Easy & Cozy Hot Buttered Rum Recipe That Warms You Soul Deep

Name: Hot Buttered Rum
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (softened (2 sticks)); 2 cups brown sugar (packed); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pint vanilla ice cream (Optional but recommended); 2 tablespoons butter batter; 2 oz dark rum (Spiced rum works too); 6 oz hot water or apple cider (Near-boiling); whipped cream (Topping); 1 stick cinnamon stick (Garnish); ground cinnamon or nutmeg (Dusting)

The first proper snowstorm of the season knocked out power in our neighborhood for six hours, and while everyone else panicked about losing refrigerated food, I remembered that hot buttered rum recipe my friend brought back from a ski lodge in Vermont that doesn't require electricity.

A rich, cozy hot buttered rum made with spiced butter batter, dark rum, and steaming water for the ultimate winter comfort drink. Perfect for cold nights, holidays, and power-outage survival.

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Warm homemade hot buttered rum in a glass mug topped with cinnamon foam. Cozy winter rum cocktail made with spiced butter batter and dark rum.

What is Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Hot buttered rum is a classic winter cocktail made by melting spiced butter batter into a mixture of dark rum and hot water or apple cider that creates a rich creamy warming drink. The butter batter contains brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and winter spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that melt together into this sweet creamy base that transforms rum into liquid dessert. Unlike basic hot toddies that are just tea with booze, hot buttered rum delivers actual richness from real butter that coats your mouth and makes each sip feel indulgent and special instead of just warm and medicinal.

How to Make This Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Making the butter batter ahead in larger batches means you can store it in the fridge and scoop out just what you need for individual drinks instead of measuring everything each time. We use dark rum instead of light because the molasses notes complement brown sugar and spices way better than neutral rum that disappears into the background. Adding a splash of vanilla extract elevates the whole situation from "warm rum drink" into "liquid snickerdoodle cookie" territory that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is. The ratio of batter to liquid creates perfectly balanced drinks that taste rich without being heavy or sitting in your stomach like you swallowed a stick of butter.

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe Ingredients

For the Butter Batter (makes 12 servings):

1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)
2 cups brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened optional but recommended

For Each Drink:

2 tablespoons butter batter
2 oz dark rum (spiced rum works great too)
6 oz hot water or hot apple cider
Whipped cream for topping
Cinnamon stick for stirring
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting

Overhead view of homemade hot buttered rum ingredients including butter, brown sugar, spices, and dark rum.

Step by Step Method

Make Spiced Butter Batter Ahead

Beat softened butter with brown sugar on medium speed until fluffy and lightened
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract
Mix in softened ice cream if using for extra creamy texture
Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months

Heat Water or Cider to Steaming

Bring water or apple cider to just below boiling point
Don't let it actually boil or it cooks off too much and tastes flat
Keep hot on stove or in electric kettle for making multiple drinks
Hot liquid is essential for properly melting butter batter

Build Each Drink in Mug

Add 2 tablespoons cold butter batter to heat safe mug
Pour in dark rum and stir briefly
Add hot water or cider slowly while stirring constantly
Butter melts and emulsifies creating creamy golden drink

Stir Until Completely Combined

Keep stirring for 30 seconds until butter fully dissolves
You should see no chunks of batter floating on top
Drink becomes smooth and creamy with slight foam on surface
Butter naturally rises and creates glossy coating

Top with Whipped Cream and Spice

Add generous dollop of whipped cream on top
Stick cinnamon stick through whipped cream for stirring and aromatics
Dust with ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg
Serve immediately while steaming hot in insulated mug

What Pairs Well With Hot Buttered Rum Recipe?

This rich hot buttered rum pairs beautifully with holiday cookies, gingerbread, or spiced cake that complement the warming spices. Serve it alongside cheese and crackers, charcuterie boards, or savory appetizers that benefit from sweet contrast. For dessert, pair with apple pie, bread pudding, or chocolate treats that match the indulgent richness.

