Snow started falling outside our kitchen window last December when Emma asked me about that "fancy drink with butter" he'd seen in an old movie. That question led us to rediscover this hot buttered rum recipe - a colonial-era winter warmer that's been comforting families for centuries. After perfecting this version through countless chilly evenings and testing different rum combinations, I've found the ideal balance of rich butter, warming spices, and smooth spirits that creates pure liquid comfort.
H2: Why You'll Love This Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
This warm winter drink has become our family's cold-weather tradition for several practical reasons. It's incredibly simple - just a few ingredients that most kitchens already have - yet feels special enough for holiday entertaining. Emma prefers his version made with apple cider instead of rum, while I can adjust the spice levels depending on who's visiting. The real appeal lies in how it transforms a regular evening into something memorable, creating an excuse to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Unlike commercial mixes that taste artificial, this version uses real butter and whole spices to create a creamy, warming cocktail that actually tastes homemade. It's budget-friendly since you're not buying expensive pre-made products, and the butter mixture stores well if you want to prep ahead for parties. Plus, making hot buttered rum feels like a small ceremony - the house fills with incredible aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg while you watch everything come together in the mug.
Jump to:
- H2: Why You'll Love This Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
- Ingredients for Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
- How To Make Hot Buttered Rum Recipe Step By Step
- Smart Swaps for Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
- Hot Buttered Rum Recipe Variations
- Equipment For Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
- Storing Your Hot Buttered Rum Recipe Mix
- What to Serve With Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
- Top Tip
- The Recipe That My Friend and I Still Argue Over
- FAQ
- Cozy Up With This Winter Classic!
- Related
- Pairing
- Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Ingredients for Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
The Base:
- Dark rum or spiced rum
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Hot water or apple cider
- Heavy cream
The Spice Blend:
- Ground cinnamon
- Fresh nutmeg
- Pure vanilla extract
- Ground cloves
- Sea salt
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Hot Buttered Rum Recipe Step By Step
Prep the Butter Mix:
- Soften butter to room temperature
- Cream with brown sugar until smooth
- Add all spices and vanilla
- Mix until well combined
Heat the Liquid:
- Warm water or cider gently
- Keep it steaming hot
- Have your mugs ready
The Assembly:
- Add rum to warmed mug
- Spoon in butter mixture
- Pour hot liquid slowly while stirring
- Stir gently to combine everything
Final Touch:
- Serve immediately while hot
- Top with splash of cream if desired
- Garnish with cinnamon stick
- Add small butter pat on top
Smart Swaps for Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Rum Options:
- Dark rum → Spiced rum or bourbon
- Alcoholic → Apple cider (for virgin version)
- Regular → Captain Morgan spiced rum
- Standard → Aged rum for deeper flavor
Butter Alternatives:
- Regular butter → Plant-based butter
- Unsalted → Coconut oil (warmed slightly)
- Traditional → Ghee for richer taste
- Standard → Vegan butter for dairy-free
Sweetener Changes:
- Brown sugar → Maple syrup or honey
- Regular → Coconut sugar
- Traditional → Sugar-free sweetener
- Standard → Raw honey for natural option
Liquid Base:
- Standard → Chai tea for spiced variation
- Hot water → Apple cider or coffee
- Regular → Warm milk for creamier texture
Hot Buttered Rum Recipe Variations
Apple Pie Style:
- Use apple cider as base
- Add extra cinnamon and nutmeg
- Drizzle caramel on top
- Garnish with whipped cream
Chocolate Comfort:
- Mix in cocoa powder
- Top with dark chocolate shavings
- Add marshmallow foam
- Finish with vanilla bean
Coffee House:
- Replace water with strong coffee
- Add espresso shot for kick
- Create cinnamon sugar rim
- Top with coffee foam
Holiday Spice:
- Include cardamom and star anise
- Add orange zest to butter mix
- Garnish with cranberries
- Dust with gold shimmer
Equipment For Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
- Heavy-bottom saucepan
- Large ceramic mugs
- Small whisk or spoon
- Measuring tools
- Ladle for serving
Storing Your Hot Buttered Rum Recipe Mix
Butter Mix Storage (1 week):
- Refrigerate in airtight container
- Bring to room temperature before using
- Stir well before each serving
- Double the recipe for busy holiday season
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare spice blend in bulk
- Pre-measure rum portions in small bottles
- Keep butter mix ready in fridge
- Heat liquid fresh when serving
Serving Notes:
- Adjust spices to personal taste
- Best enjoyed immediately after mixing
- Don't store completed drinks
- Remix butter blend before each use
What to Serve With Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
From years of winter entertaining, I've found that this warming cocktail pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory options. The rich, spiced flavors complement crispy appetizers that cut through the drink's creaminess - think cheese and crackers, spiced nuts, or buttery shortbread cookies that echo the drink's comforting butter notes. For heartier pairings, hot buttered rum works wonderfully alongside winter comfort foods like hearty chili, roasted chestnuts, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
The drink's warming spices also make it perfect alongside holiday desserts like gingerbread, apple crisp, or cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. Emma's favorite pairing is vanilla sugar cookies that he can dip right into his apple cider version, while I love serving this alongside a cheese board with aged cheddar and dried fruits - the sweet-savory combination brings out all the complex flavors in both the drink and the food.
