How to Use Alcohol to Treat a Cold

There is no real cure for the common cold , but there are things you can do to temporarily alleviate some of its symptoms. Hot toddies, in particular, are a common home remedy for colds. Hot teas with a shot of alcohol might also help with certain symptoms of a cold, but if you are sick, the best advice is always to avoid alcohol and stick with other drinks. However, if you do want to try an alcoholic drink when you’re sick, avoid drinking excessively since that will make you feel even worse and possibly make your cold last longer!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Mixing Alcohol and Lemon

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  1. A hot toddy is a popular cold remedy. Pour 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of whiskey and 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey into a mug, then squeeze in the juice of 3 lemon wedges. Add 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of boiling water and stir to mix. Poke 8 to 10 cloves into a lemon wedge and plop it into the mug.
    • Honey and lemon both have antibacterial properties and may help treat the respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria which usually occur after catching the common cold (viral infection). Secondary bacterial infections can occur after having the common cold. [1]
  2. Peel a 1 inch (2.54 centimeter) piece of ginger root and chop it into small pieces. Add it to 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of water, along with the juice of half a lemon and 1 teaspoon of honey. Bring everything to a boil in a small saucepan, then pour the mixture through a strainer into a mug. Add 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of whiskey and stir. Drink the tonic while it is still hot. [2]
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  3. If you’re coughing or suffering from a sore, scratchy throat, try this recipe for relief. Pour 2 ounces (60 milliliters) of bourbon and the juice of half a lemon (about 2 ounces/60 milliliters) into a mug. Put the mug into the microwave and heat for 45 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, stir, and heat for another 45 seconds. Drink your cough syrup while it is still hot. [3]
    • For a watered down version, add 2 to 4 ounces (60 to 120 milliliters) of water.
    • Do not drink more than one serving of this or you will agitate your throat and nose, potentially making your congestion worse.
  4. Mix the zest of six lemons with ¾ cup (12 tablespoons) of sugar. Wait one to two hours, then mix again and add 8 ounces (250 milliliters) of boiling water. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Strain the whole mix, then add 750 milliliters (about 3.2 cups) whisky. Finally, add another 32 ounces (4 cups) of water. Sprinkle some nutmeg over it and drop six thin lemon slices, each studded with four cloves, into the mix. Drink hot. [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Enjoying Alcoholic Teas

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  1. The traditional hot toddy is also available in a flavorful tea variant. To get started, boil 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of water and add in ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, 3 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 bags of green or orange tea. Let it brew for 5 minutes, then take out the tea bags. [5]
    • Reheat the tea in the microwave for 1 minute, then add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
    • Pour 1 or 2 ounces (30 – 60 milliliters) of whiskey into the cup. Stir everything with a spoon and drink while warm.
  2. A hot and flavorful mixture of herbal tea and booze can help you treat your cold. Brew a bag of berry-flavored herbal tea in 6 ounces (180 milliliters) of boiling water for two to three minutes. Discard the tea bag, then add 1 ½ ounces (45 milliliters) of white rum, ½ tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir everything together, then garnish with a lemon twist (or some lemon peel). [6]
  3. Whisky chai is a tasty beverage that combines traditional chai tea with a bit of whisky. To get started, mix 16 powdered cloves, one teaspoon ginger, eight powdered cardamom pods (without seeds), 20 powdered black peppercorns, a pinch of nutmeg, and two powdered cinnamon sticks. In a medium saucepan, simmer one quart (one liter) of whole milk. Stir in the spices. Let the spices and milk mingle for 10 minutes. [7]
    • Strain the mixture after 10 minutes, then return it to the saucepan.
    • Stir in three ounces (89 milliliters) whisky.
    • Drink the whisky chai while hot.
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Method 3
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Knowing the Risks

