Enjoy this fun bonus episode with Karen Tartt, who shares her expertise with a phenomenal and tasty migraine friendly cocktail she created. Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS, Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT and Karen are also joined by Christine Moyer from the podcast Unsteady and Unfiltered.

First, prepare the "shrub"

Woody Pear Shrub 

-1 ⅓ cup Pear Juice* 

-⅔ cup Cane Sugar 

-1 cup White Distilled Vinegar 

-2 large sprigs of Rosemary 

-4 bunches of Thyme 

-3 Bay Leaves 

1. Measure and add all ingredients into a pot on your stove. 

2. Cover and turn heat to high. 

3. Bring liquid to a boil. 

4. Turn down the heat, take off the lid and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. 

5. Turn off the heat and let cool to room temperature. 

6. Pour the contents of the pot into a sealable container and store in the fridge for several hours or overnight. 

7. In the morning, strain steeped herbs out of the liquid using a wire mesh strainer or a nut milk bag. 

8. Store finished shrub in a sealable container in the fridge until use for up to a month. 

*Be mindful of the ingredient label when selecting a pear juice. You’ll want to find one that uses ascorbic acid (powdered Vitamin C) as the color protectant instead of lemon juice. Knudsen Juice is a widely available brand that is safe, although I’m sure there are many that are also okay.

Pear Cocktail

-1 ¼ oz 40% Clear Spirit (vodka, gin, blanco tequila, etc.) 

-2 oz Woody Pear Shrub 

-Soda Water 

-Ice 

*Measure ingredients into a Collins glass over ice. Using a spoon, gently stir to incorporate all ingredients. Garnish with additional herbs (rosemary, thyme & bay). 

About Karen

In March of 2019, after 18 months of searching for answersto the seemingly mysterious symptoms Karen had been experiencing, she was diagnosed with Chronic Vestibular Migraine. Post diagnosis, she learned about the ⁠Johns Hopkins Migraine Diet⁠ through Dr. David Buchholz’s book, ⁠“Heal Your Headache”⁠, and started to undergo the tedious elimination process to figure out her personal migraine triggers.

In May of 2020, during the Covid pandemic quarantine, Karen launched a blog focused on migraine-friendly cocktails for the at-home bartender, Tartt Drinks. This creative outlet, along with an online audience of fellow migraineurs, provided a space for her to explore the cocktails, flavorsand spirits that were missing from the lives of those affected by migraine.

Her migraine-friendly cocktails have since been featured in the Bombay Sapphire Artist Showcase, ⁠Speed Rack⁠ Trading Cards, ⁠Dizzy Cook⁠’s first book release party, ⁠Miles for Migraine⁠ ⁠Social Events⁠ and an upcoming cocktail book.

She currently resides in San Francisco, CA and works at ⁠Wildhawk⁠ in the Mission District. She’s currently researching gas chromatography analysis in spirits to more clearly define what makes a spirit migraine-friendly. She’s also studying different ways to create more complete citrus alternatives.

Karen can be reached for consultations and inquiries at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Hosted by:

🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS

🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

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