Can Tequila Cure Your Cold?

Any Mexican grandpa will tell you a shot of tequila is the perfect thing for a sore throat or cold. It might make you feel better, but there’s some evidence to suggest alcohol can actually make it harder to recover from a cold. But hey, whatever floats your boat.

We say, give it a go!

“Plenty of liquids” is a well-known remedy for getting oneself out from under the weather. But expanding that definition to include a kicked-up shot of tequila makes a day laid out on the couch sound much more appealing. In the 1930s, doctors in Mexico recommended the following concoction to fight off a cold.

.5 ounce of tequila blanco
.5 ounce of agave nectar (or honey) (to eliminate bacteria and soothe sore throats)
.5 ounce of fresh lime juice (for Vitamin C)

Though some people (including tequila companies) swear by its healing powers, others say it’s hogwash.