Moderation is the key, as in many areas of health. In general, moderate alcohol consumption, medically defined as up to two drinks per day for men and one per day for women (different metabolism), has been shown in many studies to have modest health benefits. However, the same studies also show that heavier drinking than that produces more harm than good. This kind of moderate consumption actually slightly lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and modestly raises HDL (good) cholesterol.

There is no manufacturer's warning against drinking while on any statin medication, including Lipitor, which is recommended to be taken after dinner or at bedtime.

For patients who don't like to drink alcohol at all, I do not recommend them to do it just for the above potential effects. I personally believe part of alcohol's demonstrated health benefit must be derived from the enjoyment of a more relaxed mood, the meal, the company and the like that often accompanies drinking. So if you have other ways to achieve the same effects, such as sipping tea, dancing, visiting with people or watching the sunset, I'd go for it, either instead of or in addition to moderate drinking.