Cozy Hot Buttered Rum Recipe for Chilly Winter Evenings

Warm spices and rich, golden rum blend together in this comforting hot buttered rum recipe that promises to chase away winter’s chill.

The drink carries deep traditions from colonial America, where settlers first crafted this soul-warming beverage.

Creamy butter mingles with sweet brown sugar and aromatic spices, creating a luxurious cocktail that feels like a hug in a mug.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves dance through the rum, infusing each sip with nostalgic warmth.

Home bartenders can easily whip up this delightful cocktail with just a few simple ingredients.

Prepare to be transported to cozy evenings by the fireplace with this classic, indulgent drink that never goes out of style.

Let this hot buttered rum become your new favorite cold-weather companion.

Hot Buttered Rum Ingredients

• Rum: A classic spirit that provides the alcoholic base and warm flavor for this comforting drink.
• Ice Cream: Creates a rich, creamy texture and adds sweetness to the batter.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious consistency.

• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Provide depth of sweetness and help balance the flavors of the drink.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that give the hot buttered rum its signature winter flavor profile.

• Boiling Water: Helps dissolve the batter and creates the warm, comforting temperature of the drink.

Tools Needed for Hot Buttered Rum

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for blending batter ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Essential for creating creamy, well-combined batter.
• Airtight Container: For storing batter in freezer.
• Heat-Safe Mug: Durable mug that can handle boiling water.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
• Spoon or Stirrer: To mix drink and ensure batter melts completely.
• Kettle or Pot: For boiling water.

How to Mix Hot Buttered Rum

Step 1: Craft the Creamy Batter

Grab your mixing bowl and blend softened vanilla ice cream, room temperature butter, brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves.

Whip everything together until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.

Transfer the delectable batter into an airtight container and let it chill in the freezer until you’re ready to create your cozy beverage.

Step 2: Prepare the Warming Libation

Select a heat-safe mug and pour in dark rum.

Scoop a generous dollop of the prepared batter into the mug.

Gently stir the rum and batter until they start to mingle and create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 3: Finish with Steaming Perfection

Boil fresh water and carefully pour it into the rum and batter mixture.

Stir continuously until the batter completely dissolves and creates a rich, smooth drink.

The aroma of spices will fill the air, signaling that your hot buttered rum is ready to be savored.

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

Hot Buttered Rum – Top Tips

• Freeze the batter in an airtight container for at least 2 hours to enhance flavor melding and texture.
• Select a dark or spiced rum for deeper, richer taste that complements the sweet, buttery base.
• Reduce brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet drink or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup.
• Preheat your serving mugs with hot water to keep the drink temperature consistent and prevent rapid cooling.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to personalize the batter's warmth and complexity.

Changing Up Your Hot Buttered Rum

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap dairy ice cream with coconut milk ice cream or vegan alternative for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Spice Spectrum: Replace traditional cinnamon and nutmeg with cardamom, ginger, or cloves for a unique flavor profile that transforms the classic recipe.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce overall sugar content for a lighter, diabetic-friendly hot buttered rum.
• Alcohol-Free Comfort: Substitute rum with apple cider or black tea for a non-alcoholic warm beverage that captures the original drink's cozy essence.

Hot Buttered Rum – Serving Ideas

• Cozy Winter Cocktail Party: Serve this hot buttered rum as a welcome drink for holiday gatherings, creating a festive atmosphere that warms guests from the inside out.
• Dessert Companion: Pair with classic winter desserts like apple pie, gingerbread, or pecan tart to complement the rich, spiced flavors of the cocktail.
• Fireside Comfort: Enjoy beside a crackling fireplace, wrapped in a soft blanket, making this drink the perfect companion for chilly evenings and relaxed conversations.
• Garnish Elegance: Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, or a small dollop of whipped cream to add a decorative and flavorful finishing touch.

Storing Leftover Hot Buttered Rum

• Store prepared batter in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other flavors.
• Portion batter into ice cube trays or small containers, freeze for up to 3 months, allowing quick access for spontaneous hot buttered rum moments.
• Gently warm leftover hot buttered rum in microwave at 50% power in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent separation and maintain smooth texture.
• Let refrigerated batter sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using to soften and mix more easily with rum and hot water.

FAQs

• What is hot buttered rum?

A classic winter cocktail featuring rum, butter, spices, and a creamy batter mixed with boiling water for a warm, comforting drink.

• Can I use different types of rum?

Yes, dark rum works best for traditional flavor, but you can experiment with spiced rum or even bourbon for a unique twist.

• How long can I store the batter?

The batter can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container, making it easy to prepare drinks whenever you want.

• Is this drink alcoholic?

Yes, hot buttered rum contains alcohol and is intended for adults 21 and older. The rum provides a warming, rich flavor to the cocktail.

Hot Buttered Rum – Why It’s a Classic

• Easily personalize the batter by adjusting spices or trying different ice cream flavors to match your mood or seasonal cravings.
• Make the batter in advance and store in the freezer, ensuring you're always ready to impress guests with a stunning homemade cocktail at a moment's notice.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, après-ski moments, or any chilly evening when you want something special that feels like a luxurious hug in a mug.

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hot buttered rum, a classic winter cocktail, warms chilled spirits during cold seasons. Spiced butter blends with dark rum, creating a comforting drink that invites you to savor each soothing sip.

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Ingredients

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Main Spirits and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 ounces (60 ml) dark rum
• 6–8 ounces (180–240 ml) boiling water

Butter and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (226 grams) salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (480 ml) vanilla ice cream, softened
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) spiced butter batter

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• Optional: cinnamon stick for garnish

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Instructions

1. Craft a velvety batter by blending softened ice cream with room-temperature butter, combining white and brown sugars, and incorporating warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg until the mixture achieves a uniform, silky consistency.
2. Transfer the freshly prepared batter into an airtight container and chill in the freezer for optimal texture and flavor preservation.
3. Select a heat-resistant mug and pour dark rum, then incorporate a generous dollop of the chilled batter.
4. Bring water to a rolling boil, then carefully pour the scalding liquid into the rum and batter mixture.
5. Whisk the contents vigorously until the batter completely dissolves, creating a smooth, integrated beverage with a rich, creamy texture.
6. Garnish with a light dusting of ground nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for an aromatic finishing touch.
7. Serve immediately while the drink remains piping hot, allowing the complex flavors of rum, spices, and sweet batter to meld harmoniously.

Notes

• Experiment with different ice cream flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or even coconut to create unique batter variations that complement the rum’s richness.
• Prepare the batter in advance and store it in the freezer for up to a month, making this a convenient make-ahead cocktail for spontaneous gatherings or cozy nights.
• Opt for high-quality dark rum with caramel or vanilla notes to enhance the drink’s depth and create a more sophisticated flavor profile.
• Consider a non-alcoholic version by substituting rum with hot apple cider or black tea for a family-friendly alternative that still captures the warm, spiced essence of the original recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Steeping
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg