Aidan Demarest topping off his own Enlightenment beer cocktail.
Every pro drinker has a hangover remedy in their back pocket, be it Advil and lots of Gatorade, a pile of greasy bacon or, for the masochist, a morning jog. I’m a fan of the hair-of-the-dog remedy. Granted, I only employ this method when I have nothing to do for the rest of my day but it is more fun than all of the above.
Now, one has to be careful with their hangover-curing cocktail of choice. You don’t want one too strong that will just knock you into your next hangover, or one too light with all the personality of a glass of water. Fortunately author Kinglsey Amis documented Evelyn Waugh’s aptly named Noonday Reviver in his book, Everyday Drinking. It combines the curative effects of gin (thanks to the herbs) and ginger beer and the burp-inducing effervescence and hardiness of the stout beer in one restorative cocktail.
The cocktail is currently served at the Spare Room in Hollywood but thanks to mixologist Aidan Demarest, who shared his version of the recipe with me, you can make it in the low-light quietness of your own home.
For other beer cocktails available around the city, check out my list in LA Weekly‘s Squid Ink. By the way, last night I had dinner at Library Alehouse in Santa Monica, and they, too, have a beer cocktail menu featuring classic ones like Snakebite, Black and Tan and Shandie.
Evelyn Waugh’s Noonday Reviver
By Aidan Demarest of The Spare Room
- 2 ounces Plymouth Gin
- Half pint Guinness
- Ginger Beer
Combine gin and beer and fill to top with ginger beer.
Chocolate Stout
By Alex Straus of Bon Vivants and Hemingway’s Lounge
- 3 ounces Old Rasputin Stout
- 1 ounce Chivas 18
- 2 dashes mole bitters
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail tin, stir and served up in a chilled cocktail glass.
The Peche Mel Bellini
By Brooke Williamson of The Tripel
- 2/3 parts Scaldis Peche Mel Belgian peach beer
- 1/3 parts cava sparkling wine
- Fresh peach puree
Combine the peach beer and cava and top with the peach puree.