The Perfect Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Picture this: snow gently falling outside, a warm fire crackling, and you, curled up with a mug of the perfect hot buttered rum. It’s the ultimate cozy winter drink, and I’m about to share my tried-and-true recipe with you.
This isn’t just any rum recipe; it’s a hug in a mug, a blend of rich butter, sweet spices, and the warming kick of dark rum. Perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet nights in, this spiced drink will warm you from the inside out. Hot Buttered Rum has long been one of my favorite holiday drinks. When the first snow hits, I know it is time to make this classic cocktail.
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Key Ingredients In Hot Buttered Rum
- Unsalted Butter – Provides the rich, creamy base of the drink.
- Dark Brown Sugar & Honey – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, giving the cocktail its signature warmth.
- Dark Rum – The heart of the drink, giving the drink its alcoholic warming sensation.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves)– Provides the warm spiced flavor that is paramount to hot buttered rum.
How to Make Hot Buttered Rum
This hot buttered rum recipe is surprisingly simple. First, you’ll whip up a spiced butter mixture, the “batter” that gives this drink its unique texture. Mix softened butter with brown sugar, honey, and your warm spices. Then, just plop a spoonful into your mug, add dark rum, and top with boiling water. The key is to stir well, ensuring all those flavors meld into a creamy, dreamy delight. For a pro tip, make a big batch of the batter ahead of time for easy, instant warmth all winter long.
Variations, Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Variations
- Use spiced rum for an extra kick.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter.
- For a creamier version, use warm milk instead of water.
Pairings
This cocktail pairs beautifully with holiday desserts like gingerbread cookies or apple pie. Also goes well with roasted nuts and aged cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot in a festive mug, garnished with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, or star anise. A metal cocktail mug keeps the cocktail hot for longer. For a nice addition to your bar cart, consider this elegant copper mug set.
Hot Buttered Rum Tips & Tricks
✔ Use good quality dark rum for the best flavor.
✔ Ensure the butter is softened for easy creaming.
✔ Stir thoroughly to dissolve the butter mixture completely.
✔ Make a big batch of the butter mixture, and keep it stored in the fridge.
✔ Serve hot, do not let this cocktail cool.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a hot buttered rum on a cold winter’s night. I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your gatherings. Let me know in the comments how you enjoy your perfect hot buttered rum!
The Perfect Hot Buttered Rum Recipe for Chilly Nights
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened (substitute: coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey substitute: maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 6 ounces boiling water
- Optional: whipped cream cinnamon stick, or star anise for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth and well combined, creating the batter.
- Place the butter mixture (batter) into a mug.
- Add the dark rum to the mug.
- Pour the boiling water into the mug, stirring well until the butter mixture is completely dissolved.
- Optionally, garnish with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, or star anise.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and use apple cider or hot tea.
- This recipe is best enjoyed during the winter months.
- The batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a stronger spice presence, increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Using high quality dark rum is important to the overall taste of this cocktail.
Hot Buttered Rum FAQs
Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
Yes, simply omit the rum and use hot apple cider, or hot spiced tea.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What kind of rum should I use?
Dark rum is the classic choice, but spiced rum or aged rum works too.
Can I use other types of sweetners?
Yes, maple syrup, or other types of brown sugar can be used.
How do I store the batter?
The batter should be kept in the fridge, in an air tight container.
