In Mexico, salt, lime, and plenty of chiles (or another shot of tequila) seem to be the ubiquitous prescription for the ill effects of a hangover, which Mexicans call by the picturesque names la cruda (raw) or sancochado (half-baked). When I once asked an elderly Mexican man what to do to relieve a hangover, he chuckled, “Si trais una cruda, ponte otra borrachera.” (If you have a hangover, get drunk again.)

Some recommend a cup of hot tea, especially yerbanís (Mexican mint marigold), estafiate (artemisia), or hierba buena (mint). Others suggest freshly squeezed orange juice spiced with chiles, or a tall glass of sparkling mineral water sprinkled liberally with salt and lots of fresh lime juice. Fresh papaya, doused with lime juice and dusted with salt and chile powder, is another purported cure, especially for easing gastric distress.

Two of the most traditional hangover remedies are Menudo, a spicy tripe and chile soup, and Vuelve a la Vida, the name for a picante seafood cocktail guaranteed to bring you back to life.

You’ll find all these Hangover Helpers and more in my book !VIVA TEQUILA!