Hot Buttered Rum: Cozy Winter Nights in a Mug

Two cups of warm buttered rum are on the table

Hot Buttered Rum is my go-to drink in cold winter. I love its rich blend of spices and butter. The warmth of the rum soothes me deeply. It makes my evenings cozy and warm.

Hot buttered rum recipe

Hot Buttered Rum combines rum, butter, water or cider, sweeteners, and spices. This warm cocktail originated in colonial America. It was enjoyed for its warming and medicinal properties in winter.

A glass of hot buttered rum is topped with whipped cream

Hot buttered rum has sweetness, spiciness, and buttery richness. Butter gives a velvety mouthfeel. Spices add warmth and complexity. The drink is often described as reminiscent of holiday treats. This beverage is popular during winter celebrations.

Here is how to make the hot buttered rum:

Two cups of warm buttered rum are on the table

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum is a classic and comforting winter cocktail. It features a warm blend of dark rum, butter, and spices.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 cup dark rum
  • Whipped cream optional, for garnish
  • Cinnamon sticks optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth.
  • Divide the butter mixture evenly into four mugs. Add 2 tablespoons of rum to each mug.
  • Pour boiling water into each mug, filling them up, and stir until the butter mixture dissolves completely.
  • Top with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Keyword cocktail recipes, holiday recipe, homemade cocktails, Hot Buttered Rum, winter cocktails

How to pair

Hot buttered rum pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, particularly during the colder months. 

  1. Dessert Pairings
    • Rum’s spiced notes complement the apple pie’s sweetness, making it a classic choice.
    • Gingerbread spices enhance the drink flavor when dunked.
    • Cheesecake’s creamy texture contrasts with the cocktail’s buttery flavor.
    • Dark chocolate truffle’s richness is elevated by the cocktail’s bold flavors.
    • Tiramisu’s coffee layers harmonize with the cocktail’s warm spices.
  2. Light Snacks
    • Spiced cookies are a great accompaniment to sip with your drink.
    • Gingersnaps’ crunch contrasts with Hot Buttered Rum’s smoothness.
  3. Savory Pairings
    • Baked brie pairs well with the drink’s buttery richness.
    • Grilled cheese sandwiches complement the drink’s cozy warmth.

Variations

Here are several delightful variations of the hot buttered rum:

  1. Honey Buttered Rum
    • Ingredients: Brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract, dark rum, hot water.
    • Instructions:
      • Mix ingredients in a mug
      • Top with hot water
      • Garnish with cloves and lemon wedge.
  2. Spiced Variant
    • Ingredients: Spiced rum, allspice dram, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, dark rum, hot water.
    • Instructions:
      • Combine ingredients in a mug
      • Add hot water
      • Garnish with cloves and nutmeg.
  3. Pumpkin Buttered Rum
    • Ingredients: Spiced rum, pumpkin liqueur or vodka, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, hot water.
    • Instructions:
      • Mix in a mug
      • Top with hot water
      • Garnish with whipped cream and nutmeg.
  4. Bananas Foster Version
    • Ingredients: Unsalted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, banana-flavored rum, hot water.
    • Instructions:
      • Mix in a mug
      • Top with hot water
      • Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon stick.
  5. Creative Twists
    • Burnt Sugar Hot Buttered Rum: Involves caramelizing sugar for added depth of flavor.
    • Hot Buttered Rum with ice cream: Incorporates ice cream for a dessert-like experience.
    • Family-Friendly Version: Uses non-alcoholic rum flavoring or apple cider instead of alcohol.
    • Ginger or Citrus Additions: Add fresh ginger or citrus zest for enhanced spiciness and brightness.
    • Crock Pot Preparation: Mix ingredients in a slow cooker for parties.

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