Glasgow Winterfest

George Square, the central square in Glasgow was laid out in 1781. For the first few years however it was little more than a muddy hollow, filled with dirty water and used for slaughtering horses. Between 1787 and the 1820s, the square was eventually opened up and lined with Georgian townhouses as well as hotels. By 1850 the surrounding area had become a centre for mercantile activity and the square became an established public space.

Today the square is dominated by the ornate Glasgow City Chambers, and for a brief few weeks it becomes a winter wonderland.

Yesterday my son convinced me to go ice-skating. Now mind you I have not been on ice skates in more than 20 years and the ground looks much further away in your 30s. Much to my surprise it was like riding a bike and I did not fall even once!! It was good fun and the perfect excuse for a hot toddie!

Hot Toddies

When the weather outside is frightful, what could be more delightful than a mug of nutmeg-laced hot buttered rum? Warm winter drinks always seem to add an element of festivity to the season.

When we lived in the States we made hot buttered rum every year for our annual Christmas party. It always seemed like such a traditional British, “Dickens-ish” thing to do. Then we moved to Scotland, hosted our first Christmas party, and no one at our party had ever tasted hot buttered rum (some had not even heard of it!). It was just like the episode of Will and Grace when Grace and Leo order two mugs of hot buttered rum at the Nutcracker. Grace declares that she loves they are drinking hot buttered rum because it is so “Christmassy.” Leo takes a sip and asks, “What the hell is this crap?”

We sometimes get a similar response. However, I now feel vindicated after reading the December issue of Elle (US edition). Caterer extraordinaire, Peter Callahan and the stylish Kate Spade served none other than hot buttered rum at the Spade home for a holiday party.

For delicious recipes look at Hot Toddies: Mulled Wine, Buttered Rum, Spiced Cider, and Other Soul-Warming Winter Drinks. It’s a great little book for the holidays, whether as a stocking stuffer or a hostess gift.


For those who are curious, hot toddy is a name given to any mixed drink that is served hot with alcohol. Although it originated in Scotland, there are many variations; the essential elements are a spirit base such as brandy, rum or whisky; hot liquid — hot tea, coffee, cocoa or water; a sweetener, such as honey, sugar or syrup. If you spend a winter in Scotland it’s no surprise that warm, bracing drinks were invented in the country.

Hot toddies are traditionally considered appropriate for relaxing in the evening before retiring, or following exposure to severe weather. So curl up by the fire and enjoy a steamy, frothy Irish coffee or steaming mulled wine.

Postscript - It's evening here in Scotland and we just returned home for the winter festival in George Square. Once home my husband made hot toddies from Mr Boston Bartender's Guide...yummy!
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