Prairie Oyster Cocktail

The next time you wake up after a long night out, you may want to reconsider reaching for that hair of the dog and instead opt for a savory, booze-free libation. A legendary hangover cure, the prairie oyster cocktail is a concoction of raw egg, Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice, vinegar, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.

Though the flavor and texture are reminiscent of its namesake, this cocktail is seafood-free. However, when served in a shell-shaped ramekin and taken down in a single swig, the prairie oyster mimics a well-dressed ocean oyster. The egg provides a creamy texture, while the Worcestershire sauce and vinegar add notes of bright salinity. Bartenders crack the egg directly into an Old Fashioned glass in order to keep the yolk intact, thus preserving its luscious mouthfeel.

Referenced in James Joyce’s Ulysses and films throughout the 20th century (e.g., Strangers on a Train, The Man Who Wasn’t There, and Back to the Future III), the prairie oyster cocktail counts scholars and stars among its fans. So even if a hangover may not be classy, order one of these at the bar and your stagger may soon be a swagger.