Monday Mary (for when you’re having a mare): Carrot Juice Cocktail

So you hit the weekend hard, and by some horrible twist of fate, you’ve found yourself at Monday again already.

A drink after work on Friday escalated out of control; before you knew it, it was 9 o’clock, you’d not eaten anything since lunch time, and you'd had quite a few; sod it though, you didn’t have work the following day. Saturday was planned drinking; all dressed up, you ventured out to your favourite bar and simply let the night whisk you away – dancing probably featured, and it may or may not have been good. Sunday started late, but it was nothing a roast dinner couldn’t sort out, and with that came a bottle of red, obviously. A few glasses in the afternoon meant that you accidentally got boozy, and you might have cracked open another bottle... Alternatively, you're possibly planning on giving it the Saint Patrick's Day big one tonight, in which case this might help you out tomorrow.

Not just the morning after, but the whole day after can be tough. Sometimes you need that little something to take the edge off, though I'd not condone alcohol if you have a full day of work/driving to do. A Bloody Mary is the traditional hair of the dog, hangover remedy - it's a spicy tomato miracle - however, with savoury cocktails on the tips of many bartenders’ tongues, I'm going to suggest a vibrant carrot version. With apple, lime, chilli and ginger, it's got heat with a fruity twist, and for those who aren't sure on vegetable juice - fear not - it in no way resembles drinking soup; it's laced with vodka (optional) for a start.

Carrot, Apple & Ginger Mary (serves one)

You’ll need:

• 2 thin slices fresh ginger
• 30ml vodka (optional)
• 90ml carrot juice
• 30ml apple juice
• Juice of ½ lime
• A few drops of Tabasco
• Ice
• Lime wheel to garnish

Mix it:

1. Muddle the slices of ginger in the bottom of a cocktail shaker; you want to give it a good bashing to get the flavour out.
2. Add the vodka (if using), carrot, apple and lime juice, and shake well.
3. Pour over ice, splash in the Tabasco - to taste - and give it a quick stir.
4. Garnish with the lime wheel and serve.

I'm not making promises, it might not be your anti-hangover drink, but if nothing else, at least you'll be able to see in the dark.

Recipe adapted from Food Network’s Ginger & Carrot Cocktail.