Honey grog, the perfect winter remedy! Originally, grog was made by combining rum with hot milk or hot water. It was also made with other ingredients such as lemon, honey or cane sugar. You may know it as a traditional grandmother's remedy, known to relieve sore throats associated with colds.
But before we talk about honey grog, we need to go back to the original story of rum grog…
The origins
The current dictionary definition of grog is: "A drink made from brandy or rum, hot sweetened water, and lemon." The origins of grog date back to 17th-century India, specifically punch, the first known reference to which dates back to 1632. The word "punch" derives from the Hindi "Paanch," meaning five, referring to a drink containing five ingredients, including rack, water, and spices. At that time, "rack" was synonymous with brandy, but not necessarily rum (rack referred to any brandy from the Indian Ocean, such as cane, coconut or palm sap, now called arrack). Another hypothesis suggests that the word "punch" may have come from the English "puncheon," a barrel used to hold various liquids, including rum. In 1653, in the Voyages et observations du sieur de La Boullaye Le Gouz, the author describes a beverage called "Belleponge" which was a drink used by the English in the Indies, composed of sugar, lemon juice, brandy, nutmeg flower and roasted biscuit.
This testimony is corroborated by François Bernier who, in 1699, in his travelogue in India, mentions "Bouleponge", a drink composed of Arac, that is to say black sugar brandy, with lemon juice, water and a little grated nutmeg.
In the Americas, William Hughes tells us in 1672 that "Punch", "ordinarily drunk by planters", "is made of spirits of wine (or else with rum), water and sugar, with enough lime juice to give it spice and strength". Thus, the recipe for grog as we know it today already existed in 1672, although it did not yet bear this name.
British sailors spent long months at sea, exposed to the harsh elements and bitter cold. Survival and navigation in the midst of the turbulent oceans required exceptional endurance. It is in this context that the rum grog is said to have originated. Exhausted by the rigours of the sea, sailors sought comfort and warmth to soothe their aching bodies. The idea emerged: mix rum, already popular on board ships, with hot water. This simple but effective combination proved to be the answer to their needs.
Rum toddy was more than just a beverage for these sailors. It represented a haven of warmth. The gentle, comforting warmth of the drink gave them energy. Over time, rum toddy evolved beyond its original form. Sailors began incorporating various ingredients to personalize their drink and give it nuances of flavor. Cane sugar added a subtle sweetness, while lemon juice provided a refreshing touch of tartness. Some experimented with spices like cinnamon, creating flavor variations. Others added honey for an even more pronounced sweetness. This evolution of rum toddy made it a versatile drink, suitable for different taste preferences and occasions.
Grog has survived the centuries, fought against diseases and is reinventing itself today under the leadership of bartenders who are adept at mixology.
The benefits of grog
Since its origins, grog has evolved by incorporating various ingredients such as lemon, cinnamon, and honey, among others. It has become one of the so-called "grandmother's" remedies, frequently used to relieve minor winter ailments. Non-alcoholic variants also exist to satisfy all lovers of natural solutions.
Although hot toddy cannot claim to truly cure sore throat, it effectively relieves its symptoms and contributes to a faster recovery. This effectiveness is explained by a combination of factors. First, drinking a hot drink provides a soothing sensation to the body.
In addition, honey , with its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties for the respiratory tract, is appreciated for its ability to soothe an irritated throat and calm coughs. Honey is often used as a natural remedy to relieve minor ailments.
It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the throat. Its thick, syrupy texture helps soothe sore and itchy throats. And its moisturizing properties help hydrate the mucous membranes in the throat and relieve dryness that can cause pain and itching. Thanks to its unique composition, which contains beneficial antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrients, honey can be used to improve overall health and help prevent certain diseases.
It is a great ally to fight against winter bacteria. Due to its antibacterial properties, honey helps strengthen the body in its fight against viruses responsible for colds and flu. The many nutrients and antioxidants it contains act to protect the body and stimulate its immune system.
Like honey, cinnamon has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to stimulating the immune system. Adding lemon to the grog allows you to benefit from its detoxifying and metabolism-boosting action. Finally, rum (to be consumed in moderation) mainly plays a "warming" role by promoting sweating, thus helping the body eliminate its toxins.
The recipes
Comforting warmth and traditional remedy, grog is an elixir of well-being, particularly in the cold season. We offer you two variations of this iconic drink: the classic rum toddy, infused with the intoxicating warmth of this alcoholic beverage, and the non-alcoholic honey and ginger toddy, a sweet and soothing alternative. Let’s discover these two recipes together, true comforting potions, to accompany you through the winter days with warmth and flavor.
1. Classic Rum Grog
Ideal for treating the beginnings of a cold, this drink combines the warmth of rum with a touch of sweetness. Ready to enjoy this cocooning moment?
Level: easy
Preparation time: 8 min
Ingredients for 1 person:
- Honey
- Brown amber rum
- Lemon
- Water
Preparation steps:
- Put the water on to heat.
- Meanwhile, squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon.
- In a mug, put 2 teaspoons of honey, the lemon juice, and the value of a small liqueur glass of rum.
- When the water starts to bubble, empty it into the mug.
- Drink as soon as the temperature permits.
2. Honey and ginger grog
Get ready to discover a simple and effective recipe to warm you up from the inside and soothe your winter ailments.
Ingredients for 2 mugs:
- 4 tsp thyme honey , which has properties for coughs
- 25 cl of boiling water
- 1 quarter fresh ginger
- 1 half lemon
Preparation steps:
- Boil some water.
- Divide the boiling water among the mugs.
- Add the squeezed lemon juice, thyme honey and pieces of ginger.
- Enjoy!
Honey toddy is an age-old remedy, a caress for the throat and a source of comfort. The antibacterial and soothing benefits of honey, combined with the warmth of this concoction, make it an ally in fighting winter ailments. Whether it’s to soothe a persistent cough, soften a scratchy throat or simply warm up on cold days, honey toddy remains a comforting tradition that transcends time.
Tip: To use honey to relieve a sore throat, you can take a tablespoon of pure honey or add honey to a cup of hot tea or hot water with lemon. You can also mix honey with warm water and salt to make a gargle that can help reduce inflammation and pain.
To get through the winter, honey is ideal, but also pollen! Find out why you should consume it in this article .
