Caffeine Headaches

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in coffee, tea, yerba mate and chocolate, and added to many sodas and colas. Caffeine headaches are headaches caused by caffeine consumption. These headaches are usually felt behind the eyes, and can range from mild to debilitating.

Caffeine Withdrawal Headaches

Although too much caffeine can cause headaches, the most common cause of caffeine headaches is caffeine withdrawal.

Caffeine withdrawal occurs when you have developed a caffeine addiction and then you suddenly reduce or eliminate your caffeine consumption. Caffeine addiction is not necessarily the result of long-term or high-level caffeine consumption, and can develop in as little as a few days of drinking lattes or other drinks with caffeine. However, most caffeine withdrawal headaches are a result of consuming 500 mg of caffeine or more per day for two weeks or longer before reducing or eliminating caffeine in the diet.

When your body gets used to a certain level of caffeine, you may notice that you experience fatigue and other side effects (such as headaches) until you have reached your typical level of caffeine consumption. (A 2010 study showed that these caffeine withdrawal side effects are reversible... if you simply consume your usual level of caffeine to get rid of them.)

Consuming caffeine as a cure for caffeine withdrawal headaches can be a problem for people who are trying to reduce or eliminate caffeine in their diets, but alternate cures include sleep, massage, acupressure, caffeine-free medication (some headache relievers, like Excedrin and Goody's, contain caffeine) and drinking plenty of water. To avoid getting caffeine withdrawal headaches while cutting down on caffeine, read these caffeine reduction tips. If you're a coffee drinker, be sure to also check out this video tutorial on reducing caffeine in coffee.

Caffeine for Headaches

In addition to quickly curing caffeine withdrawal headaches, caffeine may help cure regular headaches and even migraines.

Some studies have shown that small doses of caffeine taken in conjunction with pain killers may help the body absorb the medication more quickly and cure the headache in a shorter period of time. Although most pain killers begin to take effect within 15 minutes, every minute can make a difference when you're suffering from a particularly bad headache!

Additionally, 130 mg of caffeine taken in conjunction with pain killers has been shown to improve headache relief by approximately 40 percent -- a substantial difference in results. Some people find that they don't need to take as much of a given pain killer when it is taken in conjunction with caffeine, and some doctors advocate taking medications with caffeine to reduce the likelihood of developing an addiction to a given pain killer.

An increase in the speed and efficacy of pain killers are the reasons that some prescription and over-the-counter pain medications contain caffeine. However, it is unclear whether or not caffeine taken without a pain killer is an effective headache cure.

Other Caffeine Headaches

Besides caffeine withdrawal headaches, there are two main types of caffeine headaches: headaches from excess caffeine consumption and 'rebound headaches' / 'medication overuse headaches.'

Headaches from excess caffeine consumption can be cured or helped by drinking peppermint 'tea,' getting a massage, drinking plenty of water and/or taking caffeine-free pain killers. Some people find that consuming food before consuming caffeine can provide a 'cushion' for their caffeine absorption and reduce the chances of a caffeine overdose or headache from too much caffeine consumption. Headaches from excess caffeine can also be avoided by limiting your caffeine intake. (Go figure!)

'Rebound headaches' or 'medication overuse headaches' are a type of headaches caused by overmedicating with pain killers and some related types of medications. The medications can contain caffeine, or not, but the overuse of pain killers and caffeine in conjunction can increase the likelihood of getting a rebound headache when the levels of pain killers and caffeine in your bloodstream are reduced.

You can avoid rebound headaches by taking medications in moderation, or by periodically not taking the medication in question for three consecutive days. You can help cure rebound headaches by drinking peppermint 'tea,' getting a massage, drinking plenty of water and resting.

Read more on caffeine and headaches from About.com's former Guide to Headaches, Mark Foley. Read more on how caffeine withdrawal headaches work on ScienceDaily.

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Booze News: June 6, 2012

This week we have news of new liquors which may appeal to some of you, upcoming cocktail events, and some delicious food recipes to share.

