A prairie oyster includes a raw egg.
A prairie oyster is a drink consisting of a raw egg, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. It’s a popular hangover remedy, which usually involves the morning side effects of drinking too much alcohol the night before. A prairie oyster resembles an oyster because the egg yolk must be left whole. Worcestershire sauce, usually made from fermented anchovies, vinegar, and spices, and hot sauce, which is usually a mixture of chili juice, vinegar, and spices, is added to the egg in a glass. The prairie oyster swallows in one gulp.
Prairie oyster is a popular hangover remedy.
Eggs are rich in B vitamins, which are depleted by the chemical reaction that occurs when the body metabolizes alcohol. They are also a source of protein and fat, which can ease an upset stomach or nausea. The salt in Worcestershire sauce can replace minerals lost due to the dehydrating effects of drinking too much, and the hot sauce can cause sweating, a way the body releases toxins through the skin. A variation of the prairie oyster recipe involves adding tomato juice, which is rich in vitamin C, which is also lost through chemical reactions with alcohol in the body.
There are two schools of thought on whether it is better to eat a prairie oyster before or after drinking it. Some believe that the amount of vitamins and protein consumed in a prairie oyster before heading out for the night may help it metabolize alcohol more efficiently and cause less distress the next day. However, this can also lead to increased alcohol consumption, because the person feels that they will be protected from its effects. Others advocate preparing a prairie oyster right when you wake up to lessen hangovers throughout the day. However, there is no clinically proven cure for a hangover other than time for the body to process the alcohol out of your system.
Some people may add vodka or brandy to a prairie oyster. The thought process behind this is that a hangover is actually the body going through alcohol withdrawal: reintroducing a small amount of alcohol into the system will ease the unpleasant effects. This is commonly called “dog hair” from the English expression, “bite the dog that bites you.” However, it is widely debunked by many medical experts who claim that continued practice can lead to alcohol dependence and abuse.