Published on Dec 08, 2025 | 12:33 PM
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You know the feeling — you’re out in the cold, take a sip of wine or whiskey, and suddenly you feel warm and invincible.
The truth? That “warm buzz” is your body’s illusion of heat, not real warmth. In fact, alcohol can make you lose heat faster.
When you drink, alcohol causes vasodilation—your blood vessels widen, sending warm blood to the surface of your skin.
You feel warmer because your skin temperature rises.
But that same process lets your core body heat escape.
Result: your internal temperature drops even while your face flushes.
💬 It’s like opening all your windows because the fireplace feels too hot—you’re cozy for a second, then freezing.
Drinking before heading out in the snow or after skiing increases risk for hypothermia because:
Your body loses heat faster.
Alcohol dulls your shiver reflex (your body’s natural heat alarm).
You might not realize how cold you really are.
Instead of that shot of bourbon, try:
Layered, moisture-wicking clothes.
Warm meals and nonalcoholic drinks like tea or cocoa.
Keeping gloves, socks, and hats dry.
That warm buzz? It’s fake heat.
Enjoy your drink inside—but never use alcohol to “warm up” in the cold.
If you feel dizzy, confused, or can’t stop shivering after being in the cold, it could be hypothermia. Reach out to CallOnDoc for same-day evaluation—don’t wait it out.
Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
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