I remember having a bad cold when I was a tiny wee lass in Scotland and my Grampa gave me a little tot of brandy. Can't remember if it worked, though! As a child, I spent a lot of time in France, with my paternal Grandma and as kids, my cousin & I were allowed some wine diluted with water to drink at dinner (the adults obviously had it undiluted!) - we were only about 5 or 6 at the time. I'm still a wine drinker but can't remember the last time I got drunk (read into that what you will!!).