As the temperature drops and the leaves turn to vibrant colors, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, cozy drink to sip on by the fire. Enter Hot Buttered Rum, the ultimate fall and winter cocktail that will wrap you up in warmth and flavor with every sip. Imagine rich, spiced rum melting together with butter, brown sugar, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg—creating the most velvety, indulgent drink you could ask for. It’s a hug in a mug, with that perfect balance of sweetness and spice that’s perfect for chilly nights or holiday celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Buttered Rum?
Hot Buttered Rum is all about comfort and coziness. It has a smooth, creamy texture that’s perfect for sipping slowly, with flavors that evoke fall and winter magic. The richness of the butter adds a luxurious touch, while the rum gives it a kick that’ll warm you from the inside out. Plus, the dash of cinnamon and nutmeg takes this drink to the next level, creating that perfect, holiday-inspired warmth. Whether you’re curling up with a book, hosting a holiday gathering, or just looking for a way to unwind on a chilly evening, this cocktail is your go-to drink. It’s rich, satisfying, and oh-so-warming.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to get your Hot Buttered Rum just right:
- Dark rum (for a rich, deep flavor)
- Butter (unsalted works best for a smooth finish)
- Brown sugar (for a bit of sweetness and richness)
- Hot water (to melt everything together into that perfect warm beverage)
- Ground cinnamon (for a little spice)
- Ground nutmeg (to give it that classic holiday flavor)
- Optional: Whipped cream or a cinnamon stick for garnish
For the full ingredient list and measurements, scroll down!
Directions
- Start by making a butter-sugar mixture: In a mug, combine 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Add the cinnamon and nutmeg to the mixture for that spiced flavor we’re after. Stir it all together until the butter melts and everything is combined.
- Pour in the dark rum—about 2 ounces should do the trick—and stir well.
- Carefully pour in the hot water (about 6-8 ounces), stirring to mix everything together and make sure the butter and sugar fully dissolve.
- Taste and adjust if you’d like a little more sweetness or spice.
- If you want to get fancy, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cozy mug of Hot Buttered Rum
Variations
- Add some vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract can add a rich, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices in this drink.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap out the butter for coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free twist!
- Spiced Hot Buttered Rum: Add a clove or two for an even deeper, more aromatic spice profile.
- Make it a batch: If you’re hosting a group, you can easily scale up the ingredients and keep a big batch warm in a slow cooker.
FAQs
Can I make this drink without butter?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can skip the butter, but it’s what gives the drink its signature creamy texture and richness. You could try using a little milk or cream for a similar effect, though it won’t be quite the same.
What rum should I use?
Dark rum is your best choice for Hot Buttered Rum. It has the deep, molasses-like flavors that pair perfectly with the spices and butter. But if you prefer something lighter, you could use a spiced rum instead.
Can I prepare Hot Buttered Rum in advance?
While it’s best served fresh and hot, you can prepare the butter-sugar mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, just warm it up and add the rum and hot water.
Can I make it without alcohol?
For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the rum and add more spices to the mixture, like a dash of vanilla extract, or even a little apple cider for a deliciously warm, spiced drink.
Hot Buttered Rum is the perfect way to relax and unwind during the colder months. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with every sip. Let me know how you enjoy it and if you make any fun variations! Cheers to warmth and comfort in a cup!
Print
Hot Buttered Rum
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Buttered Rum is a classic winter cocktail that’s perfect for cozy nights by the fire. Made with a rich spiced butter mixture, dark rum, and hot water, this warm and comforting drink has a wonderful combination of sweetness and spice, perfect for holiday gatherings or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark rum (or more to taste)
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a simmer over medium heat.
- While the water is heating, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until well combined.
- Once the water is hot, add about 1-2 tablespoons of the spiced butter mixture into each mug.
- Pour 1/4 cup of dark rum into each mug.
- Top with hot water and stir until the butter is melted and everything is well mixed.
- Optional: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
- Try using spiced rum for an extra layer of flavor.
- The spiced butter mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 10g