The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Hot Buttered Rum

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting beverage to chase away the chill. Enter the Hot Buttered Rum – a classic winter cocktail that stands out with its rich, dessert-like qualities. This inviting drink boasts a luscious buttery flavor, beautifully complemented by a gentle blend of spices and a vibrant twist of orange. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an experience, a cozy hug in a mug that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting a festive gathering, this delightful rum cocktail is sure to impress and warm you from the inside out.

Why We Love This Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Have you ever experienced the magic of a Hot Buttered Rum? This timeless winter cocktail is surprisingly often overlooked, yet it’s incredibly simple to prepare and undeniably delicious. With just a little bit of straightforward prep work, you can create a luxurious drink that will have all your guests begging for the recipe. It’s a wonderful addition to your holiday repertoire or any chilly evening when you crave something special.

Even if you generally don’t consider yourself a rum enthusiast, this cocktail often proves to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of rich butter, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness beautifully mellows the rum, creating a harmonious and approachable flavor profile. It serves as a fantastic, caffeine-free alternative to spiked coffee or hot chocolate, making it an ideal choice to conclude a celebratory meal or a relaxed evening spent with friends. Its unique character offers a sophisticated yet comforting end to any gathering.

Beyond its delicious taste, many people subscribe to the comforting belief that a hot buttered rum can offer a little relief from the onset of winter colds. While it’s certainly not a cure-all, the warmth of the drink, combined with the soothing properties of the spices, can feel incredibly comforting, especially for a scratchy throat. My friend, for instance, is a huge advocate, swearing by its ability to alleviate a sore throat! If you’re starting to feel a bit under the weather and seeking a moment of soothing indulgence, a Hot Buttered Rum offers a delightful option with nothing to lose and a whole lot of warmth to gain.

Ingredients You Will Need for Hot Buttered Rum

Crafting the perfect Hot Buttered Rum starts with selecting the right ingredients. This recipe calls for a blend of common pantry staples and a few key spirits, ensuring a rich and aromatic experience. For the spiced butter, you’ll need high-quality unsalted butter, rich brown sugar for sweetness and depth, and a trio of classic warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These spices are essential for that signature holiday flavor.

When it comes to the rum, a good quality dark or aged rum is recommended. These rums typically have more complex flavor notes like caramel, vanilla, and oak, which stand up well to the butter and spices. Avoid overly spiced rums as they might compete with your own spice blend. For the liquid, simply boiling water is used to bring the drink to the perfect temperature, while a splash of fresh orange juice and a sprinkle of orange zest add a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness and elevates the overall profile. Fresh zest is always preferred for maximum aroma and flavor.

How to Make Hot Buttered Rum: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a delicious Hot Buttered Rum is surprisingly simple, especially when you follow these easy steps. The key is to prepare the spiced butter mixture in advance, which then makes assembling the cocktails a breeze. These step-by-step photos are here to guide you visually, ensuring you achieve the perfect, velvety smooth drink every time. For a quick print-out of the full instructions, simply scroll down to the recipe card below!

1. Prepare the Spiced Butter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light, airy, and fluffy. This ensures the butter is well-incorporated with the spices and sugar, creating a smooth base for your drink.
2. Portion the Butter: Scoop 2 tablespoons of this heavenly spiced butter mixture into each of your heat-proof cocktail glasses or mugs. You can adjust this amount slightly based on your preference for richness.

3. Add Rum and Hot Water: Using a liquid measure, pour 1 1/2 ounces of your chosen rum into each glass, directly over the spiced butter. Then, carefully top each with 3/4 cup of freshly boiling water. The hot water will immediately begin to melt the butter and release the aromatic spices.

4. Stir and Garnish: Stir the mixture thoroughly with a spoon until the spiced butter completely dissolves and integrates into the hot liquid, creating a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture.
5. Finish with Citrus: Add a small splash of fresh orange juice for a hint of brightness, and then sprinkle a generous amount of fresh orange zest over the top. The zest releases essential oils that enhance the aroma and flavor, adding a beautiful final touch.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve your Hot Buttered Rum hot and enjoy! The combination of warmth, spices, and citrus makes for a truly invigorating and comforting drink.

What to Serve with Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum, with its rich and comforting profile, pairs beautifully with a variety of desserts and snacks. Think flavors and textures that either complement its warmth and spice or offer a delightful contrast. Here are some excellent choices:

• Cheese: The savory and creamy notes of cheese create a delightful balance with the sweet, spiced rum. Our baked brie, with its warm, gooey texture, is an absolutely amazing choice. For a lighter, more refreshing option, these beautiful whipped brie stuffed strawberries offer a sweet and savory bite.
• Gingerbread and Spice Cookies: The spicy warmth of gingerbread is a natural companion to buttered rum. The flavors are harmonious and comforting. Try dunking my soft gingerbread cookies, crispy gingersnap cookies, or my chewy molasses cookies directly into your drink for an extra special treat.
• Crème Brûlée: The creamy custard and crisp caramelized sugar topping of a crème brûlée provide an elegant and complementary pairing. Definitely a great match, try making my espresso crème brûlée at home for a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Cheesecake: The smooth, creamy texture and often crumbly, buttery crust of a cheesecake create a fantastic contrast with the warmth of the buttered rum. Consider my indulgent mini turtle cheesecakes, rich chocolate cheesecake brownies, or a classic cherry cheesecake for a truly satisfying dessert pairing.
• Light Butter Cookies: Simple, delicate butter cookies allow the nuanced flavors of the Hot Buttered Rum to shine. This winter cocktail also goes great with a light cookie – like our Spiced Vanilla Butter Cookies or our Soft Eggnog Cookies.

More Winter Cocktails to Warm Your Soul

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting warmth of Hot Buttered Rum, you’ll be delighted to explore other festive drinks perfect for the colder months. These recipes are ideal for holiday parties, cozy evenings by the fire, or simply adding a touch of cheer to any winter day:

• Don’t miss our rich and creamy Homemade Eggnog Cocktail, perfect for festive occasions. Serve it in a charming copper mug or a whimsical moose mug for an extra touch of holiday spirit!
• If you’re looking for a visually stunning and fruity drink, this Blended Frostbite Cocktail is not only incredibly pretty but also smooth and wonderfully refreshing, offering a crisp contrast to warmer beverages.
• For those who adore holiday flavors, this Chocolate Peppermint Martini is wonderfully festive and absolutely perfect for celebrating Christmas with a sophisticated twist.
• Having a party and need a drink to serve a crowd? Fill a pitcher with my vibrant and delicious Cranberry Holiday Punch – it’s always a hit!
• Another excellent hot drink choice to warm up from within is the traditional and aromatic mulled wine, infused with spices and citrus.
• The Brandy Alexander is a smooth, creamy cocktail that’s perfectly paired with appetizers or can be enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert cocktail, offering a touch of elegance.
• And of course, for simple comfort and perhaps a little relief from the sniffles, this Hot Toddy warms your belly and may even give you a gentle boost when you’re feeling under the weather!

If you just want a fun, kid-friendly drink for winter that everyone can enjoy, be sure to try my super creamy crockpot hot chocolate. It’s perfect for a crowd and always a hit with the little ones!

The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.

This post originally appeared here on Dec 11, 2017.