Grzane Piwo (Polish Hot Beer): Recipe & Analysis of Benefits
Reading Time: 5 minutes Although it took until my second year living in Poland to discover Grzane Piwo (Polish hot beer), it’s safe to say I have a new favorite cold-weather drink.
I first learned about Grzane Piwo from a worker at the local Zabka, next to our house. When I contracted a common cold as the weather changed at the beginning of October (Polish weather turns quickly and harshly), the worker at Zabka suggested I try a “warm beer with honey.”
I had drunk hot wine before (in both Belgium and my first season in Poland), but I had never drunk hot beer.
Although it sounded a little strange, I figured there had to be something behind it since he was adamant it is an excellent drink for when you are sick.
After my first mug of Grzane Piwo, I was hooked!
Keep reading below to learn my recipe for Polish hot beer, as well as a bit more about why it is a scientifically backed-drink for helping manage the common cold (for those who are old enough to consume alcohol, of course)!
My Grzane Piwo Recipe
The first time I tried Polish hot beer, I simply heated one beer in a pot and added a couple of spoonfuls of honey (or “miod” in Polish).
However, after doing a bit more research online and asking for more suggestions from my friend who works at the local Zabka, I advanced my recipe to contain a few other ingredients which make the drink a bit healthier and taste even better!
Along with honey and beer, I add additional spices which include:
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Clove
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Turmeric
Traditional Grzane Piwo does not include turmeric, but my wife and I decided to add it in a small amount because the taste is not significant, but turmeric contains substantial health benefits.
Along with the beer and the honey, you can also add fresh orange slices or fresh ginger as well. Both of these ingredients make your drink a bit healthier, and I love the taste!
If you don’t want to add individual spices, there are a few good “mulled spices” blends online which you can substitute instead.
After doing some research, I believe your best option is Spices Village Mulling Spice.
The Spices Village Mulling Spice is an all-natural, kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free combination of spices which mainly includes:
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
I personally use a specific “Grzane Piwo” mix, which I can buy from the store here in Poland, and it is very convenient. If you would like to conveniently add your spices to your Grzane Piwo, Spices Village Mulling Spices is only $14.99 and it will last you a long time!
Last update on 2025-04-23 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
How to Make Polish Hot Beer
If you want to make Grzane Piwo like my wife and I, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1.) Choose Your Beer and Heat It
The primary step to making great Grzane Piwo is choosing the right beer. I have tried this with a few different types of beer, but my current favorite is lager-style beers, such as Kozel.
Once you have chosen your beer, begin to heat it in a small pot on a medium temperature. I don’t like my Grzane Piwo to boil. Instead, I prefer to heat it slowly but steadily. Normally this takes about 10 minutes.
Step 2.) Add Honey
Once you have heated your beer for about 10 minutes, now it is time to add the honey. I usually add about two tablespoons of honey, but you can add more or less depending on your preferences.
After adding the honey, you want to let the beer continue to heat for about five more minutes.
Step 3.) Add Your Spices
After the honey has been added and “cooked” into the beer, now it is time to add your spices. You can use any of the spices listed above, or you can use all of them, depending on what you have available. Personally, I would say cinnamon is the most important for the taste you are trying to achieve.
You don’t want to overdo the spices, but add enough so that they make an impact! Let the spices “cook” in for another five minutes or so.
Step 4.) Fresh Orange and Ginger
The last step for your Grzane Piwo is adding some fresh orange or ginger slices, depending on what you prefer. You don’t need to add either of these, but they both make a significant impact on the health benefits of your drink as well as the taste.
Step 5.) Cool and Serve
Lastly, it is time to drink your Polish hot beer! I usually set my drink aside for a few minutes to let it cool a little in the pot before pouring it into my glass, but that isn’t necessary. I usually let it cool with the orange slices or ginger still in the pot, so that the flavor can soak in a bit more.
As soon as the drink has reached a “drinkable” temperature, enjoy!
You can also watch the video below to see a step-by-step visual presentation of how to make Grzane Piwo:
Are There Health Benefits of Grzane Piwo (Polish Hot Beer)?
To fully appreciate the health benefits of Grzane Piwo, it’s important to examine the two key ingredients—beer and honey—along with the spices, which also contribute their own health advantages.
While excessive alcohol consumption is harmful, moderate beer intake has been linked to several health benefits.
According to Beer in Health and Disease Prevention, beer contains bioactive compounds, particularly antioxidants like polyphenols and melanoidins, which offer health-protective properties.
Additionally, research published in Nutrition Research highlights that beer can contribute valuable nutrients to the diet, including B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and even fiber.
Another benefit of beer is its melatonin content, which can protect the body from oxidative stress. As stated in Clinical Nutrition, melatonin in beer enhances the antioxidant capacity of human serum and can help safeguard the body from stress when consumed moderately.
Honey, another key ingredient in Grzane Piwo, has been revered for its health properties for centuries.
According to the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, honey is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which combat free radicals and slow down aging, making it a highly nutritious food for all ages.
Moreover, a study in the Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences emphasizes honey’s traditional role as a remedy, stating that it enhances the immune system, combats bacteria, and is used to treat ailments such as sore throats, coughs, and colds.
When drank in moderation and combined with health-boosting spices like ginger and orange, Grzane Piwo becomes a drink that not only warms you up but also offers potential health benefits, to help you stay strong and well.
