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 you treat your cold. However, be careful not to drink too much alcohol when you’re sick, as excessive use can lead to dehydration and make you feel even worse.

Steps

Mixing Alcohol and Lemon

1. Make a hot toddy. 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 that might help you recover, especially if you have a respiratory tract infection.
2. Mix a honey-ginger-lemon tonic and add some whiskey. 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.
3. Make a cough syrup out of bourbon. 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.
   • 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. Try a gaelic punch. 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.

Enjoying Alcoholic Teas

1. Brew some hot toddy tea. 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.
   • Re-heat 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. Brew some berry-rum tea. 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).
3. Try a whisky chai. 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.
   • 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.

Knowing the Risks

1. Drink with moderation. Drinking alcohol to treat a cold cannot replace actual medicine or rest. Drinking too much alcohol can not only result in liver damage, it can also make cold symptoms, such as congestion, sore throats, and coughing, much worse. These remedies are best used occasionally.
2. Be aware that alcohol can weaken the immune system. 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.
3. Know that alcohol can dehydrate you. 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.
4. Check your medication for compatibility with alcohol. Many medicines used to treat colds react negatively with alcohol. 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)

Tips

• 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.
• Drink plenty of water. This will keep you hydrated and lower the risk of a hangover.
• Consider other home remedies as well, such as getting plenty of rest and making chicken soup.
• Don’t use alcohol to fall asleep. Drinking alcohol too close to bed time can cause you to miss out on crucial REM sleep and fall straight into a deep sleep.

Warnings

• 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.
• Do not use alcohol to treat children, immuno-suppressed people, or those who do not wish to drink.

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Sources and Citations

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