New Sips:

• Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry - Following up on? Southern Comfort Lime and Fiery Pepper, the iconic spirit is releasing this new black cherry flavor this month. It reportedly mixes great with cola. A technical glitch has prevented me from trying it yet, but I will pass along my thoughts as soon as I can.
• Pucker Lemonade Lust and Raspberry Rave Vodkas - If you are one who is inclined to drink Pucker or flavored vodkas then these two new vodkas may be on your summer wishlist.

Do This:

• Craft Cocktails Texas - Following up on the San Antonio Cocktail Conference, Dallas will host a new cocktail event June 14-17. It will be the usual style of events for conferences: seminars, tastings, competitions, parties, etc. Cocktail Enthusiast is giving away 2 tickets.
• Aspen Food & Wine Classic - This classic event that brings together the best of the best in food? and drink (there are cocktail events too) is taking place next weekend (June 15-17). Word is that the cocktails this year are nothing short of stunning as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of the event.
• Tales of the Cocktail - Do not forget that Tales is coming up July 25-29 in New Orleans. They are celebrating the 10th year of the cocktail event that started all others.

Three-Year-Old Served Vodka on Hawaiian Dinner Cruise - Another mistake made and another child is served alcohol. The mother's account of this is chilling because the boy was beginning to act drunk because his orange juice had vodka. Please, pay attention!

Macallan Whisky Adorns Bottles with Annie Leibovitz Photos - Does a bottle of Scotch with an image by a famous photographer warrant a $2,750 price tag? Not in my book and I am a long standing fan of both. However, if you are so inclined, you may want to check out The Macallan Masters of Photography limited edition bottles.

Eat This:

On a side note this week, I have come across some new fabulous food recipes that use liquor. Also, check out my collection of Cooking with Spirits recipes for more great summer feast ideas.

• Tequila Adds Sweet, Spiky Touch to Cooking - A favorite here is the Tequila Lime Tart, though that flank steak is pretty tempting as well.
• Whiskey-Mustard Meatballs - This recipe does not specify which style of whisky to use, but rye and bourbon are always great for cooking (Lance Mayhew's Oregon BBQ Whiskey Burger is a fine example).
• Banana-Rum Trifle - I think the name speaks for itself...

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Read These: The Edible Series on Distilled Spirits

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing a series of books that are interesting and quick reading material for your summer book list. The books are a part of The Edible Series from Reaktion Books, which encompass topics from apples to sandwiches. There are four in particular that cover "A Global History" of a particular distilled spirit: Gin, Rum, Vodka, and Whiskey.

Each of the books is penned by a different author, all of whom are experts on the topic, and are excellently written histories that work both as a collection and as individual books. What I enjoy most is how each author has distilled a vast history of each liquor's production, ingredients, and business into around 170 pages. Unlike other books with a narrow focus but more volume these timelines are easy to follow and interesting to read, even if you already know the story. Each also has a handful of recipes - usually the standards for each spirit - nestled in the back for easy reference.

Read the full review and learn more about the individual books and authors...

Another book from the series that I am currently reading and is very useful for mixologists is Herbs: A Global History by Gary Allen. It has a plethora of useful information that we can take into the bar and the kitchen.

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How to Pull Espresso Shots

The basics of pulling espresso are, well, pretty basic. But to truly hone your skills at crafting a fine shot of espresso, you need lots of practice and a few tips. You need to know how to get your grind just right. You need to decide how heavily you want to dose your coffee. You need to know how to tamp your grounds just right. And you need to know how to evaluate your shots so you can improve over time.

This step-by-step guide on how to pull espresso shots explains how to do all of these things, and provides other tips and tricks for pulling perfect shots of espresso (almost) every time (if you practice!).

Experienced baristas: Do you have any more tips to add with newbies? Share them in the comments below!

Photo (c) Lindsey Goodwin
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Try This: El Tesoro Tequila & Captain Morgan Black

For your weekend enjoyment I would like to recommend two spirits that may just knock your socks off. At the very least, they're something new to try.