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  1. Drinking alcohol to treat a cold cannot replace modern medicine or rest. Drinking too much alcohol can cause liver damage in the long run and can also make cold symptoms, such as congestion, sore throats, and coughing, much worse. These remedies are best used occasionally. [8]
  2. Drinking too much alcohol can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get sick. When you are already sick, your immune system is weaker than normal. This means that drinking alcohol while sick may make it even more difficult for you to recover. [9]
  3. When you are sick, you need to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids; this helps improve sore throats and congestion. Certain fluids, such as alcohol and caffeine, can dehydrate you instead, making things like congestion, sore throats, and coughing worse. [10]
  4. Many medicines used to treat colds react negatively with alcohol. [11] Combined with alcohol, they could cause dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Check the user instructions you got with your medicine before drinking, and check the warning label. Common cold-related medicines that should not be taken with alcohol include:
    • aspirin
    • acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    • ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
    • naproxen (Aleve)
    • cough syrups (Robitussin Cough, Robitussin A-C)
    • azithromycin (Azomax, Zithromax) [12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can alcohol help with a cold?
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Dr. Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant based in Delhi, India. She has over 14 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. Dr. Ritu also works as a business consultant in the life sciences domain. She has successfully executed 150+ small to large-scale custom consulting projects for both established and development-stage companies. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Expert Answer
    One of the benefits of using alcohol while sick is that it acts as a powerful sanitizer. This is because alcohol molecules are able to break down the cell membranes of bacteria, which kills them and helps you to be germ-free!
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    How long is the flu contagious?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Generally, after 24 to 72 hours after contracting the influenza virus, the flu virus, you will become contagious and remain that way for up to five days. But children or people with a low immune system can be contagious for as long as two weeks. So, keep up the good hand washing!
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  • Question
    Can hot cider make me feel better?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Extra fluids when you are sick is crucial to the healing process, so why not make the drink taste delicious and feel good going down? After making the hot cider ensure you are not drinking it too hot, as this can irritate a sore throat. Warm liquids may also help with loosening thick mucus you may have from your cold virus or bacterial sinus infection.
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      Tips

      • Don’t use alcohol to fall asleep. Drinking alcohol too close to bedtime can cause you to miss out on crucial REM sleep and fall straight into a deep sleep. [13]
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      • Most of the alcoholic drinks offered as common cold treatments work due to their mixture of herbs, lemon, honey, and spices rather than their alcoholic content. Skip the alcohol altogether to attain the same healing effects while avoiding a boozy stupor.
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      • Drink plenty of water. This will keep you hydrated and lower the risk of a hangover.
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      Warnings

      • Do not use alcohol to treat children, immunosuppressed people, or those who do not wish to drink.
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      • Be sure to read all warning labels on any medications you are taking before drinking any alcohol. Mixing medications and alcohol can have serious consequences.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605
      2. ↑ The Kitchn, Recipe: Flu Season Ginger Honey Lemon Tonic
      3. ↑ The Kitchn, Recipe: Bourbon Cough Syrup for Grownups
      4. ↑ http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/gaelic-punch
      5. ↑ Deep South Dish, Grandma's Elxirs - Hot Toddy Cold Remedy
      6. ↑ Bon Appétit, Bran's Dram
      7. ↑ http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/whiskey-chai
      8. ↑ http://everydayroots.com/sore-throat-remedies
      9. ↑ https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
      1. ↑ https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-poisoning/
      2. ↑ https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
      3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918299/
      4. ↑ https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-sleep/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to use alcohol to treat your cold, try making a hot toddy. You’ll need 1 ounce of whiskey, 8 ounces of boiling water, the juice from 3 lemon wedges, and 2 tablespoons of honey to make one. Alternatively, try adding whiskey to a honey, lemon, and ginger tonic. Heat 8 ounces of water, the juice from half a lemon, 1 teaspoon of honey, and a finely chopped piece of ginger to a saucepan. After the mixture comes to a boil, strain it and pour in 1 ounce of whiskey. While alcohol can help break down germs, be careful not to drink too much. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration that will leave you feeling worse. For tips from our medical co-author on how to make a cough syrup using bourbon, read on!

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      • Lily Terr

        Mar 8, 2017

        "I got a bad stuffy nose at work yesterday, so today I had a hot toddy at lunch time and rested a little before ..." more
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