Coffee and Hangovers: A Morning Pick-Me-Up

Anyone who has danced into the wee hours of the morning knows the familiar haze that greets you after a night of revelry. In my bartending days at the famous Copratray Bar in Bon Accord and nights spent partying at Crown Point's Golden Star Club or at Buccoo's Sunday School Club, I experienced this firsthand. The mornings after those vibrant nights were almost ritualistic, starting with a much-needed cup of coffee from Ms. Harriot at the Scarborough Market. Her rich brew, paired with a comforting bake and smoked herring, wasn’t just a meal—it was a lifeline.

While coffee won’t cure a hangover, it does have a way of bringing life back to tired mornings. Hangovers are primarily caused by dehydration, depleted sugar levels, and the body processing toxins. The caffeine in coffee helps alleviate some symptoms by stimulating the central nervous system, improving alertness, and reducing the grogginess that often accompanies a night of indulgence.

That said, coffee’s diuretic properties can contribute to dehydration, so pairing it with water is essential to avoid prolonging the recovery process.

My mornings after a late-night escapade often unfolded in Tobago’s unique rhythm. After sipping Ms. Harriot’s life-giving coffee, accompanied by the salty-sweet flavors of bake and smoked herring, I’d head to Store Bay for a revitalizing swim. The ocean’s embrace and the simple joy of sipping coffee tied my mornings together, making them both restorative and reflective.

The beauty of coffee isn’t just its stimulating effects but its ability to anchor moments of recovery and reflection. From Scarborough to sunrise commutes in bustling cities, the ritual of coffee remains universal. It gives us a moment of pause and a chance to start anew, whether that’s after a night of celebration or the grind of everyday life.

Whether you’re soothing a hangover or simply seeking a fresh start, a good cup of coffee is your partner in recovery. At Tamana Coffee, we aim to bring that restorative magic to your mornings, helping you greet the day with renewed energy and joy.

Here’s to mornings filled with possibility—and the coffee that makes them possible!