We studied the effects of alcohol intake on post-exercise muscle glycogen restoration with samples from vastus lateralis being collected immediately after glycogen-depleting cycling and following a set recovery period. Nine well-trained cyclists undertook a study of 8-h recovery (2 meals), while another 6 cyclists undertook a separate 24-h protocol (4 meals). In each study subjects completed 3 trials in cross-over order; control [C] diet (meals providing carbohydrate [CHO] of 1.75 g/kg); alcohol displacement [A] diet (1.5 g/kg alcohol displacing CHO energy from C) and Alcohol + CHO [AC] diet [C + 1.5 g/kg alcohol]. Alcohol intake reduced post-meal glycemia especially in A trial and 24-h study, although insulin responses were maintained. Alcohol intake increased serum triglycerides, particularly in 24-h study and AC trial. Glycogen storage was decreased in A diets compared to Control at 8-h [24.4 ± 7 vs 44.6 ± 6 mmol/kg ww, mean ± SEM, P < 0.05] and 24-h [68 ± 5 vs. 82 ± 5 mmol/kg ww, P < 0.05]. There was a trend to reduced glycogen storage with AC in 8-h [36.2 ± 8 mmol/kg ww, p = 0.1] but no difference in 24-h [85 ± 9 mmol/kg ww]. We conclude (1) the direct effect of alcohol on post-exercise glycogen synthesis is unclear and (2) the main effect of alcohol intake is indirect, by displacing CHO intake from optimal recovery nutrition practices.