshing flavors to perk up your mind and body, such as Pink Lemonade, Watermelon, and Blue Raspberry.
It’s also easy to carry around – it’s available in single-serving stickpacks – and easy to mix with 16 ounces of water. While it isn’t a miracle cure for hangovers, we like that it’s effective in decreasing the severity of hangover symptoms.
Remy Hydration + Liver Aid – Electrolyte Powder Packets
Yet another quick, easy and effective hangover hydration drink is Remy Hydration + Liver Aid hydration mix. Since it’s packed in little packets, it’s easy to carry in your bag, too. Just mix a single-serve packet with about 6 ounces of water and drink it for hangover relief.
Every single-serve mixed drink contains:
- White willow bark extract 240mg
- DHM 600mg
- Potassium chloride 370mg
- Magnesium Oxide 25mg
- Milk thistle extract 300mg
- Vitamin B1 75mg
- Vitamin B5 25mg
- Vitamin B6 25mg
- Vitamin B12 200mcg
- Vitamin E 150IU
- Vitamin C 150mg
- Folic acid 300mcg
- Acetyl L-carnitine 125mg
- Alpha lipoic acid 75mg
- Zinc 5mg
What Did We Find During Our Review?
We like that it contains DHM, a substance that decreases hangover symptoms like headaches while also providing protection for the liver from the adverse effects of alcohol. With the addition of potassium chloride and magnesium oxide, it also aids in restoring electrolyte balance in the body than water intake alone. Add the vitamins and you’re back in business soon enough!
Banana Bag Oral Solution: Electrolyte and Vitamin Powder Packet
Created by Dr. Brian Dery, a pharmacist, the Banana Bag Oral Solution contains vitamins and minerals that are found in nutrient-infused intravenous fluids administered in hydration clinics, emergency rooms and hospitals. But you drink it instead of having an IV drip inserted into your veins as soon as you start feeling hangover symptoms.
Every serving contains:
- Calories 15
- Carbohydrates 3.5g
- Chloride 780mg
- Sodium 410mg
- Potassium 120mg
It also contains Vitamin C and the complete range of B vitamins that deliver between 250% and 10,417% of recommended daily values.
What Did We Find During Our Review?
We appreciated that each serving delivered electrolytes and vitamins that replenished the lost vitamins and minerals caused by excessive alcohol consumption the night before. The relief from hangover symptoms, particularly on the dry mouth, excessive thirst, and grogginess, came about 1-2 hours after drinking it – and as the hours passed, these symptoms became less severe.
BioSteel Sports Hydration Drink
The no-sugar BioSteel Sports Hydration drink is a popular drink among professional and amateur athletes but can also be used for hangover relief. With its eco-friendly packaging, it won’t also give you a headache about its proper disposal while its clean, quality ingredients are good for your body.
Every container contains optimum amounts of electrolytes including:
- Sodium 230 mg
- Potassium 230 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Magnesium 25 mg
- Calories 10
- Carbohydrate 1g
Other ingredients include citric acid, stevia leaf extract, natural flavors and coloring from fruits and vegetable juices.
What Did We Find During Our Review?
With its rich electrolyte content, it’s an excellent rehydration drink that eases many hangover symptoms caused by electrolyte imbalance. Many satisfied users say that aside from the refreshing experience as soon as the cold electrolyte drink hits their mouths, there’s a general feeling of being better a few hours after consumption. The hydration eased symptoms of headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
RESQWATER Enhanced Recovery Sports Drink
The kosher, vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free RESQWATER Enhanced Recovery Sports Drink contains natural and organic ingredients that provide nutrients including electrolytes. Plus, it’s an Informed Sport-certified product, meaning it doesn’t have banned substances that can endanger your health.
Every serving contains:
- Calories 70
- Carbohydrates 17g
- Sodium 120mg
- Potassium 170mg
- Phosphorus 130mg
- Vitamin C 300mg
- Vitamin B6 50mg
- Thiamin 4mg
The ingredients include organic prickly pear extract, milk thistle, and organic cane sugar.
What Did We Find During Our Review?
When consumed as an ice-cold drink, it provided an immediate sense of relief from the excessive thirst and dry mouth that are common with a nasty hangover. With consistent use throughout the day, we became better with each drink, thanks to the rehydration our bodies experienced. The nutrients and electrolytes in RESQWATER Enhanced Recovery Sports Drink replaced the ones lost during a drinking binge, too, which facilitated faster recovery. We like that it doesn’t contain stimulants like caffeine that can keep you awake – and rest is a must when you’re dealing with a hangover.