El Tesoro de Don Felipe Tequila

One is actually a portfolio of tequilas from El Tesoro de Don Felipe. The full line includes the usual: blanco (Platinum), reposado, and anejo. All of them have this fantastic natural agave flavor that I look for in a great tequila. El Tesoro comes from Los Altos, those Jalisco highlands that produce the sweeter tequilas and all are great for mixing and sipping. Beyond the taste, my favorite part of this portfolio is that they are all priced within $10 of each other so you can upgrade and mix without the financial guilt. Read the full review...

Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum

The other spirit worth mentioning is Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum. This is a classic blackstrap rum, all luscious, dark, and thick, with the Captain's twist of spices. The dominate spices are clove and cassia bark, though you will find anise, vanilla, chocolate and even more notes depending what you mix it with. Also, while this one can be used in most any rum cocktail, you will also want to keep it in mind as a whiskey substitute. Read the full review...

Happy sipping!

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New Contest: Mocktails

We are currently in deliberation on last month's vodka cocktail contest and will have the results soon. In the meantime, I have opened a new contest that will cover June and July and this time we are going to deal with mocktails.

Autumnal Temptations

Non-alcoholic drinks, really? Yes, I want to see what you can do in a drink that does not rely on an alcoholic beverage. I have been hearing from many readers who are requesting more mocktail recipes and I've always thought that any good drink mixer (whether they be pro or amateur) should be able to create an impressive alcohol free drink upon request. It may require a little more creativity, especially if you are converting a spirited drink, but then again the simplest of mocktail mixes can be the best, just look at the classic Arnold Palmer and Shirley Temple. There is no reason that our non-alcoholic drinks have to be boring, in fact I'm of the firm belief that they should be just as interesting as any cocktail.

This challenge is quite simple: share an original mixed drink that has no alcohol. It could be your every day juice mix, a favorite homemade soda, a fun frozen cooler, your go to party punch, or even the kids' favorite snack time drink. I have also given you a deadline with the wiggle room of almost two months, so you have until July 26th to enter.

Submit your mocktail recipe here...

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Booze News: June 13, 2012

New Sips:

Svedka Colada

Svedka Colada - I received word this week that Svedka Vodka will be releasing a new flavor on June 15th. Colada is what you might expect given the fact that it was inspired by the Pina Colada, and is flavored with coconut, pineapple, and mango.

Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao - This is a new curacao that was developed to be a revival of a traditional orange liqueur. The authentic spirit was created by Cognac Ferrand president Alexandre Gabriel with help from David Wondrich. The talk indicates that this is an excellent curacao and may become your new light orange liqueur of choice.

Read This:

When the Keg Is Gone, and It's Time to Call in a Pro - An excellent article on The New York Times with tips on hiring a bartender for your party.

Venus Transit: Drink in the Love - The Intoxicated Zodiac is one of my favorite blogs and I love Gwen Sutherland Kaiser's cocktail celebrating last week's Venus Transit is one of the best uses of cherry-flavored vodka I have tried in some time. The ingredient that makes it stand out? A spice syrup made with cardamom, cinnamon, and clove.

USBG and Diageo World Class U.S. Finale - Chris Milligan reports on the U.S. round of this world class competition? on his blog The Santa Fe Barman. The finalist list is impressive, as it should be because when all is said and done the very talented international winner will become Diageo World Class Global Ambassador - a dream job in the industry. Also, Milligan's "recipe for a great bartender" is spot on: "Combine two parts wisdom and one part charm, add a dash of hospitality and garnish with a friendly smile..."

Old-fashioned Vinegar-based 'Shrubs' Shaking up the Cocktail Scene - Kuwait Times reported this week on one of the growing mixology trends, the shrub. These drinkable vinegars are showing up more and more and this article is a great introduction.

