Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Cozy Homemade Hot Buttered Rum Recipe for Winter Warmth

Cold winter nights demand a steaming mug of hot buttered rum that warms you from the inside out.

Cozy blankets and flickering firelight set the perfect backdrop for this classic cocktail.

Generations of home bartenders have cherished this comforting drink as a sweet escape from chilly temperatures.

Rich butter, fragrant spices, and smooth rum combine to create liquid magic in a glass.

Dark rum adds depth and complexity to the velvety mixture.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg dance across your palate with each delightful sip.

Let this nostalgic beverage transport you to a world of warmth and pure indulgence.

Hot Buttered Rum Leftovers

  • Store leftover spiced butter mixture in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and ready for future drinks.
  • Transfer remaining butter blend into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, storing for 3 months without losing flavor intensity.
  • Gently warm the beverage in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation and maintain smooth texture.
  • Let chilled butter mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before using to soften, ensuring easy mixing with hot water and rum.

Sweet Treats to Enjoy With Hot Buttered Rum

  • Warm Winter Comfort Pairing: Serve hot buttered rum alongside freshly baked gingerbread cookies for a cozy, spice-filled treat that amplifies the drink's warm flavors.
  • Holiday Cheese Complement: Match this rich cocktail with aged cheddar or gouda cheese, allowing the creamy dairy notes to balance the rum's warmth and spice complexity.
  • Seasonal Snack Match: Pair with roasted nuts like pecans or almonds, which echo the drink's nutmeg and cinnamon undertones while providing a satisfying crunch.
  • Dessert Harmony: Create a delightful experience by serving with a slice of apple pie or bread pudding, as the dessert's sweetness and spices beautifully intertwine with the hot buttered rum's profile.

Hot Buttered Rum Spiced Spins

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor and creamy texture.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce calorie and glycemic impact while preserving the drink's warm spice profile.
  • Alcohol-Free Comfort: Substitute dark rum with apple cider or black tea for a family-friendly, non-alcoholic warming beverage that captures the original recipe's cozy essence.
  • Spice Lover's Kick: Add extra ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper to intensify the warming spices and create a more complex flavor experience.

FAQs

  • What is the origin of Hot Buttered Rum?

The cocktail dates back to colonial America in the 18th century, when rum was widely available and sailors brought spices from the Caribbean.

  • Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?

Yes, simply replace dark rum with apple cider or hot water with a splash of rum extract for flavor.

  • Is Hot Buttered Rum a seasonal drink?

While traditionally associated with winter and holiday seasons, you can enjoy this warm cocktail anytime you want a cozy, comforting beverage.

  • What type of rum works best for this recipe?

Dark or spiced rum is recommended for the richest flavor, but you can experiment with different rum varieties to find your preferred taste.

Hot Buttered Rum That Brings Winter Warmth Instantly

  • Warm Winter Comfort: Savor a cozy drink that wraps you in delightful spices and rich flavors.
  • Quick Prep Magic: Whip up this delectable beverage in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients from your pantry.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Cocktail: Perfect for holiday gatherings, winter nights, or when you need a soul-warming treat that impresses guests.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily adjust spices and rum strength to match personal taste preferences, making it a versatile drink for everyone.

Hot Buttered Rum Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Water: The essential liquid that creates the warm, comforting base of the drink.
  • Dark Rum: Rich and full-bodied spirit that provides the classic rum flavor and warmth.
Spiced Butter Mixture:
  • Butter: Soft and creamy base that adds richness and helps blend the spices, best when at room temperature.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and warm caramel notes, light or dark varieties work well.
  • Cinnamon: Warm, sweet spice that provides a classic winter drink flavor.
  • Nutmeg: Aromatic spice with a slightly sweet and nutty profile.
  • Cloves: Intensely fragrant spice that adds depth and warmth to the mixture.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the drink.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a smooth, sweet undertone that complements the spices.
Optional Garnish:
  • Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy topping that adds extra indulgence to the drink, fresh or store-bought works fine.

Buttered Rum Warm Drink Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Water

Bring water to a gentle simmer over medium heat in a small saucepan, creating the perfect base for your delightful winter beverage.

Step 2: Create Magical Butter Blend

In a small bowl, whip together the following ingredients into a luscious mixture:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Whole cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are completely combined and smooth.

Step 3: Prepare Individual Mugs

Pour a generous dollop of the spiced butter mixture into each serving mug, setting the stage for a warm and comforting drink.

Step 4: Add Spirited Rum

Pour dark rum into each mug, infusing the drink with rich, robust flavor.

Step 5: Complete The Warming Elixir

Top each mug with the hot simmering water and stir vigorously until the butter mixture melts completely and blends seamlessly with the rum and water.

Step 6: Optional Luxurious Finishing Touch

Crown your hot buttered rum with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Serve immediately while piping hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic winter cocktail.

Cocktail Prep Tips for Hot Buttered Rum

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending with spices.
  • Choose a high-quality dark rum like aged Caribbean varieties for richer, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Adjust spice quantities to personal taste, but keep proportions similar to maintain the drink's classic warmth.
  • Use very hot water (not boiling) to prevent alcohol from burning off and maintain the drink's full-bodied flavor.
  • Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version that keeps the same cozy essence.
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Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Winter’s chill melts away with this classic Hot Buttered Rum, a comforting blend of spiced butter, dark rum, and warmth. Seasonal spices and rich rum create a soul-soothing drink that wraps you in cozy New England tradition.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Spirits:

  • 1/4 cup dark rum

Optional Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Liquid Base:

  • 2 cups water

Optional Topping:

  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Gently heat water in a saucepan over medium flame, allowing it to reach a soft, steamy simmer.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, aromatic spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, then incorporate a pinch of salt and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and thoroughly integrated.
  3. Carefully allocate a generous portion of the spiced butter blend into each waiting mug, creating a rich, flavorful base.
  4. Stream dark rum into each mug, ensuring an even distribution of the spirited liquid.
  5. Pour the hot water over the rum and spiced butter, stirring consistently to encourage complete dissolution of the butter mixture and create a harmonious, well-blended beverage.
  6. For those seeking an extra layer of decadence, crown the drink with a billowing dollop of freshly whipped cream.
  7. Serve immediately while the drink remains piping hot, inviting and aromatic.

Notes

  • Soften butter completely to ensure smooth blending with spices, avoiding lumpy texture.
  • Experiment with spice ratios to customize flavor profile, balancing warmth and sweetness.
  • Use high-quality dark rum like Myers’s or Appleton Estate for richer, more complex taste.
  • For alcohol-free version, replace rum with apple cider or strong black tea, maintaining cozy winter essence.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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