Paul Kushner
Hot Buttered Rum is a traditional winter cocktail that has been warming hands and hearts for centuries. This drink combines dark rum with a rich spiced butter mixture made from brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla. When blended with hot water, it transforms into a smooth, comforting beverage that’s both sweet and aromatic. The butter adds body and a silky texture, making each sip indulgent without being overpowering. Perfect for fireside sipping, holiday parties, or cold-weather nights, this classic cocktail is a timeless favorite that brings warmth, spice, and a touch of old-fashioned charm.
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Tasting Notes
Hot Buttered Rum is a classic cold-weather cocktail known for its rich, spiced character and warming qualities. The base of dark rum provides depth with notes of molasses and oak, while the spiced butter mix brings layers of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla. Brown sugar gives a caramel-like sweetness, blending seamlessly with the butter for a creamy mouthfeel. The hot water lightens the drink, balancing the richness while ensuring it’s served piping hot. Garnished with a cinnamon stick or topped with whipped cream, each sip offers a comforting blend of spice, sweetness, and warmth that feels seasonal and satisfying.
Equipment and Glassware
Making Hot Buttered Rum requires both preparation and simple tools. An electric mixer is helpful for whipping butter and sugar into a light, fluffy base for the spiced mixture. A large bowl is used for combining the butter with spices and vanilla. Airtight containers are necessary for storing the butter mixture in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve. For the drink itself, mugs are the preferred choice, as they hold the hot liquid comfortably and highlight the rustic style of this cocktail. A spoon is essential for stirring the butter mixture with rum and hot water until smooth.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened 1 stick
- 1 cup sugar dark brown
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups hot water
- 3/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
- Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Transfer the spiced butter mixture to an airtight container and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.
- To make the hot buttered rum, add 2 tablespoons of the spiced butter mixture to a mug.
- Pour in 2 ounces of dark rum and top with 1 cup of hot water.
- Stir until the spiced butter mixture is dissolved and the drink is smooth.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or whipped cream, if desired.
Pro Tips
- Prepare the butter mixture ahead of time for quick serving.
- Use high-quality dark rum for richer depth.
- Adjust spices to taste; more cinnamon for warmth or nutmeg for extra complexity.
- Freeze the butter mixture in individual portions for convenience.
- Warm mugs before serving to keep the drink hotter longer.
- For extra richness, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Stir well to fully dissolve the butter mixture before drinking.
When to Serve
Hot Buttered Rum is an ideal cocktail for cold nights, holiday gatherings, or festive celebrations. Its spiced, warming profile makes it a popular choice during the winter season, especially around Christmas or New Year’s. It works well as an after-dinner drink, pairing beautifully with desserts like gingerbread, apple pie, or spiced cookies. Because the spiced butter mixture can be made ahead of time, it’s convenient for serving groups without much effort. Whether enjoyed fireside, at a holiday party, or as a cozy nightcap, this drink brings warmth and comfort to seasonal entertaining.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Dark Rum: Gosling’s Black Seal, Myers’s Dark, or Kraken for bold flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Domino Dark Brown or Wholesome Organic.
- Spices: McCormick cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Nielsen-Massey, McCormick, or Simply Organic.
- Optional Garnish: Reddi-Wip, homemade whipped cream, or cinnamon sticks from Simply Organic.
Similar Cocktails
- Chocolate Hot Buttered Rum
- Prune Royale
- Rum Cobbler
- Gin, Apple Cider and Ginger Beer Cocktail
- Rum Cider
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Mug
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened 1 stick
- 1 cup sugar dark brown
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups hot water
- 3/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
- Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Transfer the spiced butter mixture to an airtight container and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.
- To make the hot buttered rum, add 2 tablespoons of the spiced butter mixture to a mug.
- Pour in 2 ounces of dark rum and top with 1 cup of hot water.
- Stir until the spiced butter mixture is dissolved and the drink is smooth.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Make the spiced butter in advance it keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for longer.
- For deeper flavor, try spiced rum instead of dark rum.
- Adjust sweetness by using more or less brown sugar in the butter mix.
Wow! Delicious but powerful. I didn’t use the cloves and used gold Bacardi and it’s easy and very warming on a cold December day