I have just returned from el heavenly vaca in Santa Fe. It was all sun, all (dry) heat, all day long.

We stayed in this humble abode:

And drank a lot of this:

Needless to say, I had a few hazy mornings.

I know what you’re thinking.

BREAKFAST BURRITO.

That was my first instinct as well. But seeing as how I ate my weight in enchiladas every night, I decided to give this a try instead:

It’s called Cota, and it’s an herb used in traditional Pueblo tea. A woman handed me a large, icy glass of it at the Santa Fe Farmers Market. She must have known that my blood and kidneys needed purifying. Cota tea has been used medicinally for centuries by American Indians. It tastes very mild and clean. Sipping it, I felt rejuvenated. Not in a jittery, caffeinated way. Just hydrated and clear-headed. So much better than coffee or Gatorade. I should’ve brought back more, considering it’s only $4 a bag, but I got distracted by the chili rellenos. Good news: You can mail-order it directly from the couple who sells it at the market by emailing them at teaeft@yahoo.com

Filed Under: 501 sunset, cota tea, detox, hangover, how to cure hangover, santa fe farmers market, tequila, vacation