On nights when you stay out too late and subject yourself to abuses in the form of loud music, unfortunate footwear and sleep deprivation, when it’s suddenly 4 a.m. and you realize you haven’t eaten in eight hours, seek out drinks that deliver more than another shot of alcohol and mix. Some creative juices (so-called at Raw Bar) have nutrients to keep you upright, and even things you can chew, so you can graze through the night and maybe not even need a late-night pita after all.
Raw Bar (119 12 Ave. S.W., www.hotelarts.ca)
• Bichen bliss: Skyy Berry vodka, freshly pressed orange juice, muddled red grapes and a bruléed orange wheel (Note: in Gaelic, “ch” is pronounced “ck.”)
Grapes contain beneficial compounds called flavonoids — the same phytonutrients that make grapes, grape juice and red wine deep purple — which protect your heart by preventing LDL cholesterol from oxidizing (LDL only becomes harmful after it is damaged by free radicals or oxidized). The grapes’ waxy skins also contain a protective agent called saponins, which are known to lower cholesterol. Orange juice is a far better source of vitamin C than any pill; it’s just one of many beneficial phytochemicals in OJ that protect your cells from the damage of free radicals in your environment and support your immune system when it needs backup.
• Enji miko (scarlet temple goddess): organic nama sake, the juice of fresh red peppers, pressed lime juice and a cordial derived from lemongrass and ginger
Red peppers are an outstanding source of vitamins C and A, two very powerful antioxidants that work together to effectively neutralize free radicals. Ginger possesses therapeutic properties and is effective in preventing nausea and soothing other gastrointestinal issues.
• Pineapple mojitos: Havana Club Anejo Blanco rum, fresh lime, fresh mint and pummelled fresh pineapple
Pineapple is a great source of vitamin C and manganese; both will support your immune system, and the manganese helps keep your blood sugar level on an even keel all night long. Pummelling the whole fruit means these mojitos also contain fibre and a digestive enzyme called bromelain that will help process anything else you ingest over the course of the night. And, of course, any green leaf will do your body good, even if it’s just mint.
The Mercury (1530 Fifth St. S.W., www.themercury.ca)
• Buzz: Van Gogh espresso vodka, Kahlua, espresso
Although espresso contains about half the caffeine of regular coffee, it’s a concentrated form of the tannin and antioxidants coffee contains, which do your heart and arteries good. Coffee has also been shown to lower your risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and colon cancer. It boosts your mood and makes a great headache remedy (the vast majority of over-the-counter remedies contain caffeine); studies suggest it may even prevent cavities.
• Lychee: Soho liqueur, vodka, lychee juice, cranberry juice
Lychees have as much vitamin C as citrus fruits, and potassium levels comparable to a banana, which will help your muscles and nerves function properly and facilitate a proper balance of electrolytes. Cranberries contain a unique yukka flux of flavonoids including anthocyanins and condensed tannins or proanthocyanidins, which indicate powerful bacteria-blocking properties.
• Rolling stone: cucumber, Hendricks gin, brown sugar, soda, lime
The silica in cucumber helps strengthen and heal connective tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone), and cucumber's high water content makes it naturally hydrating — a good thing the night before the morning after.
The Living Room (514 17th Ave. S.W., www.livingroomrestaurant.ca)
• The shaft: Kahlua, espresso, skim milk
Besides the abovementioned benefits of espresso, skim milk delivers protein, calcium and vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption and supports your immune system. A bit of protein will deliver energy more slowly, and your body will use the amino acids it contains to manufacture its own proteins.
• Fruity fruit: Grey Goose L’Orange, Le Citron, Midori Melon, cranberry and papaya juices
Cranberry is a stellar source of vitamin C, which supports your immune system, fights the onset of colds and prevents free radical damage; papaya juice is recommended for smokers and those frequently exposed to second-hand smoke due to its particularly high quantity of vitamin A, which is said to reduce lung inflammation.
Brava Bistro (723 17th Ave. S.W., www.bravabistro.com)
French 75: gin, lime juice, elderflower and sparkling wine, garnished with an Okanagan cherry soaked in brandy
• Sambucus (elder or elderberry) is a genus of shrubs or small trees previously categorized in the honeysuckle family; contrary to its name, it is not the origin of sambuca, but both flowers and berries from the trees can be made into wine, brandy or tea, which is thought to prevent colds and fever (Who needs ColdFX?). Cherries contain anthocyanins; potent antioxidants (also the pigment that makes them so red) that have been known to reduce pain and inflammation in rats. If you’re clumsy, ask for a few extra.
