Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Hot buttered rum is one of those drinks I only think about once the weather really turns cold, and then I wonder why I don’t make it more often. It’s warm, comforting, and slow-sipping in a way that makes you sit back instead of rushing through it. I usually make this in the evening when the house is quiet and I want something cozy without needing a lot of effort. It feels old-fashioned in the best way.

I started making hot buttered rum at home after realizing how inconsistent it can be when ordered out. Sometimes it’s too sweet, sometimes it’s just hot rum with butter floating on top. This version focuses on balance — a smooth butter base, gentle spice, and just enough sweetness to let the rum shine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deeply Warming: Perfect for cold nights
• Rich but Balanced: Buttery without being greasy
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry and bar staples
• Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness and spice
• Slow-Sip Drink: Encourages relaxing
• Classic Comfort: Old-fashioned and familiar
• Great for Entertaining: Easy to batch

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Soften the Butter First: Blends more smoothly
• Use Dark or Spiced Rum: Adds depth
• Don’t Over-Sweeten: Let the rum come through
• Use Hot Not Boiling Water: Prevents separation
• Stir Well Before Serving: Even texture matters

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Mixing Bowl: For butter mixture
2. Spoon or Spatula: For blending
3. Kettle or Saucepan: Heating water
4. Heat-Safe Mugs: Essential for serving
5. Measuring Spoons: Keeps balance right

Ingredients in This Recipe

1. Unsalted Butter: Creates richness and body
2. Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and molasses notes
3. Powdered Sugar: Helps create a smooth butter base
4. Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice backbone
5. Ground Nutmeg: Subtle depth and aroma
6. Ground Cloves: Optional, adds gentle spice
7. Dark or Spiced Rum: Bold, warming base spirit
8. Hot Water: Brings everything together
9. Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors

Ingredient Substitutions

• Butter Swap: Plant-based butter works well
• Sugar Option: Maple syrup or coconut sugar
• Rum Choice: Aged rum for smoother finish
• Spice Swap: Allspice instead of cloves
• Alcohol-Free Version: Skip rum and add apple cider

Ingredient Spotlight

• Butter Base: Gives the drink its signature richness
• Dark Rum: Adds depth and warmth

Hot Buttered Rum with Citrus Zest and Apple Cider

This warm, comforting drink combines rich melted butter, aromatic spices, and dark rum, creating a velvety beverage with a bright citrus twist. The infusion of citrus zest and a splash of apple cider adds a lively brightness to the traditionally indulgent hot buttered rum. The final appearance is a creamy, frothy mug topped with a cinnamon stick or lemon peel, inviting cozy sipping.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• Unsalted Butter: Creates richness and body
• Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and molasses notes
• Powdered Sugar: Helps create a smooth butter base
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice backbone
• Ground Nutmeg: Subtle depth and aroma
• Ground Cloves: Optional adds gentle spice
• Dark or Spiced Rum: Bold warming base spirit
• Hot Water: Brings everything together
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl: For butter mixture
• Spoon or Spatula: For blending
• Kettle or Saucepan: Heating water
• Heat-Safe Mugs: Essential for serving
• Measuring Spoons: Keeps balance right

Method

 

1. Make the Butter Mix: Combine butter, sugars, spices, and vanilla
2. Blend Until Smooth: Creamy and uniform
3. Heat Water: Hot but not boiling
4. Add Butter Mix to Mug: About a tablespoon per serving
5. Add Rum: Pour into the mug
6. Top with Hot Water: Fill and stir well
7. Taste and Adjust: Add more butter or sweetness if needed
8. Serve Warm: Best enjoyed immediately

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Butter Mix Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 weeks
• Freeze Butter Mix: Portion and freeze
• Assemble Fresh: Best texture and flavor
• Stir Before Serving: Always

How to Serve This Dish

• In Heat-Safe Mugs: Keeps drink warm
• After Dinner: Cozy nightcap
• Holiday Evenings: Fireside favorite

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Butter Mix Spread: Use lightly on toast
• Rum Latte Base: Add coffee instead of water
• Spiced Hot Cider: Add butter mix to cider
• Dessert Sauce: Melt over baked apples

Additional Tips

• Add Citrus Peel: Orange zest for brightness
• Adjust Strength: More or less rum to taste
• Finish with Nutmeg: Freshly grated if possible

Make It a Showstopper

• Cinnamon Stick Garnish: Classic and aromatic
• Foamy Top: Stir vigorously
• Serve in Clear Mugs: Shows the richness

Variations to Try

• Vanilla Hot Buttered Rum: Extra vanilla
• Spiced Orange Version: Add orange zest
• Vegan Hot Buttered Rum: Plant-based butter
• Extra-Spicy Version: More cloves and nutmeg
• Hot Buttered Rum Batter: Traditional make-ahead style

FAQ’s

1. Is this drink very sweet: No it’s balanced
2. Can I make it ahead: Yes the butter mix can
3. What rum works best: Dark or spiced
4. Does the butter separate: Not if mixed properly
5. Can I make it alcohol free: Yes skip the rum
6. Is this strong: Moderate and warming
7. Can I use salted butter: Unsalted is better
8. How long does butter mix last: About 2 weeks
9. Can I double the recipe: Yes easily
10. Is this only for holidays: No it’s great all winter

Olivia

Hi, I’m Olivia Chen-Williams, a professional chef, cooking instructor, and the founder of Turn Around At 50. For nearly three decades, my life has revolved around kitchens. Not the quiet, romantic kind, but the real ones. Hot, loud, demanding, and deeply alive.