This is a recipe my father used to make when we were sick as children, with clogged noses and painful throats. I have fond memories of him going out to cut herbs in the garden, then returning to prepare this warming drink.

• 500 ml (2 cups) water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage)
• 1 star anise (optional)
• A few cloves (optional, to disinfect the throat)
• 2 tablespoons cane sugar (or honey to taste)
• 1 small orange or lemon (juice + peel)
• 60 ml (about 4 tablespoons) dark rum¹

• In a small pot, combine water, thyme, sage, and sugar, plus any optional spices (star anise, cloves)
• Cut the citrus into wedges or slices, squeeze in the juice, then drop the peel in too
• Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 5–7 minutes
• Remove from heat and let infuse 2–3 minutes
• Stir in the rum
• Taste and add honey if you want it sweeter
• Strain into glasses and drink hot

This recipe was given to me by my father, though I do not know where he originally learned it.