Video: 50 Ways to Open Your Beer - If you have two minutes to spare, check out this fun video that was featured on the KegWorks blog this week. Consider this an educational film because we have all been there: ice cold bottle of beer and no way to open it. The weirdest options have to be those that use body parts and while I think it takes talent to open a beer with the skin of your forearm, the belly button opener is simply disgusting. My solution to the problem was finding an unobtrusive opener for my key chain as my keys are almost always nearby. Obviously, that is far less amusing than the video's solutions.

Mixology 101 at Planet Dailies - If you are in the Los Angeles area you may want to check into the Mixology 101 at Planet Dailies on June 25 and 26 with Salvatore Calabrese. These two-hour classes will run through basic and advanced techniques, new and old cocktails, and more. To save time, here is the press release:

WHO: London-based "Maestro" Salvatore Calabrese and LA's own Joseph Brooke, resident bartender at Mixology101 at Planet Dailies.

WHAT: Everyone - from amateur aficionados to mixology masters - could use a brush-up on their cocktail skills.? For two nights this June, Maestro Calabrese and his protege will share the best-kept tricks and techniques for making the perfect cocktail at your next party--they will demonstrate how to measure, shake, pour and garnish everything from a classic martini to some exciting summer-inspired specialty cocktails. For $30, liquor enthusiasts will be treated to a class, cocktail tastings and specially-selected appetizer pairings, and maybe even have a chance to get behind the bar themselves.

WHEN: Monday, June 25^th at 5:00 pm: "Journey Through the Classics"

Classic cocktails (Martini, Old-Fashioned, etc.) along with tips & tricks for making them to perfection

Tuesday, June 26^th at 4:00 pm: "Sizzling Summer Entertaining"

Summer-centric cocktails and how to pair with food, featuring:

Choke Delight + Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Spicy Fifty + Buffalo Wings

Salty Martini + Salmon Filet

Pea Pod + Pineapple & Orange Chicken

Jamaican Sangria + New York Strip

Other cocktails: Zucchini Reposado, At The Market

(Classes will last approx. 2 hours. The public should RSVP to RSVP@breadandbutterpr.com; space is limited and first-come, first-serve).

WHERE: Mixology101 at Planet Dailies

The Original Farmers Market LA

6333 3^rd St., Suite O20 (second-level)

Los Angeles, CA 90036

ABOUT SALVATORE CALABRESE: Long recognized as one of the leading cocktail personalities in the world, the man affectionately known as the "Maestro" worked his way through Europe's finest hotels, experimenting with new and old spirits and mixing his own exotic creations along the way. His extensive work with cognacs has earned him a reputation as one of the world's best experts, and his list of prestigious honors includes multiple Class Awards and a Chevalie du Cognac award.? Calabrese is highly sought after as a teacher of master classes around the world, and currently can be found as the resident mixologist at his namesake bar Salvatore at London's Playboy Club.

About JOSEPH BROOKE: Rising star Joseph Brooke has quickly become one of LA's best-known bartenders thanks to his work at local hotspots like The Edison, Copa d'Oro and Next Door Lounge. As a struggling actor in New York, Joe found bartending to be more than a side job - it was a calling.? Now in Los Angeles over 6 years, Joseph has made a name for himself through his creative and unique concoctions behind the bar, as well as his service-oriented bartending philosophy. A recent winner of NBC/LX TV's show "On The Rocks," and the Crowd Favorite at 2011's "LA's Best Bartender" competition, Joseph has made his home at Mixology101 by taking Salvatore Calabrese's unique techniques and putting them into practice daily as Head Bartender.

About MIXOLOGY101: Mixology101 at Planet Dailies offers unique and intriguing cocktails crafted from Salvatore Calabrese's extensive knowledge and experience with breathing fresh life into classic drinks.? Signature cocktails are a mix of new and old spirits, fresh juices and varied liqueurs, with special syrups, infusions and even bitters created in-house from secret recipes.? Featured creations include the Spicy Fifty; the Breakfast Martini; Hollywood Bubbles; and the Farmers Martini, an homage to the history of the Original Farmers Market, featuring Gin or Vodka, Salvatore Calabrese's Bitters a dash of?Blue Curacao and Champagne.

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