Does Drinking Alcohol Actually Warm You Up? Experts Explain the Risks

A hot toddy or glass of red wine might feel like the perfect way to fend off the cold, but the science tells a different story. Winston Morgan, professor of toxicology at the University of East London, says alcohol only creates a 'perception of warmth' without actually raising core body temperature. In fact, it disrupts the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates body heat, triggering vasodilation—a widening of blood vessels near the skin. This sends warm blood to the surface, where heat quickly escapes into the air, making you lose body heat faster. That's why drinking in cold conditions can be risky, even if it feels comforting at first. Understanding this effect is crucial for anyone spending time outdoors in winter, as it challenges the long-held belief that alcohol is a reliable way to stay warm. So next time you reach for a warming drink, remember: it might be doing the opposite of what you think.