As children we always dreaded when Grandma's cough medicine came out of the cabinet! It had an awful taste, but she made us take it along with some warm olive oil and cotton balls in our ears.
We often heard the story of Grandma's cough medicine, and how people from China Grove would come from miles around at all hours of the day and night to get a bottle. Also, she sent Grandpa to the next county over to buy the peach brandy so that no one from the church (South China Grove Baptist) would see him at the liquor store.
It still works great for a cough. I always have a bottle in the cabinet and am known to bring to little bottle to co-workers who can't get over a cough.
Grandma Vera's Cough Medicine
1 pint bottle of brandy (cheap is fine)
1/2 pint honey (local is best)
6 large lemons - juiced
brown sugar to taste (I use about 2 tablespoons)
Mix all ingredients well and store in jar.
