What liquor should I drink when sick? The definitive health guide

September 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite popular myths about its healing properties, consuming alcohol when you are ill is largely counterproductive to your recovery. According to health experts, alcohol can weaken your immune system and worsen dehydration, prolonging your illness. Find out the truth about what liquor should I drink when sick and why avoiding it is the best course of action.

Quick Summary

It is not advisable to drink liquor when sick, as it can hinder your body's recovery process. Alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, promotes dehydration, and can dangerously interact with medications. Safe, non-alcoholic alternatives offer genuine relief without the risks, promoting faster healing and better hydration.

Key Points

Avoid Alcohol While Sick: Liquor can weaken your immune system, prolonging your illness and hindering your body's natural healing process [2].
Alcohol is Dehydrating: A diuretic effect can worsen symptoms like headaches and body aches, counteracting the crucial need for hydration during sickness [2, 4].
Beware of Dangerous Drug Interactions: Mixing alcohol with common cold medications like acetaminophen can lead to severe liver damage and other serious side effects [3].
The Hot Toddy Myth: Any comfort derived from a hot toddy comes from the warm liquids, honey, and lemon, not the alcohol, which is detrimental to recovery [4].
Choose Hydrating Alternatives: Stick to water, herbal teas, broth, and electrolyte drinks, which effectively rehydrate and support your body while it recovers [5].
Prioritize Rest and Proper Hydration: High-quality sleep and abundant fluids are the real remedies for a faster recovery, uncompromised by alcohol [4, 5].

The Risks of Drinking Alcohol While Under the Weather

While the thought of a warm alcoholic beverage might offer temporary comfort, it is crucial to understand the very real risks associated with drinking liquor when your body is already fighting an illness. This goes beyond simply feeling a little worse for wear; alcohol can actively work against your body's natural healing mechanisms and significantly prolong your recovery.

Weakened Immune System

When sick, your immune system is working hard to fight off infection. Alcohol can suppress immune function, potentially prolonging illness and increasing vulnerability to secondary infections.

Dehydration and Worsened Symptoms

Alcohol is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration. Staying hydrated is important when sick to help thin mucus and regulate body temperature. Dehydration from alcohol can worsen symptoms like headaches and fatigue [2.4].

Dangerous Drug Interactions

Mixing alcohol with medications, including over-the-counter cold and flu remedies containing acetaminophen, can be dangerous and cause adverse effects like liver damage [3]. Other interactions can intensify side effects or reduce medication effectiveness. Always read medication labels and consult a healthcare professional about potential interactions [3].

Disrupted Sleep

Alcohol can disrupt sleep quality, particularly restorative REM sleep [4]. Adequate sleep is essential for the body to heal and recover from illness.

The Truth About the 'Hot Toddy' and Other Myths

The notion of a hot toddy as a cold remedy is a traditional belief, but any perceived benefits are likely due to the warm liquid, honey, and lemon providing hydration and comfort, not the alcohol. An alcohol-free warm drink with honey and lemon can offer similar soothing effects without the negative impacts of alcohol on the immune system and hydration [4].

Safe and Soothing Alternatives for When You're Sick

Opting for non-alcoholic beverages that support recovery is recommended when you are sick. Hydrating options include:

Herbal Teas: Can help soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion.
Honey and Lemon Water: Provides hydration and can be soothing for a sore throat.
Clear Broths: Offer fluids, electrolytes, and easily digestible nutrients [5].
Electrolyte Drinks: Beneficial for replenishing lost minerals if experiencing fever, vomiting, or diarrhea [5].
Water: Essential for flushing toxins and maintaining hydration [5].
Ginger Ale: May help settle an upset stomach for some individuals.

Alcohol vs. Soothing Alternatives: A Comparison


Feature	Liquor (e.g., Hot Toddy)	Soothing Alternatives (e.g., Herbal Tea, Broth)
Effect on Immune System	Suppressive [2]	Supportive (Hydration, Nutrients)
Hydration Status	Dehydrating (diuretic) [2]	Rehydrating (provides fluids and electrolytes)
Symptom Relief	Worsens symptoms (headache, fatigue) [2, 4]	Relieves symptoms (soothes throat, loosens mucus) [5]
Medication Interaction	High Risk (potentially dangerous) [3]	Minimal to No Risk
Quality of Sleep	Disrupts sleep cycles (especially REM) [4]	Promotes restful, uninterrupted sleep
Nutritional Value	None (empty calories)	Can provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants [5]

The Healthiest Choice for a Faster Recovery

When ill, supporting your body's healing process is key. While traditional remedies with liquor might seem appealing, they can be counterproductive due to alcohol's negative effects on the immune system, hydration, and potential interactions with medications [1, 2, 3]. Prioritizing rest and hydrating, non-alcoholic fluids is the best approach for a faster and more comfortable recovery.

For more information on the effects of alcohol on your health, consult resources from authoritative organizations like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA):

Visit the NIAAA website for more information on alcohol's effects on the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a hot toddy is not a recommended remedy [4]. While the warm water, honey, and lemon can be soothing, the alcohol is dehydrating and suppresses your immune system, potentially making your cold worse and delaying recovery [2, 4]. It's better to skip the liquor and enjoy a hot tea with honey and lemon instead.

No, liquor does not help a sore throat and can actually make it worse. The alcohol can irritate and dry out the sensitive tissues of your throat. Warm herbal teas with honey or saltwater gargles are much more effective and safer remedies [4].

Absolutely not. Mixing alcohol with antibiotics is extremely dangerous and can cause severe side effects and reduce the antibiotic's effectiveness [3]. Always avoid alcohol while on a course of antibiotics and for several days after completing the medication.

This is a common misconception. While alcohol can act as a disinfectant on surfaces, drinking it does not kill viruses or bacteria inside your body [4]. Instead, it compromises your immune system and can increase inflammation, making it harder for your body to fight the infection [2, 4].

For optimal hydration, stick to water, clear broths, and low-sugar electrolyte drinks [5]. These fluids help replenish lost minerals, especially if you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea [5]. Avoid caffeinated beverages and sugary sodas, which can have a dehydrating effect [5].

Yes. When you're sick, your body is already under stress, and its ability to metabolize alcohol is altered [2, 4]. The effects of alcohol, such as dehydration and impaired judgment, can be more pronounced and severe when you are ill, exacerbating your symptoms and making recovery more difficult [2, 4].

You should wait until you have fully recovered from your illness before consuming alcohol [2]. Give your body's immune system and liver time to fully bounce back [2, 4]. If you've been on medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on how long to wait before drinking again to avoid any lingering interactions [3].