Maybe because you were hydrating together with your booze? Dehydration is a big part of the next day headache.

In my 20s when I knew I had a long night of drinking ahead, I would get a glass of water together with each serving of alcohol. Seemed to work pretty well.

Once dehydration is taken care of, the remaining effects or hangover can be cured with protein-rich food. IIRC vitamin B6 depletes after heavy alcohol intake, and is one of the factor of hangover.

But avoiding alcohol binges often is the better option. The Ballmer's peak of giddiness, sociability and mood elevation tends to be well below what one would call a "binge", and has carries next-day effects.

My technique is to anticipate when things are going to start winding down, and switch to drinking pints of water at the same rate you were drinking alcohol (this is much easier if you were drinking beer). If the night rekindles, you can always switch back.

Interesting! I’ve noticed less hangover effects when drinking herbal tea before bed as well. I even use unintentionally have a/b(ish) tested this with water and have much better results with tea.

I thought maybe the warm water was doing the trick, but maybe now ill test different tea. So far team with tulsi seem to work well for me.