Hot buttered rum has become my ultimate winter comfort drink. I discovered this recipe years ago and have been perfecting it ever since. There's something magical about how the warm spices blend with the creamy butter and rich rum. Every time I serve it during the holidays my guests instantly feel cozy and relaxed it's like serving comfort in a mug.
What Makes It Special
The secret to this drink is in that incredible spiced butter batter. When it melts into the hot rum it creates this gorgeous creamy froth that's just heavenly. I love how easily it can be scaled up for parties and my little twist of adding vanilla ice cream to the batter makes it extra luxurious.
What You'll Need
- Dark Rum: A rich, caramel-flavored dark rum is preferred for its depth, but light or spiced rum works too.
- Spiced Butter Batter: Made with vanilla ice cream, brown and white sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sea salt for a creamy, spiced base.
- Boiling Water: Ensures the drink is warm and comforting when served.
- Optional Garnishes: Cinnamon sticks, star anise, or whipped cream enhance both flavor and presentation.
Let's Make It Together
- Make the Spiced Butter Batter
- Blend vanilla ice cream, brown and white sugars, spices, and a pinch of salt. Freeze until ready to use.
- Assemble the Drink
- Add a scoop of the frozen butter batter to a mug, pour in dark rum, and top with boiling water. Stir well until combined.
- Garnish and Serve
- Finish with a cinnamon stick or star anise. Serve immediately in a pre-warmed mug for the best experience.
My Best Tips
I always use good quality rum it really makes a difference in the final taste. Don't be afraid to play with the sweetness levels everyone likes it a bit different. My favorite trick is warming the mugs with hot water first this keeps your drink nice and hot. Sometimes I add fresh ginger for an extra kick.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I swap the rum for bourbon or brandy when I want something different. Lately I've been loving it with black tea instead of water. For my vegan friends I use plant-based butter and ice cream it's just as delicious.
Perfect for Parties
This drink is such a crowd pleaser at winter gatherings. I love having the butter batter ready in the freezer it makes serving so easy. When friends drop by unexpectedly I can whip up these drinks in minutes and everyone feels special.
Keep It Fresh
The butter batter is a lifesaver it stays good in the freezer for a whole month. Just scoop what you need straight from the freezer into your mug. If you somehow have leftover drinks just pop them in the fridge and warm them gently on the stove later.
Why You Need This Recipe
There's nothing quite like curling up with a mug of hot buttered rum on a cold evening. It's become my signature winter drink and I love sharing it with friends and family. The combination of warm spices creamy butter and rich rum just can't be beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does the spiced butter batter keep?
- The batter can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for several months, making it perfect for entertaining or quick drinks.
- → Why use ice cream in the batter?
- Ice cream adds a creamy texture and helps create a smooth, consistent batter that melts easily into the hot drink.
- → Can I make this alcohol-free?
- Yes, you can omit the rum and just enjoy the spiced butter batter with hot water for a non-alcoholic version.
- → Why use salted butter?
- The salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the warm spice flavors in the drink.
- → Can I adjust the spices?
- Yes, you can customize the spice blend to your taste preferences while keeping the base ratio of butter, sugars, and ice cream the same.