Emergen-C Hydration+Sports Drink Mix with Vitamin C
The non-GMO, low-sugar Emergen-C Hydrogen+Sports Drink Mix with Vitamin C contains essential electrolytes that replenish the ones lost because of excessive alcohol consumption. Plus, it contains Vitamin C, a vitamin that boosts the immune system and facilitates faster recovery from the adverse effects of alcohol.
Every serving contains:
- Calories 30
- Sodium 160mg
- Carbohydrates 7g
- Calcium 100mg
- Potassium 400mg
- Phosphorus 384mg
- Magnesium 120mg
- Manganese 1.8mg
- Vitamin C 250mg
What Did We Find During Our Review?
Drinking the Emergen-C hydration drink is more enjoyable with its yummy flavors including Raspberry Splash, Lemon-Lime Twist, and Orange Spritz with Glucosamine. The Orange Spritz is our favorite because it’s refreshing and rehydrating, and the glucosamine ingredient aids in detoxifying the liver and, thus, speeding up recovery from a hangover. Many satisfied users say that it has helped them overcome the worst hangover symptoms within the day.
Powerful Nutrition Hydration Electrolytes Powder
With three times more electrolytes than many sports drinks, the Powerful Nutrition Hydration electrolytes mix is a great hangover “cure”. We say “cure” because it isn’t actually a magic treatment but it can aid the body’s recovery from the nasty symptoms of a moderate to severe hangover. We also like that it comes in a convenient packaging so it’s easy to carry and then mix with water when needed.
Every serving contains:
- Calories 10
- Sodium 150mg
- Carbohydrates 2g
- Vitamin C 500mg
- Thiamine 1.2mg
- Riboflavin 1.3mg
- Niacin 16mg
- Vitamin B6 1.7mg
- Vitamin B12 2.4mcg
- Pantothenic acid 5mg
- Potassium 200mg
- Shilajit mushroom extract 50mcg
- Coconut powder 100mg
What Did We Find During Our Review?
We love that it doesn’t contain preservatives, sucralose, and artificial colors and flavors so there’s nothing that will make your sick body sicker than it already is. Plus, it’s also an effective daily hydration drink, a pre-, intra- and post-workout recovery drink, and a hangover drink in one convenient package. As a hangover hydration drink, it’s an effective one, too, thanks to the high electrolyte content, not to mention that it’s rich in vitamins and minerals for faster recovery.
NatureWorks HydroMATE Electrolytes Powder Drink Mix Packets
With its low-calorie, low-sugar formulation, the NatureWorks HydroMATE electrolytes powder mix is a great choice as a hydration drink to ease hangover symptoms. There are four flavors to choose from, too – lemon lime, peach tea, fruit punch, and orange citrus.
Every single-serve packet contains:
- Calories 10
- Carbohydrates 2.5g
- Sodium 250mg
- Potassium 200mg
- Magnesium 15mg
- Vitamin C 1,000mg
- Vitamin B6 1.87mg
- Vitamin B12 2.65mcg
- Zinc 2mg
What Did We Find During Our Review?
Faster rehydration combined with high electrolytes content make it among the best hydration drinks for getting over a hangover. With its conveniently single-serve packets, it’s also easy to use – just mix with cold water and enjoy a refreshing and rehydrating drink anywhere, anytime. Plus, the exciting flavors make it easier to drink than plain water.
Best Hydration Drinks for Hangovers FAQs
How much hydration drink should be consumed to ease the symptoms of a hangover?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about the recommended daily intake, usually a serving or two within a 24-hour period. Remember that it’s also possible to drink too much water – or hydration drinks, for that matter – and it can result in kidney complications.
When are hydration drinks and other steps to ease hangover symptoms not enough?
If you have alcohol poisoning, rush to the emergency room! The symptoms include confusion, slow breathing (i.e., less than eight breaths per minute) or irregular breathing (i.e., a 10-second or more gap between breaths), seizures, low body temperature, pale or blue-tinged skin, and difficulty maintaining consciousness.
Can you continue consuming a hydration drink even when you don’t have a hangover anymore?
Yes, of course, you can! The fluid and electrolytes in your preferred hydration drink can contribute to optimum bodily functions, not to mention that you can feel more energized during and after your workouts.
