Cozy up on a chilly winter night with this hot buttered rum—a sweet, creamy, and buttery drink infused with warming spices and a splash of rum to warm you from the inside out. Easy to prepare, you can whip up a batch of “batter” to store in your fridge, so you’re always ready to serve this comforting holiday classic. Want a family-friendly version? Skip the rum and enjoy it as a cozy, non-alcoholic treat!
What Is Hot Buttered Rum?
Dating back to colonial New England in the 1650s, hot buttered rum became a winter favorite when rum was readily available and water wasn’t always safe to drink. The simple ingredients—butter, sugar, spices, and rum—remain staples of this timeless recipe. Think of it as sipping a buttery cookie in a mug!
Ingredients
For the Hot Buttered Rum Batter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground clove
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Each Cocktail:
- 2 tablespoons hot buttered rum batter
- 6-8 ounces hot water (just below boiling)
- 1-2 ounces dark or spiced rum
How to Make Hot Buttered Rum
Step 1: Make the Batter
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Whisk in brown sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove until the sugar dissolves and everything combines.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Let the batter cool slightly, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Step 2: Prepare the Cocktail
- Add 2 tablespoons of batter to a heatproof mug.
- Pour in 6-8 ounces of hot water (not boiling).
- Stir in 1-2 ounces of rum, depending on how strong you like it.
- Mix well, taste, and adjust the batter if desired.
- Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Tips for the Best Hot Buttered Rum
- Warm Your Mug: Pre-warm your mug with hot water to keep your drink cozy longer.
- Add a Dash of Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the buttery, sweet flavors.
- Make It Creamy: Top with whipped cream for an indulgent, creamy finish.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top or stir with a cinnamon stick.
Non-Alcoholic Hot Buttered Rum
For a family-friendly version, skip the rum! Simply mix the batter with hot water, milk, apple cider, or even coffee for a delicious and cozy alternative.
Batch Hot Buttered Rum in a Crockpot
Perfect for holiday gatherings:
- Add the batter to a slow cooker and cook on high for 30-60 minutes until melted and combined.
- Stir in the hot water and rum, then reduce heat to low.
- Keep warm and serve straight from the crockpot. Garnish each mug before serving.
Variations
- Switch the Spirits: Swap rum for whiskey, brandy, or cognac.
- Add Tea: Use black tea instead of plain hot water for a spiced tea twist.
- Play with Spices: Experiment with ginger, allspice, or cardamom.
- Creamy Twist: Mix in melted vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent batter.
- Orange Notes: Add a touch of orange zest or orange extract to the batter for a festive flavor boost.
How Long Does the Batter Last?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before use.
Yield
- Batter: Enough for 5 cocktails.
- Single Drink: 2 tablespoons batter + 6-8 ounces water + 1-2 ounces rum.
Enjoy this comforting winter classic that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Cheers! 🥃