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12 Homemade Tonics to Help You Digest All That Thanksgiving Food

Skip the food coma with a bracing digestive tonic.
Image may contain Drink Juice Beverage Beer Alcohol Orange Juice Glass and Cocktail
Eva Kolenko

Thanksgiving has many traditions, from pre-dinner games of pickup football to post-dinner plates of pumpkin pie, but it's time to draw attention to one more: the after dinner food coma. Let's be honest: Most of us have felt the urge to retreat to the nearest sofa and nap off that extra slice of pie once the plates are cleared. This year, we're skipping nap time and reaching for a glass of a homemade tonic. And even if you take a page out of Adam Rapoport's book and exercise restraint this year, a little extra digestive boost is always a good idea. Here are the tonics we're serving as a new kind of Thanksgiving aperitif.

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    Photo by Heidi's Bridge
    1/12

    Leche de Tigre

    Lil' Deb's Oasis's take on Peruvian "tiger's milk" features the energizing combo of fresh citrus juice, ginger, and turmeric.

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  • Image may contain Drink Soda Beverage Glass and Plant
    Ditte Isager
    2/12

    Huckleberry Shrub

    A tart drinking vinegar that can be made with whatever berries you have on hand. Use for spritzers, cocktails, even ice cream floats.

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  • Image may contain Drink Juice Beverage Beer Alcohol Orange Juice Glass and Cocktail
    Eva Kolenko
    5/12

    Overeater's Tonic

    Mint, ginger, fennel, and cayenne are known for their digestive properties. Turn this into a spritzer by using club soda instead of water.

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  • Image may contain Plant Food Fruit and Produce
    Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott
    6/12

    Citrus–Prickly Pear Elixir

    This delivers a concentrated shot of vitamin C (from the citrus) and antioxidants (from the prickly pear).

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  • Image may contain Drink Lemonade Beverage Vase Plant Pottery Potted Plant Jar Mint Herbs and Planter
    Danny Kim
    11/12

    Brad's Prevention Tonic

    Ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory powers, the juices deliver vitamin C, and staying hydrated is always a good idea. As for the Quantum Cold & Flu Liquid Extract? It’s touted as a “highly effective” herbal elixir. We’ll take their word for it.

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  • Image may contain Drink Juice Beverage and Smoothie
    Brandon Harman
    12/12

    Beet-Sumac Soda

    You might see some flecks of sumac even after you’ve strained the syrup. Leave it. It will only make this refreshing soda more attractive.

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