Prairie oyster

Prairie Oyster

A Prairie Oyster is a traditional North American beverage consumed as a hangover cure. The drink consists of a raw egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, salt, and ground black pepper. The egg yolk is consumed whole, without breaking the yolk's membrane, giving the appearance of an oyster, hence the name.

History

The origins of the Prairie Oyster are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the 19th century in the United States. The drink was popularized in the Prohibition era, when alcohol was illegal and people sought alternative methods to cure hangovers.

Preparation and Consumption

To prepare a Prairie Oyster, a raw egg yolk is carefully separated from the white and placed in a glass without breaking the yolk. Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, salt, and pepper are then added. The drink is consumed in one gulp, with the yolk being swallowed whole. The yolk's membrane is intended to burst in the drinker's throat, releasing the yolk and mixing with the other ingredients.

Cultural References

The Prairie Oyster has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. Notably, it is featured in the James Bond novel, Thunderball, where Bond consumes a Prairie Oyster as a hangover cure.

See Also

• Hangover
• Egg (food)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Prohibition in the United States

References

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