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe Variations

Hot Buttered Rum with Ice Cream Base

Use softened vanilla ice cream in butter batter for extra creamy texture
Creates richer smoother consistency that tastes like melted milkshake
Ice cream adds sweetness and body without being too heavy
Traditional New England method that many consider superior

Spiced Apple Cider Version

Replace hot water with hot apple cider for fruity depth
Apple and rum combination tastes like liquid apple pie
Reduces need for added sugar since cider brings sweetness
Perfect for fall gatherings and Halloween parties

Maple Bourbon Butter Variation

Swap rum for bourbon and add maple syrup to butter batter
Creates more complex whiskey forward drink with Canadian twist
Maple brings earthy sweetness that complements bourbon beautifully
For bourbon lovers who want winter warming drink

Virgin Hot Buttered Apple Cider

Skip rum completely and use hot apple cider or spiced tea
Kids and non drinkers get same cozy buttery spice experience
Add extra vanilla extract for depth without alcohol
Still feels special and warming on cold nights

Equipment

Electric mixer for making butter batter
Heat safe mugs or Irish coffee glasses
Kettle or pot for heating water
Spoon for stirring drinks
Airtight container for storing batter
Cookie scoop for portioning batter

Storage Tips

Best Fresh

Hot buttered rum tastes best served immediately while steaming hot
Butter stays emulsified longest when drink is consumed right away
Spices and rum warmth shine brightest at peak temperature

Make Ahead Strategy

Make butter batter weeks ahead and store in refrigerator
Portion batter into ice cube trays for pre measured servings
Keep rum and ingredients ready so making drinks takes 2 minutes
Perfect for entertaining when you want impressive drinks without bar work

Storing Butter Batter

Refrigerate butter batter in airtight container up to 2 weeks
Freeze batter in portions up to 3 months for long term storage
Bring to room temperature before using or microwave 10 seconds to soften
Label container with date and number of servings remaining

Top Tips for Easy Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

The first time I made hot buttered rum recipe during that power outage, I used regular granulated sugar instead of brown sugar and it tasted so flat and one dimensional that it was basically just hot rum with butter floating on top. Brown sugar's molasses notes are non negotiable for creating that deep caramel flavor that makes hot buttered rum recipe taste like dessert instead of weird butter water. Don't skip softening the butter before making batter or you'll spend 20 minutes trying to beat rock hard butter with sugar and give up with a grainy mess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make hot buttered rum without the butter batter?

You can make it by adding butter and sugar directly to each drink, but the pre made batter ensures consistency and saves time. The batter also allows spices to blend and develop better flavor than adding them individually.

What's the best rum for hot buttered rum?

Dark rum or spiced rum work best because their molasses and vanilla notes complement the butter and brown sugar. Captain Morgan, Myers's, or Sailor Jerry all work great for this recipe.

How do I keep the butter from separating?

Stir continuously while adding hot liquid, use water that's hot but not boiling, and add ice cream to the butter batter for better emulsification. Proper stirring technique prevents separation.

Can I make a big batch for a party?

Make individual drinks rather than one large batch because butter separates as it sits. Pre portion batter and set up station where guests can build their own drinks quickly and easily.

Winter Storm Essential

Learning to make proper hot buttered rum recipe means possessing cold weather survival skill that transforms miserable conditions into opportunities for cozy comfort. Power outages stop feeling like emergencies when you can still create warming treats that make everyone forget they're supposed to be upset about modern conveniences temporarily disappearing. Mastering one solid hot buttered rum recipe guarantees you'll always have impressive answer when winter weather hits and someone asks what you're drinking, plus the butter batter situation means you're always prepared for spontaneous snow day celebrations without needing to run to the store for special ingredients.

Ready for more warming drinks? Try our Harry Potter Butterbeer for magical butterscotch comfort, or explore our Cinnamon Roll Cocktail for dessert inspired warmth. For morning treats, our Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte uses similar spice combinations with cold refreshment.

Share your hot buttered rum recipe Tag us @HannahAndSproutKitchen with #HotButteredRumRecipewe're dying to see your cozy mugs and hear about your winter storm survival stories!

Star⭐️ Rate this hot buttered rum recipe and join our community of winter warriors!

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Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

What is Hot Buttered Rum Recipe