flipThyme oxymel, the elixir of the physicians of Cos
Thyme oxymel, the elixir of the physicians of Cos
Why this dish? It was on the island of Cos, birthplace of Hippocratic medicine, that Apelles painted his famous Aphrodite Anadyomene. Where they healed with honey and vinegar, the painter could taste this oxymel, a remedy-drink reputed to clear the voice and sustain effort.
A sweet-and-sour drink of honey and vinegar infused with thyme, cut with water. Ancient tonic, refreshing in summer, comforting in winter.
On Cos, where I painted Aphrodite reborn from the foam, Hippocrates' disciples swear by this mixture of honey and vinegar they call oxymel. Mix honey with vinegar, boil them gently with a sprig of thyme, then dilute with fresh water: it refreshes the throat and revives the mind tired from long hours bent over the panel. I drank a cup when my eyes grew weary distinguishing the nuances of my pigments. Trust the painter of kings: nothing beats an honest drink to steady the hand.
- •Honey — one part (sweetness and base)
- •Wine vinegar — half part (acidity)
- •Fresh thyme — one sprig (flavor and virtue)
- •Spring water — to dilute (dilution)
Thyme oxymel, the elixir of the physicians of Cos
A sweet-and-sour drink of honey and vinegar infused with thyme, cut with water. Ancient tonic, refreshing in summer, comforting in winter.
Why this dish? It was on the island of Cos, birthplace of Hippocratic medicine, that Apelles painted his famous Aphrodite Anadyomene. Where they healed with honey and vinegar, the painter could taste this oxymel, a remedy-drink reputed to clear the voice and sustain effort.
On Cos, where I painted Aphrodite reborn from the foam, Hippocrates' disciples swear by this mixture of honey and vinegar they call oxymel. Mix honey with vinegar, boil them gently with a sprig of thyme, then dilute with fresh water: it refreshes the throat and revives the mind tired from long hours bent over the panel. I drank a cup when my eyes grew weary distinguishing the nuances of my pigments. Trust the painter of kings: nothing beats an honest drink to steady the hand.
Ingredients (period version)
- Honey — one part (sweetness and base)
- Wine vinegar — half part (acidity)
- Fresh thyme — one sprig (flavor and virtue)
- Spring water — to dilute (dilution)
Ingredients
- Honey — 100 g (sweetness and base)
- White wine vinegar — 50 ml (acidity)
- Fresh thyme — 3 sprigs (flavor)
- Cold water — to taste for serving (dilution)
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, vinegar, and thyme.
- Bring to a simmer and let reduce gently for 8-10 minutes, skimming if needed, until a light syrup forms.
- Remove the thyme, let cool, and store the syrup in a bottle (keeps for several weeks in the fridge).
- To serve, dilute 1-2 tablespoons of syrup in a large glass of cold water (or hot water in winter).
- Taste and adjust the balance of sweetness and acidity to your preference.
How it was made : Oxymel (oxymeli, "sour-sweet") is a Greek medicinal preparation attested in the Hippocratic corpus, mixing honey and vinegar, sometimes infused with herbs. It was believed to have virtues for cough, digestion, and thirst. Both a remedy and a refreshing drink, it persisted throughout Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
The contemporary twist : Serve oxymel sparkling: dilute the syrup with sparkling water and ice, garnish with a sprig of thyme, for an ancient "shrub" that will surprise as an aperitif.
Apelles · Charactorium