Top Tip
- Emma and I discovered our favorite addition to this hot buttered rum recipe during a particularly cold February evening when we ran out of regular brown sugar. Desperate for our usual warm-up drink, I grabbed the bottle of pure maple syrup from our pancake breakfast. That night, we learned that a tablespoon of real maple syrup instead of brown sugar creates an incredible depth of flavor that tastes like liquid comfort.
- But our real family twist came from Emma's love of vanilla ice cream. One evening, he suggested we add just a small scoop to the bottom of the mug before adding the hot mixture. The ice cream melts slowly, creating layers of temperature and texture that make each sip different from the last. Now it's become our signature move - especially when we're watching snow fall through the kitchen window.
The Recipe That My Friend and I Still Argue Over
My college roommate and I have been debating the "correct" way to make hot buttered rum for over fifteen years now. It all started during our senior year when we discovered this recipe in her grandmother's handwritten cookbook. She insists you must use only dark rum and never add cream, while I've always preferred spiced rum with just a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
Our friendly argument reached peak intensity last Christmas when we decided to settle it once and for all with a blind taste test at our annual holiday party. We made both versions side by side - hers with dark rum and traditional spices, mine with Captain Morgan and cream. The results? A perfect tie, with half the guests preferring each version. Now we've embraced our differences and always make both versions when we get together.
FAQ
How do you make Hot Buttered Rum Recipe?
Start by creaming softened butter with brown sugar and spices. Add rum to a mug, then the butter mixture, and pour hot water or cider over top. Stir gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick. The key is using room temperature butter for smooth blending.
What alcohol goes with Hot Buttered Rum Recipe?
Dark rum works best, but spiced rum, aged rum, or even bourbon create excellent variations. Captain Morgan spiced rum is particularly popular. For a stronger flavor, use aged dark rum. Non-alcoholic versions work well with apple cider as the base instead.
What brand of rum is best for Hot Buttered Rum Recipe?
Captain Morgan, Mount Gay, or Gosling's Black Seal work wonderfully. Choose a rum you'd enjoy sipping - the quality shows in the final drink. Spiced rums add extra warmth, while aged rums provide smoothness. Avoid white rum as it lacks the depth needed.
How do you make Hot Buttered Rum Recipe UK?
UK versions often use golden rum and real butter, similar to this recipe. Some add a splash of brandy or use hot milk instead of water. The technique remains the same - cream butter with sugar and spices, then combine with rum and hot liquid in a warmed mug.
Cozy Up With This Winter Classic!
Now you have all the secrets to perfect Hot Buttered Rum Recipe - from choosing the right rum to our maple syrup and ice cream trick. This warming cocktail proves that the best winter traditions are worth keeping alive, whether you're making the classic version or experimenting with your own family twists.
Craving more cozy drinks? Try our refreshing Healthy Moscow Mule Recipe that lightens up the classic copper mug favorite, or spread holiday cheer with our festive Healthy Grinch Punch Recipe that's perfect for parties. When warmer weather returns, our Delicious Raspberry Iced Tea Recipe will keep you cool and satisfied all summer long!
Share your hot buttered rum success! We love seeing your cozy evening creations!
Rate this Hot Buttered Rum Recipe and join our winter cocktail community!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Heavy-bottom saucepan (For gently warming water or cider)
- 2 Large ceramic mugs (Keeps drink hotter for longer)
- 1 Small whisk or spoon (For blending butter mixture)
- 1 Measuring tools (Ensures spice and sugar balance)
- 1 Ladle (optional) (Handy for serving at parties)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted butter - Softened to room temp
- 2 tablespoon Brown sugar - Packed
- 1 pinch Ground cinnamon - Freshly ground preferred
- 1 pinch Fresh nutmeg - Grated
- 1 drop Pure vanilla extract - Real vanilla not imitation
- 1 pinch Ground cloves - Warm spice depth
- 1 pinch Sea salt - Balances sweetness
- 4 oz Dark or spiced rum - Substitute bourbon if desired
- 8 oz Hot water or apple cider - For non-alcoholic version
- 2 tablespoon Heavy cream - Optional for richness
Optional Garnishes
- 2 Cinnamon sticks - For stirring & aroma
- 1 Butter pat - Floats on top
- 2 teaspoon Whipped cream - Holiday-style topping
- 1 strip Orange peel - Adds citrus brightness
Instructions
- In a small bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until smooth. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cloves, and salt. Mix well.
- Warm water or apple cider gently in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Do not boil.
- In a warmed mug, add rum. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the butter mixture. Slowly pour hot liquid over while stirring gently.
- Add a splash of cream if desired. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, butter pat, or whipped cream. Serve immediately while hot.
Leave a Reply