When a 105-year-old great gran attributes her secret to longevity to gin and juice and science says that moderate alcohol consumption could actually help boost your immune system, who are we to argue?

Humankind has used alcoholic beverages as a medicine from the moment it was first discovered. Apart from the stress-relieving, relaxing nature that alcohol has on the body and mind, it is also an antiseptic and in higher doses has anesthetizing effects.

But it is a combination of alcohol and natural botanicals, which creates a far more effective medicine and has been used as such for thousands of years. It is the origin of the most famous toast, “Let’s drink to health”, which exists in many languages around the world.

Now that we’ve established that cocktails are the new flu-shot, here is a list of rejuvenating cocktails, made with over-the-counter effervescent tablets, immune system supporting powders and a shot or two of the good stuff.

PRE-HIDRAT

The principle that prevention is better than cure has proven to be true over the years. Colds, flu and excessive partying can quickly drain the body from essential fluids, causing dehydration. To avoid this, we suggest you grab that sachet of REHIDRAT® before hitting up your next rave. This rehydration and electrolyte replacement solution have been specifically formulated to quickly replenish your body’s vital fluids, minerals and electrolytes to help you perform at your peak.

Ingredients

• 1 sachet REHIDRAT®
• 1 shot of vodka

Instructions

1. Add a shot (or 2) of vodka to a cocktail shaker, along with the sachet of REHIDRAT® and some ice. Shape it up and strain into a glass, filled with crushed ice.

Berocca and Vodka

Also known as the Vodkarocca, this pick-me-upper is known for its fast-acting hangover relief. Berocca is an effervescent soluble tablet that contains a wide selection of crucial vitamins and minerals that should keep you healthy and energetic while keeping your immune system high too. In addition to being packed with vitamins, there’s also a whopping dose of caffeine and plenty of guarana and hard-to-pronounce mystery ingredients like phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is used to trigger the release of dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline) and melanin.

Ingredients

• 1 tablet of Berocca
• water
• 1 or 2 shots of vodka

Instructions

1. Add vodka and tablet to a glass and fill it up with water.
2. Add some ice to pimp it up!

Med-Lemon Margarita

Many people swear by the age-old cocktail of Med-lemon, Stoney and Disprin when it comes to treating the common cold or flu. One Med-Lemon sachet not only contains menthol and eucalyptus, but also a dose of aspirin to fight of pain and fever. We all know that after a shot or two of tequila, the party is on! The lemon-flavoured version is basically margarita mix in a sachet and a dash of salt will also improve the flavour. As the slogan correctly states: “for a good morning, for a good night”.

Ingredients

• 1 sachet of lemon Med-lemon
• Water
• 1 shot of tequila

Instructions

1. Desolve the med-lemon in hot water and allow to cool.
2. Pour a shot (or 2) of tequila, the Med-lemon and some ice into a cocktail shaker and shake it like a polaroid picture!