🧭 What you’ll learn today

In this lesson, you’ll explore the story of Scotland’s favourite cold-weather drink — the hot toddy. You’ll watch a short video, learn natural vocabulary and reflect on how different cultures treat colds and coughs at home. Includes speaking and writing practice.

📖 A taste of Scottish comfort

In Scotland, a hot toddy is a traditional drink made with whisky, honey, lemon and hot water. It’s usually served in winter — especially when someone has a cold. Some say it’s just an old story. Others swear it really works.

🎥 Watch and Listen

In this short video, a bartender shares his recipe for a classic hot toddy — and explains why it’s often used to treat a cold.

🎧 While you watch, try to answer these questions:

  • 1. What are the main ingredients in his version of a hot toddy?
  • 2. What does he say the lemon and honey are good for?
  • 3. How does he describe the feeling after drinking it?
  • 4. Would you try this recipe? Why or why not?

Hot Toddy - The best cure for a cold

Can you remember and descriptive or persuasive language the speaker uses? (e.g. soothing, classic, the perfect...)

Hot toddy Recipe - There are many variations, depends on your Grandma's recipe.

Ingredients

  • 60ml water
  • 3 cloves
  • Cinnamon stick
  • 1cm piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 1 strip of lemon peel
  • 60ml whisky
  • 2tsp honey
  • 1-2 tsp lemon juice
  • Grating of nutmeg

Method

  1. Put the water in a small pan along with the spices and peel over a low heat.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Meanwhile rinse a heatproof glass with hot water and dry.
  4. Pour the whisky into your warmed glass, then pour over hot water and spices.
  5. Stir in the honey and lemon juice and taste for sweetness.
  6. Top with a little nutmeg, breathe in deeply and enjoy!

A HOT TODDY IS THE PERFECT DRINK TO TRY IN WINTER IN EDINBURGH AND CAN BE MADE WITH OR WITHOUT ALCOHOL

🍯 Quick recipe guide: How to make a hot toddy in under 60 seconds

🍋 Mini Task: Can you follow the recipe?

🪜 1. Put the steps in the correct order (1–5):

Add hot water

2

Add whisky

1

Stir in honey

3

Garnish with a slice of lemon

5

Squeeze in lemon juice

4

Recipes

click here

🎓 Study with ECS Scotland

Would you like to learn English in a school where real communication matters?

At ECS, we explore culture, language and life — one conversation at a time.

Find out more

Find a course Apply