For generations, alcoholic beverages like hot toddies, red wine, and whisky have been commonly seen as a way to warm up in cold weather. However, recent expert analysis clarifies that while alcohol can create a sensation of warmth, it does not raise the body's core temperature—and may, in fact, do the opposite.

Professor Winston Morgan, a toxicology expert at the University of East London, explains that the feeling of warmth after drinking alcohol is a result of its effect on the body’s temperature regulation system, specifically the hypothalamus. This brain region regulates how the body responds to heat and cold by controlling blood flow. When the body is warm, blood vessels near the skin dilate to release heat; when cold, those vessels constrict to conserve it.

Alcohol causes blood vessels close to the skin to dilate regardless of the actual core temperature, increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface. This process generates a misleading sensation of warmth, as more warm blood reaches the skin and heat escapes into the external environment. As a result, individuals may feel hot enough to remove layers of clothing, potentially exposing themselves to greater cold stress.

Morgan emphasizes that this mechanism can be dangerous in cold conditions. The increased blood flow to the skin promotes heat loss and leads to a drop in core body temperature over time, heightening the risk of hypothermia. “After some time, what actually happens is your core becomes cooler,” he noted. Therefore, consuming substantial amounts of alcohol outdoors in low temperatures can be harmful.

Experts advise caution in relying on alcohol for warmth, as the initial warming sensation is deceptive and transient. Maintaining proper insulation with appropriate clothing remains the most effective method to preserve body heat in cold environments.